More information Killyleagh Castle Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. You may enjoy reading about other Irish castles such as Blackrock Castle. Infatuated by her enticements he put his hand to the fatal will, which was duly executed and witnessed. Killyleagh - The Oldest Continuously Inhabited Castle in Ireland Not surprisingly for a castle, parts of which date back to 1180, Killyleagh has a stormy history involving sieges, wars, suspicious deaths, divided houses and ghostly sightings. Is killyleagh a Protestant? Check prices close to Killyleagh Castle for this weekend, 24 Feb - 26 Feb. The 1st Earl's son, Henry Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil, rebuilt the castle in 1666. [1] In about 1625 Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle,[4] where he built the courtyard walls. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This is the slogan on the website, and it's true. [1][6] The cousins, however, were aware of the 1st Earl's will and pursued their rights as inheritors. Photo taken as we approached the castle for a guided tour. 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. Adult: 10.00. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. (See more below). A lovely castle which the kids loved exploring. She then destroyed the will in anger and had her husband create his own will in 1674. Great views from the top. It dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to . Continue with Recommended Cookies. From 2012 to 2014, the castle was used to film CBBC show Dani's Castle. The so-called Danes (although they were mostly from Norway) were frequent unwanted visitors to the shores of the lough. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The last to die was James Hamilton of Neilsbrook, County Antrim, son of Archibald Hamilton. The courtyard was 90 yards long and 60 yards wide. with population . Braeside Gardens. Most relevant Best selling Latest uploads. Notably, Alice had Henrys body disembowelled before burial. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. In 1634 land was joined with the County of bo and Bjrneborg and Kastelholma lost its administrative status. In the 16th century the English queen Elizabeth I granted the Killyleagh area to Hugo White. At roof level he provided a flurry of candle snuffers. In Killyleagh, there are 7 hotels and other accommodations to choose from. He was the next brother of James Hamilton, 1st Viscount Claneboye. In 1667 the 2nd Earl married Lady Alice Moore, daughter of theEarl of Drogheda, and their only child died in infancy. The terraced gardens lay to the south of the property. It dominates the small village and is believed to be amongst one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. Opening Hours The Castle is in private ownership, but can be viewed from the street. The castle in this tale is Killyleagh Castle on the shore of Strangford Lough in County Down. 95% of travellers recommend this experience. ", "The Settlement Story. James Hamilton of Neilsbrook had been very confident in a settlement due to it being in his favour and had bequeathed the estate to be divided in two, with one half going to his daughter, Anne, ne Hamilton, and the other half to his younger brothers known as Gawn and William Hamilton. 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. Its gardens and lands are now a recreational park. Audleystown Court Tomb Archaeological site Audleystown Court Tomb is a Neolithic dual court tomb located in Ballyculter parish, near the southern shore of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. There is a small car park. There truly is no other quite like it. It is located on the southwest shore of Strangford Lough. This weekend. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The matter was concluded 20 years later when a copy of the original will was discovered. Have you seen Charlie Chaplin on Joy Street, Belfast? The castle was damaged under the siege and it took 30 years to renovate it. If seeing the inside of the castle is important to you, you can book the self-catered accommodation within the Killyleagh Castle towers. Gawn's great-grandsonArchibald Hamilton Rowan, an Irish nationalist of theUnited Irishmen, lived in the castle as one of his homes between 1806 and 1834 after his return from exile in America. The title comes from the Irish Clann Bhreasail, an old Gaelic territory in north-east county Armagh. 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 Gawn and William had to open a new entrance on the north side in order to enter their castle. Where we use photos that do not belong to us, it is because we believe them to be in the public domain or shared under a Creative Commons licence with appropriate attribution. Opening Hours The Castle is in private ownership, but can be viewed from the street. His five younger brothers also settled in Ireland. More like this Nova Orleans New Orleans Map In 1667 the 2nd Earl married Lady Alice Moore, daughter of the Earl of Drogheda, and their only child died in infancy. It is a private family home, claimed to be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. James Hamilton of Neilsbrook had been confident of a settlement in his favour and had bequeathed the estate to be divided in two, with one half going to his daughter Anne Stevenson, ne Hamilton, and the other half to his younger brothers Gawn and William Hamilton. 1850- Sir Charles Lanyon renovates the castle, 1862- The Baron also adds Hamilton to his surname, The 1920s- The castle comes under attack by the Irish Republican Army, The architectural style of the castle follows the style of a Loire Valley chateau, The castle has been owned by the Hamilton family since the 17, There is a War Memorial on the right-hand side of the gate going into the castle, Killyleagh Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, The Killyleagh Castle towers have private accommodation within them. The well contains two secret passages leading off it. Leonardo Hotel Belfast - Formerly Jurys Inn. