Ballinlough Castle

Ballinlough Castle stands near Clonmellon in County Westmeath, Ireland, as a notable example of a fortified country house constructed in the early 17th century. It was built by members of the O’Reilly family, who played a significant role in the area’s landed gentry. The precise year of construction is traditionally given as 1614, a date supported by the presence of the O’Reilly family coat of arms above the main entrance, although some scholars have expressed reservations about the exactness of this date.

During the late 18th century, around 1790, Sir Hugh O’Reilly undertook significant expansions to the property. He added a new wing to the castle, which is thought to have been designed by Thomas Wogan Browne, an amateur architect known for his work on Malahide Castle — the home of Sir Hugh’s sister, Margaret. This period of enlargement reflects the family’s continuing prosperity and influence in the region.

In 1812, the family underwent an important change when Hugh O’Reilly was granted a baronetcy and, by royal licence, adopted the surname Nugent. This change followed a bequest from Hugh’s maternal uncle, John Nugent. Since that time, the Nugent baronets have occupied the castle, maintaining it as their ancestral seat. Remarkably, through centuries marked by political and religious changes in Ireland, the Nugents have remained one of the few Irish Catholic families to continuously inhabit their original family home. The castle remains in their possession, now belonging to the eighth Baronet Nugent.

In the 21st century, the estate surrounding Ballinlough Castle has become a venue for various cultural events, hosting notable music performances and festivals. These gatherings, beginning in 2006, include appearances by artists such as Kenny Rogers and Van Morrison, as well as a range of festivals including the Life Festival in 2009 and Ireland’s first gay music festival, MILK, in 2010. Additionally, the Body & Soul music festival has been held annually on the grounds since 2010, indicating the castle’s ongoing role as a vibrant cultural site.