Ballytobin Castle

The Down Survey (1655-6) barony map of Kells, Co. Kilkenny (Hibernia Regnum, courtesy of Trinity College Dublin) depicts a castle (KK026-031001-) and two houses (KK026-031002-; KK026-031003-) in the 17th-century townland of Ballaghtobbin and Croghtabeg. This corresponds with the modern townland of Ballytobin.

According to Carrigan (1905, 44-5), Ballytobin House, 'probably occupies the site of the old residence or castle of the Tobins. About 200yrds [c. 180m] north of this there is, or was, till a few years ago, an old residence of the Hall family. Between both houses tradition locates a draw-well, the exact position of which, however is unknown, into which the Tobins cast several articles of value on the occasion of their hasty flight from Ballytobin at the approach of Cromwell and his army. In 1653, Ballaghtobin and Croghtabegg, the property of David Tobin, were granted to Ralph Hall and William Baker'. It seems likely that Carrigan is referring to the castle and one of the houses depicted on the Down Survey map.

It is possible that the castle and/or 17th-century house are incorporated in the fabric of Ballytobin House or are located in close proximity to it.