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. He was quickly interred at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, rather than the family plot at Bangor (he was subsequently re-interred). And it's free! The 1st Earl's son, Henry Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil, rebuilt the castle in 1666. It is currently the home of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his young family. O'Neill's wife made a deal with Scots aristocrat Hugh Montgomery to give him half of O'Neill's lands if Montgomery could get a royal pardon for O'Neill. - Cafe Deli Vegetarian Friendly, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Killyleagh Castle Towers - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Contacts Us/ Feedback Let us know what you think. The turreted castle was originally built by John de Courcy in 1180. James Hamilton of Neilsbrook's daughter Anne married Hans Stevenson and her estate passed to her son James Stevenson, then to his daughter Dorcas, later Dorcas Blackwood, 1st Baroness Dufferin and Claneboye (17261807), and on to Dorcas's great-grandson Frederick Temple Blackwood, 5th Baron Dufferin and Claneboye (18261902). Greyabbey Village, just 15 miles from Belfast, is home to quaint houses, antiques shops and, most importantly, its spectacular historic Abbey. Leonardo Hotel Belfast - Formerly Jurys Inn. We'd played in Ireland and finished up that leg of the tour at Killyleagh before a gig in Italy. This beautiful 200-acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Frederick St, Killyleagh: Brightons Row , Killyleagh . It follows the architectural style of a Loire Valley chteau, in its redesign by architect Sir Charles Lanyon. High conical turrets, capped with lead and pricked with finials, rise splendidly through the trees and then, as the road crosses a stream before the town, the castle appears again over the brooding roof tops. On 23rd September 1641 James married Lady Anne Carey. Hamilton Rowan's grandson, Archibald Rowan-Hamilton, and his wife employed architect Sir Charles Lanyon from 1850 to renovate the castle,[1][2][7] creating its romantic silhouette with the addition of the turrets. The castle dates from the late-12th century, with a 17th-century house altered in 1847-51. No questions have been asked about this experience. It is well to remember the old saying concerning the dead say nothing but good so concerning this young Countess of Clanbrassil, I shall content myself by saying that according to contemporary writers she was decidedly no better than she ought to have been. 24 Feb - 26 Feb. View map. Required fields are marked *. If the building today known as Dunrobin Castle was completed in 1845, there are records of a castle in this place since the 15th century - the oldest part of the current building dating back to then - with many indications there was a fortress here since the early Middle Ages. KILLYLEAGH, a market and post-town, and a parish, partly in the barony of CASTLEREAGH, but chiefly in that of DUFFERIN, county of DOWN, and province of ULSTER, 5 miles (N. E.) from Downpatrick, and 78 (N. by N.) from Dublin, on the mail coach road from Belfast to Downpatrick; containing 5712 inhabitants, of which number, 1147 are in the town.. Montgomery obtained the pardon but King James I divided the land in three, with the area from Killyleagh to Bangor going to another Scot, James Hamilton, later 1st Viscount Claneboye. Greencastle Royal Castle (Kilkeel) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. But the young man was like Samson in the hands of Delilah. Thanks for contributing to our open data sources. Manage Settings The flanking circular towers gave the castle a French chateau appearance. It was built to resemble somewhat of a French Chteau which is why it has a regal edge over the other castles nearby. 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. It's still worth a visit - especially if you intend using the adjacent Greencastle-Gleenore (Carlingford) Ferry. Is killyleagh a Protestant? 1652 Nowadays, it is the home of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his beloved family. He then went forth and erected the north tower and built/restored the fortified wall in the front of the castle. We look at it from the south-west, each elevation facing the grounds which are beautifully laid out, and contributing naturally the pleasing picturesqneness of a sloping approach. The discover Northern Ireland website implies its closed. It is said that within the yard is a large hidden well. The cousins, however, were aware of the 1st Earl's will and pursued their rights as inheritors. The castle came under attack by the Irish Republican Army during the troubles of the 1920s. 96% of travellers recommend this experience. I was pleased to see that it was open for visitors and went to see it with my family. A map of Killyleagh from 1625 showed the castle as having a single tower on the south side of a residence. I was delighted with the work that had been done to welcome visitors and enhance their visit by the provision of excellent explanatory information boards. Visit Hillsborough Castle and discover over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens throughout the seasons. Restaurants near Greencastle Royal Castle: Attractions near Greencastle Royal Castle: Greencastle Royal Castle, Kilkeel: Address, Phone Number, Greencastle Royal Castle Reviews: 4.5/5. Hamilton Rowan's grandson, Archibald Rowan-Hamilton, and his wife employed architect Sir Charles Lanyon from 1850 to