Overview
Ballysaggart is a quiet rural settlement in the heart of County Waterford, sitting roughly 8 km north-west of Lismore and 25 km south-west of Fermoy. The village provides the essentials for locals and visitors alike: a Catholic church, a public house, a shop, a garage, and a GAA playing field. While Ballysaggart itself is unassuming, its real draw lies a few kilometres further along the R666. The Ballysaggartmore Demesne holds one of the county’s most striking architectural follies: the twin Gothic towers and ruined gate lodges that anchor a peaceful, family-friendly woodland walk.
The Story Behind the Towers
The towers stand as a monument to 19th-century ambition, financial overreach, and the harsh realities of Irish landlordism. Commissioned in the 1830s by Anglo-Irish landlord Arthur Kiely-Ussher, the structures were designed as an extravagant entrance to what was meant to be a grand estate. Kiely-Ussher controlled approximately 8,000 acres in the region, with his wife pushing for a residence that would rival the estates of their relatives.
Construction progressed through the 1840s and was completed around 1850, resulting in ornate stone towers, a dramatic bridge, and flanking gate lodges. However, the money ran out before the main house could be built. The timing could not have been worse: the Great Famine (1845–1849) had devastated the region, leaving tenant farmers struggling to survive. Rather than offering rent relief, Kiely-Ussher maintained strict demands, evicting those who could not pay. This reputation for cruelty followed the estate long after his death in 1862.
The property changed hands several times, eventually passing to English-American owner Claud Anson and Lady Clodagh de la Poer Beresford in the early 1900s. Their hopes of restoring the estate were cut short when the main house was burned in 1922 during the Irish War of Independence. Deemed beyond repair and financially unviable, the house was dismantled in the 1930s. Today, only the towers, bridge, and lodges remain, slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest.
Walking the Trail
The Ballysaggartmore Towers walk is a straightforward 2 km loop that takes most visitors between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. The trail is free, open from dawn to dusk, and requires no booking.
Starting from the information boards at the car park, the path heads into mature woodland. For a gentler initial climb, turn left at the first fork. The route quickly crosses a small wooden bridge and passes under a stone gate before the twin towers emerge through the trees. The Gothic arches, decorative battlements, and weathered stonework create a striking contrast against the forest canopy. A picnic table sits nearby, offering a spot to rest and examine the intricate carvings.
Continuing past the towers, the trail leads to the ruined gate lodges. These roofless structures once housed staff who controlled access to the estate. Further along, a stone bridge lodge spans a shallow ravine, framing the canopy above. Just beyond the bridge, a small waterfall cascades into the stream below – most dramatic after winter rains, though it remains a quiet feature year-round.
The woodland itself is a mix of native and planted species. Look for ash, oak, sycamore, and horse chestnut alongside spruce and fir. The understorey is thick with holly, hazel, and bramble, while a row of tall poplars and seasonal rhododendrons adds colour in late spring and autumn. Wooden benches are placed at intervals, and the path is well-maintained, though the final descent back to the car park features exposed roots and a steeper gradient.
Practical Information
- Location: Off the R666, approximately 3.5 km south-west of Lismore
- Distance & Duration: 2 km loop; 30–45 minutes at a relaxed pace
- Grade & Terrain: Easy; mostly flat gravel and compact woodland path with a short steep section near the end
- Parking: Small free car park at the trailhead. Arrive early on weekends as spaces fill quickly
- Admission: Free entry, open daily from dawn to dusk
- Facilities: No toilets or refreshment vendors onsite. Picnic tables and benches are available
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with grip, water, rain jacket, and insect repellent in summer
- Dogs: Welcome on leads. Mind the slippery ground near the waterfall and stream
- Getting there: From Lismore, follow the R666 towards Fermoy. Look for the signed entrance and small car park on the right-hand side
What to See Nearby
The towers make an excellent half-day stop when combined with other regional highlights:
- Lismore Castle Gardens: Just 3 km away, these historic gardens feature formal terraces, glasshouses, and one of Ireland’s oldest continuously cultivated landscapes.
- The Vee Pass: A scenic drive through the Knockmealdown Mountains that offers sweeping views across the Golden Vale. The route is famous for its purple rhododendron blooms in late spring.
- Cahir Castle: About a 40-minute drive north, this medieval stronghold sits on an island in the River Suir and offers guided tours of its defensive towers and great hall.
- Copper Coast: Head south for a coastal drive through the UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its rugged cliffs, ancient rock formations, and quiet beaches between Dungarvan and Tramore.
Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to catch the best light through the tree canopy and avoid weekend crowds. The trail is quiet year-round, but autumn foliage and spring wildflowers offer the most vivid backdrops for photography.