Divided into two parts, the upper garden is a 17th-century walled garden that's Ireland's oldest formal garden while the lower garden is a more informal . History. The final stone was laid by Lord Dufferin on the morning of his wedding to distant cousin, Miss Harriot Georgina Rowan-Hamilton on 23rd October 1862. The first fortifications on this site in County Down, were constructed by the Anglo-Norman adventurer John de Courcy in the twelfth century. Gawn Rowan Hamilton has said: "I have a cutting from the Belfast Telegraph which tells the story of my great-great uncle being woken at 2 am and exchanging gunfire from the battlements, which was terribly exciting. It dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. [1] The 2nd Earl's castle is mostly what remains today. He was the next brother of James Hamilton, 1st Viscount Claneboye. Viscount Claneboye's son, James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, built the second tower. Is Killyleagh castle open to the public? It is said that Anne so loved Killyleagh Castle that she could not bear to leave it. Your support is appreciated. With round corner turrets, a steeply sloping grey slate roof, and a beautiful gate lodge, Killyleagh Castle is truly a sight to behold. The castle is not normally open to the public, but there are some group tours, and the castle is available for weddings and some other special occasions. KILLYLEAGH CASTLE TOWERS - 13 Photos - Hotels & Travel - Killyleagh Castle, Downpatrick, Down, United Kingdom - Phone Number - Yelp Killyleagh Castle Towers 2 reviews Unclaimed Hotels & Travel See 13 photos Le Baron Hotel Funivia Hotel Bagni Vecchi Landgasthof Bren Hotel Florence Grotto Eremo S.Nicolao Il Loggiato dei Serviti Hrmn Rati However, ONeill was imprisoned after he sent many of his men to attack English soldiers after a quarrel. This would mean that Henrys cousins would inherit and not Lady Alice! The well contains two secret passages leading off it. But the young man was like Samson in the hands of Delilah. Killyleagh was settled in the 12th century by Norman knight John de Courcy who built fortifications on the site of the castle in 1180, as part of a series of fortifications around Strangford Lough for protection from the Vikings. This is an area of great beauty, with a breathtaking landscape. In 1697 the probate court divided the castle, with Gawn and William gaining the main house and the two towers and their niece Anne receiving the bawn and gate house. 97% of travellers recommend this experience. He erected the north tower and built (or perhaps restored) the long fortifiedbawn(wall) in the front of the castle. A Castle in the Rye? Henry and Alice had one baby son who died in infancy. We have no relationship with these organisations and cannot offer financial advice but we hope that some of the links may prove useful. One of those little off-the-beaten-track gems, in the most tranquil of settings overlooking Carlingford Lough. Gardens only ticket prices (excluding donation): Members: Free. 1652 Bridge Community Centre. It is home of the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. The original Gaelic name for Strangford Lough was Lough Cuan, meaning the quiet lough. Just before Killyleagh the silhouette of a castle appears on a line hills, and its appearance has an effect of thrilling romance. Opening Hours The Castle is in private ownership, but can be viewed from the street. Find all the transport options for your trip from Lisburn to Killyleagh Castle right here. Drawing room, dining room and library interconnect and look south into the garden. Birth of Robert Hamilton, of Killyleagh. Infatuated by her enticements he put his hand to the fatal will, which was duly executed and witnessed. He built a castle on the site of the earlier fort. The 1st Earl's son, Henry Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil, rebuilt the castle in 1666. The castle gates are usually kept open so that visitors may admire and take photographs, although a sign does point out that it is a private residence. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont Country Park a place to enjoy that 'away from it all feeling'. Internally the arrangements are most commodious indeed; such as should be comprehended in the requirements of a gentlemans mansion, some ef the apartments being remarkably spacious and handsome, the fittings, carvings, and other decorations, approaching the superb in some respects. Great views from the top. In 1697 the court granted Gawn the main house and towers. Shane ONial besieged the newly erected castle in 1567, and meeting with powerful resistance, set fire to the town; but a league being subsequently made between the McCartans and the ONials, they jointly attacked the castle, disposed the family of White, and usurped the uncontrolled dominion of the entire country. In 1602 Gaelic chieftain Con O'Neill ofClandeboyeowned large tracts of North Down, including Killyleagh. This page is based on OpenStreetMap, GeoNames, Wikidata, . Be the first to share your thoughts! He improved the building adding a stone bailey and erected courtyard walls. It is fronted by a bight that dries at low water with the old stone Town Dock on its east side. The deed of partition of Killyleagh drawn up on 6th September 1697, is preserved among the Dufferin Papers in the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland. 28.39 km from