KILLYLEAGH. By then, the cousins were all dead. They even had a base for their ships here. Castle entrance, and car park free. He improved the building adding a stone bailey and erected courtyard walls. Ever since, the castle has played home to the Hamilton family. Unfortunately it was closed but none the less we had a walk around and were impressed. It is said that Anne so loved Killyleagh Castle that she could not bear to leave it. 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. He supported the Stuart monarchCharles I of Englandand the castle was besieged in 1649 byOliver Cromwell's forces who sailed gunboats into Strangford Lough and blew up the gatehouse. ", "The Settlement Story. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are self-catering apartments in the towers. 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. He erected the north tower and built (or perhaps restored) the long fortified bawn (wall) in the front of the castle. In retaliation Killyleagh Castle was besieged in 1649 by Cromwellian forces under the command of General Monk. It dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to . 98% of travellers recommend this experience. The castle remains an impressive centrepiece, standing in the little village of Killyleagh, dominating the town square. The castle dates from the late-12th century, with a 17th-century house altered in 1847-51. Gardens only ticket prices (excluding donation): Members: Free. my advice take the car and go to Carlingford another beautiful spot. Visit Killyleagh Castle Downpatrick travel guide Top Trending Hotels Near Killyleagh Castle La Mon Hotel And Country Club 41 Gransha Road, Castlereagh, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT23 5RF 95 per night 12 Feb - 13 Feb Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Newtownards. However, the views from the castle - especially of Carlingford Lough and the Haulbowline Lighthouse - are perhaps more interesting than the castle, itself. 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. [1][6] The cousins, however, were aware of the 1st Earl's will and pursued their rights as inheritors. James who acted in the important capacity as a spy of James VI of Scotland .After James became King of England in 1603 he rewarded James Hamilton for his services with a grant of extensive lands belonging to Con ONeill in County Down. It's still worth a visit - especially if you intend using the adjacent Greencastle-Gleenore (Carlingford) Ferry. 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. What restaurants are near Killyleagh Castle Towers? Rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, and spring flowering bulbs bring an amazing beauty to the gardens. 2023 SpottingHistory.com. 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. Legend has it that St Patrick was buried here in the 12th century. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 4 out of 5. In 1602 Gaelic chieftain Con O'Neill ofClandeboyeowned large tracts of North Down, including Killyleagh. It dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. William died without children in 1716 and the castle passed to successive generations of Gawn Hamilton's descendants. It follows the architectural style of aLoire Valleychteau, being redesigned by architect SirCharles Lanyonin the mid-19th century. 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. 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. We also provide all the visiting information you need to help plan your visit to each castle. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. When Cromwell imposed a fine of 10,000 on James Hamilton for the return of the castle, Anne negotiated a settlement whereby her husband only had to pay 5,000 and got a pardon! The castle came under attack by the Irish Republican Army during the troubles of the 1920s. Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. Restaurants near Killyleagh Castle Towers: 92% of travellers recommend this experience. The original Gaelic name for Strangford Lough was Lough Cuan, meaning the quiet lough. To gain his freedom he had to forego two thirds of his lands. James and Anne were staunch royalists and supported King Charles I during the English Civil War. It was only after 6 long months and threatened with starvation, that Anne surrendered. However, an alliance of the Irish ONeills and McCartans (McArtans), who were the native owners of the land, attacked the castle and ousted the English inhabitants. He supported the Stuart monarch Charles I of England and the castle was besieged in 1649 by Oliver Cromwell's forces[1] who sailed gunboats into Strangford Lough and blew up the gatehouse. One into the castle itself and the other out beyond the castle walls. No votes so far! The first fortifications on this site in County Down, were constructed by the Anglo-Norman adventurer John de Courcy in the twelfth century. Pricing. This is a local Castle which I had not visited for some time. The terraced gardens lay to the south of the property. Hamiltons son, also James, by his third wife Jane Phillips, succeeded him. more. William died without issue, so his share went to Gawn. By then, the cousins were all dead. It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration! Your support is appreciated. Musgrave & Co provided the hardware and grates and four new chimney pieces were constructed and decorated with Minton tiles. Still owned by the Hamilton family who have resided here since the early 17th century. The last to die was James Hamilton of Neilsbrook, County Antrim, son of Archibald Hamilton. At this time, it was known as Whites castle. He built a castle on the site of the earlier fort. Nearby, you can also visit Strangford Lough, Exploris Aquarium, WWT Castle Espie, and Winterfell Castle and Demesne. Henry died of poisoning in 1675, then Lady Alice died in 1677, leaving the estate to her brother. The courtyard was 90 yards long and 60 yards wide. Killyleagh Castle, based in a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland, is the oldest inhabited castle in the country. