From A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837 BALDUNGAN, a
parish, in the barony of BALROTHERY, county of DUBLIN, and
province of LEINSTER, 14 miles (N. N. E.) from Dublin;
containing 88 inhabitants. A strong fortress was erected here,
in the 13th century, by the Barnewall family, which subsequently
became the property of the Lords of Howth, and in the civil war
of 1641 was defended for the parliament by Colonel Fitzwilliam,
but was ultimately surrendered to the royalists, by whom it was
dismantled and a great portion of the building destroyed; the
remains, which were very extensive, have, within the last few
years, been almost wholly taken down by the tenant. Near its
site are still some remains of a church, more than 80 feet in
length, with a tower of ten sides, of durable materials and
excellent workmanship. According to Archdall, here was a
commandery of Knights Templars, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin,
of which this was probably the church. The prevailing substratum
of the parish is limestone; but th