Tucked away near the charming town of Clonmellon in County Westmeath, Ballinlough Castle is more than just a stunning historic estate—it's a living chronicle of Irish resilience, nobility, and transformation. Today, the castle is home to Sir Nicholas and Lady Nugent, but behind its grand façade lies a remarkable tale of name changes, family legacies, and a unique survival through Ireland’s turbulent history.
The Origins: O'Reilly Heritage and a Catholic Stronghold
Built by the O'Reilly family in the early 17th century, Ballinlough Castle proudly displays their coat of arms above the entrance, dated 1614, with the family motto: Fortitudine et Prudentia—“With Fortitude and Prudence.” What's most exceptional about Ballinlough isn’t just its architecture or age—it's the fact that a Catholic Celtic family retained ownership throughout centuries marked by land seizures and penal laws.
During Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland, Catholic landowners were systematically stripped of their property, making it extraordinarily rare for a Catholic family like the O'Reillys to hold on to such an estate. Yet, Ballinlough remained under their stewardship—a feat truly worth celebrating.
A Family Tree Rooted in Resilience
The lineage begins with Felim O'Reilly, who died in 1447. His son, John, was driven from their original home at Ross Castle, near Lough Sheelin, and eventually settled in Kilskeer. John's grandson, Hugh O’Reilly, married Elizabeth Plunkett, and through this union, acquired the estate then known as Bally-Lough-Bomoyle—today's Ballinlough Castle.
One of the most memorable stories in the family’s history is recounted in Duffy’s Hibernian Magazine (1860). Under Penal Laws, Catholics couldn’t own horses worth more than five pounds. James O’Reilly, while mounted on a valuable steed, was forced to sell it for five pounds to a Protestant neighbour. He later sued the man for the value of the saddle and stirrups—items the law hadn’t accounted for—and was awarded a significant sum. A clever legal victory in a time of oppression.
A Name Change for a Noble Cause
It was Sir Hugh O’Reilly, James’ son, who would dramatically change the course of the family’s story. In 1812, he changed the family name to Nugent to inherit from his maternal uncle, Governor Nugent of Tortola. By this time, he had already made significant architectural contributions to Ballinlough Castle. He added a new wing overlooking the lake and commissioned Thomas Wogan Browne, a known amateur architect also associated with Malahide Castle, to redesign major parts of the estate.
One of the most eye-catching renovations was the creation of a grand, two-storey entrance hall, with intricate plasterwork featuring fruits and flowers. A magnificent balcony gallery, new staircases, and ornate design elements made Ballinlough a jewel of Irish aristocratic architecture.
From Irish Aristocracy to Austrian Diplomacy
The family’s ambitions weren’t confined to Ireland. Sir Hugh’s brothers, James and Andrew, joined the Austrian military service. Andrew rose to become Governor-General of Vienna and Chamberlain to the Emperor—a testament to the family's expanding influence in European affairs.
Gambling, Loss, and Revival
Tragedy and misfortune followed in later generations. Sir Charles Nugent, a racehorse trainer, fell into heavy gambling debts and sold off large portions of the family lands in Westmeath and Tipperary, including the castle’s interior contents.
His only son died in a horse-riding accident in Belgium in 1903. Posthumously, Sir Hugh Nugent was born and later inherited the title. He returned to Ballinlough in the 1930s, establishing businesses in England to fund the restoration of the now-deteriorating estate and successfully fending off the Irish Land Commission’s attempts to demolish it.
Modern Legacy: Festivals and Family
Thanks to the work of Sir Hugh and his descendants—especially Sir John Nugent, who maintained the estate until his death in 2010—Ballinlough Castle remains in the family today. Now, it’s not only a private residence but also a cultural venue, notably hosting the Body & Soul Festival, which draws thousands to the castle grounds every year.
Maintaining a historic Irish castle in the 21st century is no easy task, but the Nugent family continues to honour their centuries-old legacy with pride, perseverance, and a deep connection to Ireland’s past.