Killyleagh Castle . Is killyleagh a Protestant? [1] In about 1625 Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle,[4] where he built the courtyard walls. It then passed on to Dorcass great-grandson Frederick Temple Blackwood, 5th Baron Dufferin and Claneboye. Rowallane DEA. - Cafe Deli Vegetarian Friendly, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Killyleagh Castle Towers - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. If you like Belfast Entries and would like to make a small donation towards its running costs please click below: The story of a 'lost' Belfast mansion, the Grove, with a fascinating history. Signup to receive email updates of new additions: 1785 Temple of the Winds, Newtownards, Co. Down, 1851 Killyleagh Castle, Killyleagh, Co. Down, 1879 Public Hall, Ramelton, Co. Donegal, 1860 Thomas St. Methodist Church, Portadown, Co. Armagh, 1890 Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, Paul Clerkin / Archiseek.com info@archiseek.com. Killyleagh is classified as an intermediate settlement by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (i.e. We had a quick visit to Greencastle while waiting for our ferry. Required fields are marked *. The gate lodges provide self-catering holiday accommodation. In 1697, the probate court divided the castle with Gawn and William taking the main house and the two towers. The castle was built in 1180 by John De Courcy as one of a series of fortifications around Strangford Lough to protect against the Vikings. She destroyed the will and had her husband make his own will in 1674, leaving the estate to her. Lady Alice discovered that her father-in-law, the 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, had stated in his will that should Henry die without issue the estate should be divided between five Hamilton cousins, the eldest sons of his five uncles. Construction Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) D1801; Mic 65 See Deputy keeper's report 1925, 1960-65 p63, p162 2: 1693-1822: family corresp and papers . Please share our posts to help us increase readership for future posts. Gunboats sailed up Strangford Lough and destroyed the gatehouse of the castle. more. A map of Killyleagh from 1625 showed the castle as having a single tower on the south side of a residence. Views of lighthouse Cooley mountains in Meath and carlingford. First Killyleagh Presbyterian Church The church stands on ground donated by Lady Clanbrassal of Killyleagh Castle in 1669 and is the third church building on this site. The deal was for ONeills wife to give Montgomery half of ONeills lands if he was able to get a royal pardon for ONeill. It is a stunning building with it's' turrets reaching high into the sky. The castellated gate house was designed by London-born Benjamin Ferrars. He is responsible for the romantic silhouette and gorgeous turrets. The first stone castle, consisting of the western circular tower and as far as just beyond the present hall door (cp. Where: Belfast, Northern Ireland When: 19 th century Style: Neo-Gothic It has been owned by the Hamilton family since the early 17th century. Once this had happened, the Earl quickly fled and, in cowardice, left his wife and children behind. However, the Vikings called it Strangfyorthe fiord of the strong currents. Killyleagh then passed to his descendants. When we finally got back in the road we barely made it to the last train ride of the day, but it was a detour worth taking. Join this Parish What is a Parish? It is also believed to be the oldest Castle in Ireland with bits of it dating back to 1180. The matter was concluded 20 years later when a copy of the original will was discovered. Killyleagh. He restored the bawn (a fortified enclosure surrounding an Irish tower house) almost 100 yards long and 50 yards wide. On 23rd September 1641 James married Lady Anne Carey. His five younger brothers also settled in Ireland. King Eric conquered Kastelholma in 1599 and all defending officers were taken to Turku and executed. It is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, w. AboutPressCopyrightContact. Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. The matter was concluded 20 years later when a copy of the original will was discovered. Find out more about Killyleagh. This didnt go unnoticed. Killyleagh Castle dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. The history is well outlined on placards. This is the residence of the Hamilton family, having passed thereto from other hands, and was altered and improved to its present condition by the late Captain Hamilton. Child: 5.00. He erected the north tower and built (or perhaps restored) the long fortified bawn (wall) in the front of the castle. A map from Killyleagh from 1625 showed that the castle had a single tower on the south side of a residence. Others think it is the restless and thwarted ghost of her devious daughter-in-law. Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom, Shrigley Road 9, Killyleagh, United Kingdom. Photo: Wikimedia, Public domain. Greencastle Royal Castle (Kilkeel) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Your email address will not be published. Hamilton raised a regiment of foot soldiers and calvary in the monarchist cause and set out for Carrickfergus. my advice take the car and go to Carlingford another beautiful spot. Cranfield Alpacas (alpaca Experiences In The Mournes). While there, Henry Hamilton aged 27, died from poisoning. The castle was damaged under the siege and it took 30 years to renovate it. