Visitors give high marks for the top-notch restaurants in Killyleagh, which is also known for its bars and spas. The castle came under attack by the Irish Republican Army during the troubles of the 1920s. History. He improved the building adding a stone bailey and erected courtyard walls. The 2nd Earl's castle is mostly what remains today. It is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, w. AboutPressCopyrightContact. It has been the home of the Hamilton family ever since. 28.39 km from Killyleagh Castle . You may live here, have visited here or maybe are tracing ancestors who left long ago. I was pleased to see that it was open for visitors and went to see it with my family. It was only after 6 long months and threatened with starvation, that Anne surrendered. However, when there are events at the castle, you are sometimes able to wander close. Killyleagh Castle, Las Vegas, Nevada. This page is based on OpenStreetMap, GeoNames, Wikidata, . Killyleagh. Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. Construction Killyleagh Castle Killyleagh Northern Ireland, Newry, Mourne and Down. It has been owned by the exact same family, the Hamiltons, since the early 17th century. A map of Killyleagh from 1625 showed the castle as having a single tower on the south side of a residence. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Be careful of the low arches and the stone steps. 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. The entrance to the car park is very narrow (1 lane) and you have space for about 5 cars. The oldest parts of the castle date back to 1180 and it is believed to be the oldest castle in the country. It is also believed to be the oldest Castle in Ireland with bits of it dating back to 1180. O'Neill sent his men to attack English soldiers after a quarrel and was consequently imprisoned. The site was well laid out and the castle gave wonderful views of Carlingford lough and the surrounding mountains. La Mon Hotel And Country Club. Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. The title comes from the Irish Clann Bhreasail, an old Gaelic territory in north-east county Armagh. James was an adviser and spy for the English king. In 1697 the court granted Gawn the main house and towers. Henrys mother Anne, begged him not to sign the document, claiming if he did so, he would soon end up in the tomb with his father. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The Baron added Hamilton to his surname just before marrying his distant cousin Hariot Georgina Rowan-Hamilton, daughter of Archibald Rowan-Hamilton, in 1862. The Clanbrassills left Killyleagh and set out for Dublin. In 1602 Gaelic chieftain Con O'Neill of Clandeboye owned large tracts of North Down, including Killyleagh. It is a stunning building with it's' turrets reaching high into the sky. Benjamin Ferrey created a baronial gatehouse to match the two surviving corner towers to the castle. Our 3 boys asked to return on our next trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland. He erected the north tower and built (or perhaps restored) the long fortified bawn (wall) in the front of the castle. Viscount Claneboye's son, James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, built the second tower. Alice now persuaded her husband to make a will of his own leaving his entire inheritance to herself. It has been owned by the Hamilton family since the early 17th century. The village is dominated by the imposing presence of Killyleagh Castle - the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. They consisted of the Box Garden, the Rockery Garden and stone steps leading to a lake surrounded with rose beds and majestic yew trees. If seeing the inside of the castle is important to you, you can book the self-catered accommodation within the Killyleagh Castle towers. King Eric conquered Kastelholma in 1599 and all defending officers were taken to Turku and executed. In the 1920s, the castle came under attack by the Irish Republican Army. The cousins, however, were aware of the 1st Earl's will and pursued their rights as inheritors. It is located on the southwest shore of Strangford Lough. If you've ever stayed in the boonies, trekked in to see the sights or attend that conference, and trekked out again at the end of a long day or an even longer night, you know exactly what we're talking about. It dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. He erected the north tower and built (or perhaps restored) the long fortifiedbawn(wall) in the front of the castle. Anne received the bawn and gatehouse. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Killyleagh Castle Towers, Killyleagh: See reviews, articles, and photos of Killyleagh Castle Towers, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 8 attractions in Killyleagh. Lanyon's imposing doorcase was a celebration of Rowan-Hamilton's access through their front door for the first time in almost 200 years. [1] The Baron added Hamilton to his surname just before marrying his distant cousin Hariot Georgina Rowan-Hamilton, daughter of Archibald Rowan-Hamilton, in 1862. Is Killyleagh castle open to the public? Parliament fined him for the return of the castle and his land. Find out more about Killyleagh. Gawn's great-grandson Archibald Hamilton Rowan, an Irish nationalist of the United Irishmen, lived in the castle as one of his homes between 1806 and 1834 after his return from exile in America. One of those little off-the-beaten-track gems, in the most tranquil of settings overlooking Carlingford Lough. The heyday of the castle was in the 15th and 16th centuries when it was administrated by Danish and Swedish kings and stewards of the realms. [3] A map of Killyleagh from 1625 showed the castle as having a single tower on the south side of a residence. Killyleagh Castle. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Photo: Wikimedia, Public domain. What remains today can be mostly attributed to the 2nd Earl. For over 400 years Killyleagh Castle was the home of the Hamilton family and continues to be so today. It stated that if Henry had no male heir, then the Killyleagh estate should be divided between the eldest sons of Jamess five brothers. He built these fortifications as a series of fortifications around Strangford Lough for protection from the Vikings. The cousins were well aware of the 1st Earls will and so they went forth and pursued their rights as inheritors of the castle and estate. No reviews yet. It is currently the home of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his young family. It's still worth a visit - especially if you intend using the adjacent Greencastle-Gleenore (Carlingford) Ferry. Restaurants near Killyleagh Castle Towers: 92% of travellers recommend this experience. It hosts occasional concerts from performers such as Van Morrison, Glen Hansard, and Bap Kennedy. William died without children in 1716 and the castle passed to successive generations of Gawn Hamilton's descendants. A female figure in a long gown has reportedly been seen flitting along the castle corridors. Adult: 10.00. Is killyleagh a Protestant? Once this had happened, the Earl quickly fled and, in cowardice, left his wife and children behind. It is said that within the yard is a large hidden well. Demography. 