Ballinlough Castle

Ballinlough Castle, a historic 17th-century estate, has been home to the same family for over 400 years. Originally the O’Reillys, the family assumed the surname Nugent in 1812 to inherit a legacy from Governor Nugent of Tortola. This lineage, rare among Catholic Celtic-Irish families, has continuously preserved the castle, which proudly displays the O’Reilly coat of arms and motto, Fortitudine et Prudentia, dated 1614 above its front door.

The castle’s evolution reflects its storied past. Sir Hugh O’Reilly, later Nugent, added the striking lake-view wing in the late 18th century, likely designed by architect Thomas Wogan Browne. A baronet since 1795, Sir Hugh’s contributions to the estate earned admiration, as noted in an 1815 account of its splendid interiors and Italian marble detailing. Meanwhile, his brothers ventured into Austrian military service, with Andrew becoming Governor-General of Vienna.

The family’s resilience is marked by stories such as James O’Reilly’s clever use of legal recourse during the oppressive penal laws. Through generations, the Nugents weathered financial losses, notably under Sir Charles, a racehorse trainer and gambler who sold much of the land and castle contents. Despite these challenges, Sir Hugh, born in 1903, restored Ballinlough in the 1930s, rejuvenating its legacy.