The origin of Ballybeg Castle is uncertain but due to its structure we can estimate it may date to the 14th century; a nearby ringfort would evidence that it was an area of some importance for a considerable period of time prior to the construction of the tower-house. What is certain is that by the time of the Down Survey, 1654-56, castle was already ruinous as it is noted, ‘castle out of repaire and is al wast by reason of their fastnes to the redd bogg of Ely’. Ely (irish Éile) was a medieval petty kingdom in the south of Offaly and north Tipperary. The Down Survey is alluding to the exposed nature of the castle as it stands on flat ground with nearby bogland which lacked tree cover. The Earl of Ormond is listed as the proprietor of the tower-house. The castle lies to the south of Littleton village in County Tipperary. The vaulted ceiling of the ground floor is still remarkably intact and this floor now serves as a enclosed sheltered area for the cows who lingered nearby during my visit! Remnants of a two story house that was once attached to the castle in the 17th century is visible through the crease line of its gable on the exterior east wall of the structure. There is also a smaller 19th century ruinous cottage adjacent to the tower-house. It appears from my research that the upper levels of the castle were accessible by stairs up until the late 1980s.
GPS: 52.63232, -7.73415