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. We create informative articles about castles and famous historical figures such as kings and queens. The heavy plasterwork is by Mr. Fulton. Over time we hope to build up information of use to locals & visitors alike and welcome your feedback on subjects of interest or stories that might be interest to the wider audience. It formed part of a set of fortifications that served as protection from the Vikings. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Gawn's great-grandson Archibald Hamilton Rowan, an Irish nationalist of the United Irishmen, lived in the castle as one of his homes between 1806 and 1834 after his return from exile in America. The first stone castle, consisting of the western circular tower and as far as just beyond the present hall door (cp. Restaurants near Greencastle Royal Castle: Attractions near Greencastle Royal Castle: Greencastle Royal Castle, Kilkeel: Address, Phone Number, Greencastle Royal Castle Reviews: 4.5/5. James Hamilton died on 24th January 1644 aged 84 and is buried in Bangor. Unfortunately it was closed but none the less we had a walk around and were impressed. Belfast Entries is a husband & wife hobby website featuring articles on our shared history, memories and entertaining stories of our past. The Earl fled, leaving behind his wife and children. With round corner turrets, a steeply sloping grey slate roof, and a beautiful gate lodge, Killyleagh Castle is truly a sight to behold. The interior was given a grand entrance hall decorated with the initials ARH with shamrocks, roses and thistles. We would particularly like to thank those who have made a donation via Paypal or the Buy Us A Coffee feature. The matter was concluded 20 years later when a copy of the original will was discovered. Click the image below to read more about making a small donation. Benjamin Ferrey created a baronial gatehouse to match the two surviving corner towers to the castle. Gawn and William had to open a new entrance on the north side in order to enter their castle.[1]. 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. If you like our posts please help us to grow our readership by sharing any posts that you like. 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. He gave each of the kids maps/guide papers and we went in and explored. This would ensure their loyalty to the English crown and to the Hamilton family in particular. Killyleagh Castle completely dominates the small village of Killyleagh and is one of the most architecturally striking buildings in the world. Child: 5.00. Killyleagh (County Down) Our aim is to connect all people with a link to Killyleagh (Down). Allowed to climb around but be careful of low stone arches or you will get a rather sore bump to your head. Strangford 12.5 miles; Portaferry 13.6 miles; Belfast 19.3 miles. In 1667, much against the wishes of his mother and step-father, Henry married the beautiful Alice Moore, daughter of Henry Moore 1st Earl of Drogheda and the Honourable Lady Alice Spencer. Demography. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature . There are lawns in the bawn, and steeply terraced gardens to ponds. Unfortunately, their only child together died extremely young. Downpatrick was the capital of the Irish kingdom of Ulidia, until it fell to de Courcy in 1177. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Allowed to climb around but be careful of low stone arches or you will get a rather sore bump to your head. But the young man was like Samson in the hands of Delilah. 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. In about 1625 Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle, where he built the courtyard walls. The 1st Earls son, Henry Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil rebuilt the entirety of the castle in 1666. It follows the gorgeous architectural style of a Loire Valley chteau and was redesigned by the architect Sir Charles Lanyon. 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. William died without issue, so his share went to Gawn. Musgrave & Co provided the hardware and grates and four new chimney pieces were constructed and decorated with Minton tiles. What restaurants are near Killyleagh Castle Towers? This beautiful 200-acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Safety rails have been installed to allow the fit to climb Hugh, which I recommend for the impressive views, especially if youre a photographer. They came in search of land, treasure, cattle and slaves. 96% of travellers recommend this experience. One into the castle itself and the other out beyond the castle walls. Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. A Castle in the Rye? Police Station Census of the Inhabitants of Killyleagh 1891-1899- page 1. with thanks to Eileen Patterson & Ann Fee (Killyleagh Library) To check for individuals, use the Find key in your Edit box or look in the Surname Lists. What hotels are near Greencastle Royal Castle? Be the first to share your thoughts! [1][6] The cousins, however, were aware of the 1st Earl's will and pursued their rights as inheritors. He was afterward fined by parliament, for the return of the castle and his land. Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom, Shrigley Road 9, Killyleagh, United Kingdom. What restaurants are near Greencastle Royal Castle? 028 4272 9882 Open . By his will he divided the Killyleagh inheritance into two one half going to his married daughter Anne Stevenson and the other half to his younger brothers Gawn and William. We have no relationship with these organisations and cannot offer financial advice but we hope that some of the links may prove useful. 24 Feb - 26 Feb. View map. James Hamilton of Neilsbrook's daughter Anne married Hans Stevenson and her estate passed to her son James Stevenson, then to his daughter Dorcas, laterDorcas Blackwood, 1st Baroness Dufferin and Claneboye(17261807), and on to Dorcas's great-grandsonFrederick Temple Blackwood, 5th Baron Dufferin and Claneboye(18261902). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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