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Heritage Sites in Ballyduff Upper
Mocollop Castle
Mocollop Castle was built by the Anglo Normans. James, the 7th Earl of Desmond, died in the Castle in 1462. The ruins of Mocollop Castle are situated low down on the northern bank of the Blackwater. The ruins consist of a large round tower, with several smaller square ones flanking its immediate base; and with several improvements it has at present a very picturesque appearance when viewed in almost any direction but particularly across the river from the spot where it is said Cromwell, in 1640, with an ill directed cannon-shot reduced it to its present dilapidated state. Historically the Earls of Desmond were associated with this Castle.
Mocollop Church and Cemetery
This now ruined Church was the place of worship of the people of Ballyduff for many years. Following the Protestant reformation in England the Church became part of the Anglican diocese of Lismore and Mocollop. The last clergyman to minister at the Church was Thomas Patrick who cared for a small congregation from 1893 into the 20th century. However with the Church of Ireland community dwindling it proved too difficult to maintain and support the Church. It has also been suggested that the elevated nature of the site of the Church could mean that it was an early Christian site.
