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Situated in
Our Lady's Island, Ballytrent, with its double ringed rath, is an 18th
century stately home set in extensive ground.
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The history of Ballytrent is a collection of works and illustrations put
together after several years of research by Mary Stratton Ryan,
wife of the present owner, James Power Ryan.
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A brief look at this work could keep the most avid historian content for
quite a while. It is from this book that the following list of names and
facts are taken, all having
connections to Ballytrent.
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 Aymer De Valance; Earl
of Pembroke, buried in Westminster Abbey, London.
Robert Fitzstephens;
Ballytrent bestowed on him by Strongbow.
John le Boteller
(Butler); Constable of the Kings Castle at Ballytrent.
John Sinnot; Listed as a
Juror of the Inquisition at Wexford (c1420).
Patrick Synnot; In a
1656 Curl Survey of Ireland shown as owner of 96 acres
24 perches at Ballytrent.
Abraham Deane; Given
Ballytrent by Cromwell.
Sarah Hughes; Daughter
of Abraham Deane.
Walter Redmond;
Purchased Ballytrent from Henry Hughes.
William Archer Redmond
MP; Father of John and William - both also MP's.
John Edward Redmond MP;
Represented North Wexford, succeeded Parnell as
leader of the Nationalist Party.
William Hoey Kearney
Redmond MP; MP for Wexford and Fermanagh.
John H. Talbot (the
younger); inherited Ballytrent from his sister Mathilda
Seagrave.
William Ryan; Grandson
of Sir James Power. Purchased Ballytrent from Emily
Talbot (nee Considine)
James Edward Power Ryan;
Present owner and grandson of William Ryan.
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This clearly illustrates the influence and power that is part of the
documented
history of Ballytrent, without even considering the possibilities of the
time when
the rath was in its prime.
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THE MAST
The 116ft. tall flagpole that was once the tallest mast in the British
Isles stands on
the outer circle of the rath to the seaward side and was used to signal
to ships
before the days of radio communications.
It was transported to Ireland from Canada strapped to the
mast of a sailing ship.
On arrival at Tuskar, it was dropped overboard and floated in
on the beach at
Ballytrent. It is believed that men sitting astride the mast paddled it in to the
shore. Even in these
modern times, moving a load of almost forty meters would
be a reasonably large undertaking - but in the 1800's it must have been a
monumental and highly dangerous operation.
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THE RATH
One of the attractions of Ballytrent is the Mulgrave Rath, named after
Lord
Mulgrave. Also known as Marquess of Normandy, Earl of Mulgrave and Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland, he was responsible for building the stone wall
around the
rath.
A visit to the rath at Ballytrent provides a window on times past.
Rhododendrons,
magnolias, clematis and carpets of bluebells provide the perfect
setting.
There is also a tropical element in the form of twelve to fourteen foot
high tree
ferns. At one time these tree ferns were known only to be
grown in two or three
other locations in Ireland.
The sound of birds singing and the occasional screech from one of the resident
peacocks all contribute to making your stay at Ballytrent a memorable and
enjoyable experience.
The very centre of the rath lends itself to images of ladies sitting
under parasols
having afternoon tea. Over at one side are the remains of a Victorian
glass house.
The glass from this is still in existence in some of the windows of
Ballytrent House.
It was used to replace the shattered windows when a World War bomb
exploded
on the beach nearby.
The Ballytrent rath had its beginnings in the mists of time. Its a place
filled with
mystery and magic where, according to legend, in the autumn
gloaming you may
see a phantom coach and horses disappear into the sea.
Staying at Ballytrent is a most enjoyable experience which will
leave the visitor
with a unique sense of peace, tranquility and comfort.
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