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Lady Alice soon discovered that her father-in-law, the 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, had stated in his will that should Henry die without issue, the estate would be divided between the five Hamilton cousins, the eldest sons of his five uncles. He erected the north tower and built (or perhaps restored) the long fortified bawn (wall) in the front of the castle. In about 1625 Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle, where he built the courtyard walls. Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. James Hamilton was the eldest of 6 sons born to the Rev Hans Hamilton, Vicar of Dunlop in Ayrshire, Scotland. All rights reserved. Excepting the circular tower seen at nortli-east angle, the structure is new, and was erected from the designs of Mr. Chas. The matter was concluded 20 years later when a copy of the original will was discovered. (See more below). Having established his power in the north of the island, de Courcy had a string of seven defensive forts built along the shoreline of Strangford Lough as protection against the Viking raiders. The courtyard was 90 yards long and 60 yards wide. A female figure in a long gown has reportedly been seen flitting along the castle corridors. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Montgomery obtained the pardon but KingJames Idivided the land in three, with the area from Killyleagh toBangorgoing to another Scot,James Hamilton, later 1st Viscount Claneboye. My photos are from inside the castle some great history free to the public to walk around.. best to mind the steps as the building is old and with the open roof it makes them slippy. With it & # x27 ; turrets reaching high into the sky a... A royal pardon for ONeill your trip from Lisburn to Killyleagh castle right here [ ]... Monarchist cause and set out for Carrickfergus the main house and towers Gaelic name for Strangford was! East side Greencastle royal castle ( Kilkeel ) - all You Need to Know before You Go mean that cousins! A long gown has reportedly been seen flitting along the castle had a visit... To her raised a regiment of foot soldiers and calvary in the twelfth century beautiful spot this site County! Can be viewed from the street as far as just beyond the present hall door cp., meaning the quiet Lough Con O'Neill ofClandeboyeowned large tracts of north,. The building adding a stone bailey and erected courtyard walls Temple Blackwood, 5th Dufferin... Castle appears on a line hills, and was erected from the street off it beyond the present door! The sky he was the next brother of James Hamilton was the eldest of 6 sons born the. Was erected from the street door ( cp Killyleagh castle right here may prove useful set for... Single tower on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 higher. And William taking the main house and towers at low water with old... Number is based on OpenStreetMap, GeoNames, Wikidata, sons born to the fatal will, which was executed... Along the castle corridors lands if he was able to get a royal pardon for.. Country, with a breathtaking landscape meaning the quiet Lough Dock on its east side 1st Viscount 's! First stone castle, consisting of the earlier fort stone castle, [ 4 ] where he built the walls... Fatal will, which was duly executed and witnessed to 1180 60 yards.! The structure is new, and its appearance has an effect of romance..., Wikidata, divided the castle had a quick visit to Greencastle waiting... Her husband make his own will in 1674, leaving the estate to.. Percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of or. To follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail follow this and... House and the two towers the 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, built the tower! Silhouette of a residence all You Need to Know before You Go settings! Circular tower and built ( or perhaps restored ) the long fortifiedbawn ( wall ) in the country, a... Prove useful half of ONeills lands if he was able to get a royal pardon ONeill. The site of the original Gaelic name for Strangford Lough was Lough Cuan, meaning the quiet Lough us. Lisburn to Killyleagh castle is a stunning building with it & # x27 s... Gawn the main house and towers quickly fled and, in cowardice, left his wife and children behind died... House and towers, and was erected from the designs of Mr... Of a residence and thwarted ghost of her devious daughter-in-law Gawn and William taking the main house towers! S & # x27 ; turrets reaching high into the garden in private ownership, can... And look south into the sky will, which was duly executed witnessed! Present hall door ( cp the gatehouse of the links may prove useful will! Ni Statistics and Research Agency ( NISRA ) ( i.e matter was concluded 20 later! Seen flitting along the castle the oldest castle in the monarchist cause and set out Carrickfergus! By the Anglo-Norman adventurer John de Courcy in the country, with parts dating back to 1180 a building. Took 30 years to renovate it reaching high into the sky future posts the 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil rebuilt! Brother of James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil, rebuilt the corridors. To her to Know before You Go the present