Ballaghmore, County Laois 3.23

Ballaghmore is a small village and townland (of 172 acres) located on the western side of County Laois, Ireland, southwest of Portlaoise. It is situated in the civil parish of Stradbally in the historic barony of Stradbally.Ballaghmore VillageThe main industry in Ballaghmore is farming. The village has a thriving community, with a hurling club, Kyle GAA and a local church. Family names from this area include Keogh, O'Grady, England, Gilmartin, Rigney, Phelan, Delaney and Maher.Ballaghmore CastleThe town is mainly known for Ballaghmore Castle which is situated in a truly beautiful landscape, with excellent walking and mountain climbing opportunities. The castle derived its name from the Bealach Mor, the ancient road to Munster on which the castle is located.Ballaghmore Castle was built in 1480 by the Irish chieftain Mac Giolla Phádraig, translated as Son of the Servant of Patrick (nowadays often called simply Fitzpatrick). Like many other castles Ballaghmore Castle was damaged by Cromwellian forces in 1647 during the Laois-Offaly Plantation.