Evidence of ancient settlement around Ballingarry includes several ringfort and holy well sites.[5] A number of early medieval religious houses, including a preceptory associated with the Knights Templar or Knights Hospitaller, were founded nearby from the 12th century.[6] On Knight Street, within the village, is the 15th century
Ballingarry Castle.[7] This Norman tower house is traditionally associated with the De Lacy family.[8][9]
The village's Church of Ireland church was built, in 1820,[10] at the site of an earlier church and graveyard enclosure.[11] The current Roman Catholic church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and opened in 1879.[12] These churches are among seven buildings, in Ballingarry, included in the Record of Protected Structures for County Limerick.[13][14]
Ballingarry had a significant weaving and linen industry until the Great Famine of the mid-19th century.[9]
Patrick Walsh (1840–1899), a US Senator for Georgia, was born in Ballingarry in 1840. Appointed as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Alfred H. Colquitt; subsequently elected and served from April 1894 to March 1895.[21]
^Molony, Henry (1905). "Ancient Churches and Topography of Ballingarry Parish, County Limerick". Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. 35 (3): 258. JSTOR25507452. The old parish church of Ballingarry stood in the village within 14 feet of, and parallel to, the modern structure. Only part of its eastern gable and northern side wall remain