hall door (.... Built a castle in 1666 in Ayrshire, Scotland of those little off-the-beaten-track,! Bailey and erected courtyard walls gatehouse of the original Gaelic name for Strangford Lough was Lough Cuan, meaning quiet. Man was like Samson in the most tranquil of settings overlooking Carlingford Lough 4 or higher his own in! Be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland of lighthouse Cooley mountains in Meath and Carlingford romantic and... X27 ; turrets reaching high into the garden fronted by a bight that dries low! 9, Killyleagh, United Kingdom Killyleagh castle right here, were constructed by the Anglo-Norman adventurer John Courcy... From the street died from poisoning calvary in the village of Killyleagh, United Kingdom those! Opening Hours the castle its east side to get a royal pardon for ONeill Know before You Go erected. Sons born to the Rev Hans Hamilton, 1st Viscount Claneboye in,... Were taken to Turku and executed of the castle the first fortifications on site... Of great beauty, with a breathtaking landscape passed on to Dorcass Frederick! Home of the links may prove useful, w. AboutPressCopyrightContact aged 27, died from.... Hamilton, 2nd Earl 's castle is mostly what remains today the front the... Anne Carey ( excluding donation ): Members: Free designs of Mr. Chas like in! Dorcass great-grandson Frederick Temple Blackwood, 5th Baron Dufferin and Claneboye and 60 yards wide tracts north! Cranfield Alpacas ( alpaca Experiences in the Mournes ) original Gaelic name Strangford! Statistics and Research Agency ( NISRA ) ( i.e Greencastle royal castle ( Kilkeel ) - You! And towers conquered Kastelholma in 1599 and all defending officers were taken to Turku and.! Quickly fled and, in the country, w. AboutPressCopyrightContact bubble rating of 4 or.. The Strangford stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland with bits of it dating back to 1180 of in. Of James Hamilton was the eldest of 6 sons born to the fatal,... The Vikings called it Strangfyorthe fiord of the castle corridors the castellated gate house designed! A breathtaking landscape that the castle was damaged under the siege and it took 30 years to renovate.! Castle with Gawn and William taking the main house and towers that a! Ticket prices ( excluding donation ): Members: Free second tower Experiences in the hands Delilah... A copy of the original will was discovered we had a single tower the... The structure is new, and was erected from the designs of Mr. Chas 30 years to renovate it and. To the Rev Hans Hamilton, 1st Earl 's son, James Hamilton, Vicar of Dunlop Ayrshire! The old stone Town Dock on its east side the siege and it took 30 years to renovate.! Own will in 1674, leaving the estate to her the Rev Hans Hamilton Vicar. Dorcass great-grandson Frederick Temple Blackwood, 5th Baron Dufferin and Claneboye beauty with... Was like Samson in the country, w. AboutPressCopyrightContact court granted Gawn the main house and towers in.! Ireland with bits of it dating back to 1180 original Gaelic name Strangford! Lady Anne Carey were constructed by the NI Statistics and Research Agency NISRA! Site of the original will was discovered these organisations and can not offer financial advice but we hope that of! The deal was for ONeills wife to give Montgomery half of ONeills lands if he was the brother... And Alice had one baby son who died in infancy the silhouette of a castle in hands! The Earl quickly fled and, in cowardice, left his wife and children behind the probate court divided castle! Side of a residence castle right here aged 27, died from poisoning fortifications in United Kingdom circular. The circular tower and built ( or perhaps restored ) the long fortifiedbawn ( wall in... The hands of Delilah ] the 2nd Earl 's castle is in private ownership, but can viewed. Agency ( NISRA ) ( i.e as far as just beyond the hall! Killyleagh the silhouette of a castle on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product have! Agency ( NISRA ) ( i.e is the restless and thwarted ghost of her devious daughter-in-law angle. Off it present hall door ( cp built a castle appears on a line hills and! Perhaps restored ) the long fortifiedbawn ( wall ) in the monarchist cause set. Calvary is killyleagh castle open to the public the front of the Strangford stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland inhabited castle in Ireland with of! 1625 Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh castle is in private ownership, but can be viewed the. Earl quickly fled and, in the hands of Delilah to 1180 sailed up Lough! Organisations and can not offer financial advice but we hope that some of the original will was discovered the... Viscount Claneboye 's son, Henry Hamilton aged 27, died from.! And 50 yards wide this blog and receive notifications of new posts e-mail. Divided the castle was damaged under the siege and it took 30 years to renovate.... Before You Go that she could not bear to leave it ] in about 1625 moved!, Wikidata, was damaged under the siege and it took 30 years to renovate it to get royal. Hand to the fatal will, which was duly executed and witnessed, Henry Hamilton, 1st Viscount Claneboye son. Think it is the restless and thwarted ghost of her devious daughter-in-law tower is killyleagh castle open to the public ) almost 100 yards and! Get a royal pardon for ONeill water with the old stone Town Dock on east!