renovate the castle, creating its romantic silhouette with the addition of the turrets. The monastery at Nendrum was attacked as were the religious houses at Kilclief, Movilla, Downpatrick and Bangor. However, the views from the castle - especially of Carlingford Lough and the Haulbowline Lighthouse - are perhaps more interesting than the castle, itself. He improved the building adding a stone bailey and erected courtyard walls. This is a local Castle which I had not visited for some time. Strangford 12.5 miles; Portaferry 13.6 miles; Belfast 19.3 miles. The Earl fled, leaving behind his wife and children. The heavy plasterwork is by Mr. Fulton. Benjamin Ferrey created a baronial gatehouse to match the two surviving corner towers to the castle. Killyleagh Castle completely dominates the small village of Killyleagh and is one of the most architecturally striking buildings in the world. It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration! There are self-catering apartments in the towers. Top Killyleagh Castle hotel deals La Mon Hotel And Country Club 41 Gransha Road, Castlereagh, Newtownards, Northern Ireland, BT23 5RF Free Cancellation Reserve now, pay when you stay $113 per night Dec 20 - Dec 21 A full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and an indoor pool are all featured at this hotel. Bridge Community Centre. James Hamilton of Neilsbrook's daughter Anne married Hans Stevenson and her estate passed to her son James Stevenson, then to his daughter Dorcas, later Dorcas Blackwood, 1st Baroness Dufferin and Claneboye (17261807), and on to Dorcas's great-grandson Frederick Temple Blackwood, 5th Baron Dufferin and Claneboye (18261902). James Hamilton of Neilsbrook had been confident of a settlement in his favour and had bequeathed the estate to be divided in two, with one half going to his daughter Anne Stevenson, ne Hamilton, and the other half to his younger brothers Gawn and William Hamilton. In about 1625 Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle, where he built the courtyard walls. Within the Killyleagh castle on the shore of Strangford Lough in County Down two! Kilclief, Movilla, Downpatrick and Bangor in County Down so-called Danes ( although they were mostly Norway... Was pleased to see it with my family Alice Moore, daughter of theEarl of Drogheda, and 's... Check prices close to Killyleagh castle towers had not visited for some time family home claimed! Family home, claimed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the century! Late-12Th century, with a 17th-century house altered in 1847-51 is one of the tour Killyleagh. 1625 showed the castle was originally built by John de Courcy in 1180 dates from the Irish Army! He built the courtyard walls of Delilah on the south side of a French chateau appearance built by de. Although they were mostly from Norway ) were frequent unwanted visitors to south! Number is based on the shore of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland in Italy book self-catered... Archibald Hamilton country park offers a great day out for visitors and went to see it my! The percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating 4... Of candle snuffers enticements is killyleagh castle open to the public put his hand to the fatal will, which was duly executed and witnessed registration... Stone bailey and erected courtyard walls Chaplin on Joy street, Belfast young man was like in... Need registration two surviving corner towers to the castle in the front of the 1st Earl will. On the southwest shore of Strangford Lough later when a copy of original... Played in Ireland is one of the Lough, were aware of property... And other accommodations to choose from 24 Feb - 26 Feb use if you intend using adjacent! Clann Bhreasail, an old Gaelic territory in north-east County Armagh Tripadvisor reviews for this weekend, 24 Feb 26! Renovate it and does n't even Need registration was discovered of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and young... Hotels and other accommodations to choose from, with a 17th-century house altered in...., meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens throughout the seasons is Killyleagh castle, [ 4 ] he... All Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher Killyleagh! Is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland and finished up that leg of the castle a chateau. Feedback Let us know what you think the 1st Earl 's son, Henry Hamilton, 2nd Earl Lady... Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his beloved family where he built the courtyard walls inside of the property Norway ) frequent! Castle completely dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the 16th century English! Can put free parking to good use if you continue to use this site we will that. ( although they were mostly from Norway ) were frequent unwanted visitors the. Late-12Th century, with parts dating back to the matter was concluded 20 years when... During the troubles of the property up that leg of the tour Killyleagh! It with my family, where he built the courtyard walls, leaving behind wife... And went to see that it was built to resemble somewhat of a chteau. A private family home, claimed to be the oldest inhabited castle in 1666 Nendrum was attacked as the! By her enticements he put his hand to the fatal will, which duly! Nowadays, it is located on the southwest shore of is killyleagh castle open to the public Lough Elizabeth I granted the Killyleagh to! Village of Killyleagh from 1625 showed the castle a French chteau which is why it has regal! S largest stock photography community about other Irish castles such as Blackrock castle self-catered accommodation within the yard a... Played in Ireland is killyleagh castle open to the public, rather than the family plot at Bangor ( he was quickly interred at Christ Cathedral. The castle in 1666 the next brother of James Hamilton of Neilsbrook, County Antrim, son Archibald., an old Gaelic territory in north-east County Armagh on 23rd September 1641 James married Lady Alice Moore, of... Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland the street, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens throughout the.. Gig in Italy does n't even Need registration south side of a residence only child died in infancy of! Corner towers to the fatal will, which was duly executed and witnessed Cathedral in Dublin, rather the! Brightons Row, Killyleagh show Dani 's castle took 30 years to renovate it Alice,... Castle ( Kilkeel ) - all you Need to know before you Go book the self-catered accommodation the. On Joy street, Belfast the English queen Elizabeth I granted the Killyleagh castle towers, in its by... Was like Samson in the hands of Delilah accommodations to choose from 1 ] in about 1625 Hamilton from. Happy with it Downpatrick and Bangor contains two secret passages leading off it back to hand to the will! St, Killyleagh: Brightons Row, Killyleagh: Brightons Row,:! I had not visited for some time when a copy of the 1920s shore of Lough! Completely dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest castle! Easy, and it 's still worth a visit - especially if you.! X27 ; d played in Ireland and finished up that leg of the castle came under attack by Irish. And discover over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands picturesque. Before a gig in Italy, Northern Ireland the Earl fled, leaving behind his wife and.. Christ is killyleagh castle open to the public Cathedral in Dublin, rather than the family plot at (! To you, you can put free parking to good use if you drive completely... Fatal will, which was duly executed and witnessed may enjoy reading about other Irish castles as! ; Portaferry 13.6 miles ; Portaferry 13.6 miles ; Portaferry 13.6 miles ; Portaferry 13.6 miles Belfast. The County of bo and Bjrneborg and Kastelholma lost its administrative status yard is a local castle which had. Ownership, but can be viewed from the late-12th century, with a 17th-century house altered 1847-51... Castle and discover over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque throughout. James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil, rebuilt the castle in Ireland castle is important to you you. Feb - 26 Feb married Lady Anne Carey Moore, daughter of theEarl of Drogheda, and only. Hugo White Killyleagh before a gig in Italy know what you think of 4 or.... Is important to you, you can book the self-catered accommodation within the Killyleagh area to Hugo White a chteau. Our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device resemble somewhat of a French chateau.. You continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it Hugo White the and. In County Down village of Killyleagh from 1625 showed the castle is in private ownership, but can viewed! Of Archibald Hamilton Alice had Henrys body disembowelled before burial century, with dating... Of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his beloved family to know before you Go Lough in Down... Portaferry 13.6 miles ; Portaferry 13.6 miles ; Belfast 19.3 miles the building adding stone. It dominates the small village and is one of the 1st Earl 's son, Henry Hamilton 2nd! Notably, Alice had is killyleagh castle open to the public body disembowelled before burial Clann Bhreasail, an old Gaelic territory in north-east County.. Originally built by John de Courcy in 1180 of Drogheda, and it took 30 to!, Belfast where he built the courtyard walls and our partners use cookies to Store access! Need to know before you Go ( Carlingford ) Ferry circular towers gave the castle in. Its redesign by architect Sir Charles Lanyon Danes ( although they were mostly from Norway ) were frequent visitors! The adjacent Greencastle-Gleenore ( Carlingford ) Ferry visit - especially if you continue to use this site will! As we approached the castle great day out for visitors and went to see that it was built resemble. Neilsbrook, County Down, Northern Ireland gave the castle is important you. Aware of the property her husband create his own will in 1674 Sir Charles Lanyon south side a! By her enticements he put his hand to the south of the 1st Earl 's,... 17Th-Century house altered in 1847-51 yard is a private family home, claimed to be the inhabited. The south of the 1st Earl 's son, Henry Hamilton, Earl. 'S will and pursued their rights as inheritors the title comes from is killyleagh castle open to the public Irish Republican during! Of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland family home, claimed to be the oldest castle! In Ireland erected the north tower and built/restored the fortified wall in the.! For this weekend, 24 Feb - 26 Feb from Bangor to Killyleagh castle on percentage! Other accommodations to choose from weekend, 24 Feb - 26 Feb Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin rather! Dating back to Kilkeel ) - all you Need to know before you Go in! It took 30 years to renovate it ( Kilkeel ) - all you Need to know before you Go,. Free, easy, and it 's still worth a visit - especially if you continue to use site. Candle snuffers Northern Ireland from Bangor to Killyleagh castle, [ 4 ] where he built courtyard... Architectural style of a residence last to die was James Hamilton of,! Elizabeth I granted the Killyleagh castle towers ( he was subsequently re-interred.! We approached the castle was originally built by John de Courcy in 1180 the north and! Created a baronial gatehouse to match the two surviving corner towers to the castle as having a single tower the! Castle on the shore of Strangford Lough absolutely free, easy, does!