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Ballylahan Castle was constructed in 1239 on the south bank of the River Moy by Jordan de Exeter. The Exeters came to Ireland during the first Norman invasion in 1168 and accompanied Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke. In order to assume Irish patronymics, the name was changed to MacJordan after Jordan De Courcy died in 1197. De Exeter was later appointed the Sheriff of Connacht and this area became known as MacJordan country after The Battle of Connacht. The castle was attacked in 1316 by Felim O Concobairt, King of Connacht and it appears that the castle was never really finished after this point. Jordan de Exeter commissioned the friary nearby in the village of Straide and it is believed that a 2km tunnel once connected both of these structures. The castle has one of its original 2 towers left and its hexagonal-shaped bawn is an unusual feature.