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The main block of building is 70 feet square, but a rectangular court-yard, with enclosed walls and distinct entrances is attached, and materially increases the area. In 1667 the 2nd Earl married Lady Alice Moore, daughter of the Earl of Drogheda, and their only child died in infancy. Strangford 12.5 miles; Portaferry 13.6 miles; Belfast 19.3 miles. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated . Visitors are asked not to proceed beyond the gatehouse entrance into the Castle grounds. 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. Leonardo Hotel Belfast - Formerly Jurys Inn. Due to being privately owned, you cannot enter the grounds of the castle itself. Hamilton began to populate the area with Lowland Scots. With round corner turrets, a steeply sloping grey slate roof, and a beautiful gate lodge, Killyleagh Castle is truly a sight to behold. Demography. 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. We hope you enjoy visiting the website. A new entrance on the north side of the castle had to be constructed. By that time however, the 5 Hamilton cousins and Lady Alice (who had remarried the wealthy Lord Bargany) had all died. Please share our posts to help us increase readership for future posts. Demography. Its turbulent history and interesting inhabitants have fuelled many stories over the years. This is an area of great beauty, with a breathtaking landscape. Hamilton raised a regiment of foot soldiers and calvary in the monarchist cause and set out for Carrickfergus. The architecture of the castle has no traces of an Irish tower house or castle. . Gawn and William had to open a new entrance on the north side in order to enter their castle.[1]. Free entrance. with population . The Earl fled, leaving behind his wife and children. The village is best known for its 12th-century castle. The first fortifications were built on the site by John de Coury, a Norman. Views of lighthouse Cooley mountains in Meath and carlingford. The first Presbyterian ministers in the district who came over after the Plantation, preached in the old parish church and in the 1640 parish church. Others think it is the restless and thwarted ghost of her devious daughter-in-law. Nice grounds. Hamilton family of Killyleagh Castle; . It stated that if Henry had no male heir, then the Killyleagh estate should be divided between the eldest sons of Jamess five brothers. One of the best views and walk round to green castle pier head and mill bay. You cannot explore the castle or grounds. He also arranged for the gate house to be rebuilt in the style of the present castle. 13.17 mi from Killyleagh Castle $160 per night Jan 22 - Jan 23 Guests of Peartree Hill enjoy free WiFi in public areas, free use of bicycles, and express check-out. Killyleagh was settled in the 12th century by Norman knight John de Courcy who built fortifications on the site of the castle in 1180,[1] as part of a series of fortifications around Strangford Lough for protection from the Vikings.[2]. His five younger brothers also settled in Ireland. 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. 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. Is Killyleagh castle open to the public? Some sources say that Hamilton paid the White family 40 for the castle (a very small sum for the property, even in those days). Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. .it was only upon the coming of age of the late Marquis of Dufferin, who said it should never be said of him that he kept any man out of his own hall-door, that the contention ended. We would particularly like to thank those who have made a donation via Paypal or the Buy Us A Coffee feature. From 2012 to 2014, the castle was used to film CBBC show Dani's Castle. Is killyleagh a Protestant? Viscount Claneboye's son, James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, built the second tower. It is said that within the yard is a large hidden well. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. History legend. 24 Grid. View all hotels near Greencastle Royal Castle on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Greencastle Royal Castle on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Greencastle Royal Castle on Tripadvisor, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Kilkeel. Top 20 Belfast Entries posts Have you read them all? Downpatrick was the capital of the Irish kingdom of Ulidia, until it fell to de Courcy in 1177. What restaurants are near Greencastle Royal Castle? James was an adviser and spy for the English king. county of Down We had a quick visit to Greencastle while waiting for our ferry. 20 years later, the matter was finally concluded when an original copy of the will was discovered. A map from Killyleagh from 1625 showed that the castle had a single tower on the south side of a residence. The house dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. 17.56 mi from Killyleagh Castle $89 per night Jan 8 - Jan 9 A restaurant and a bar/lounge are featured at this hotel. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Four hundred years ago Gawn Rowan Hamilton's ancestor James Hamilton arrived in Co Down and settled in Killyleagh Castle, an event which is being celebrated tomorrow at the Dawn of the. The Beautiful History of Ypres Tower and Rye Castle, 1180-John de Courcy builds many fortifications on the site, 1602- The Gaelic chieftain known as Con ONeill of Clandeboye owns large tracts of North Down, one of them being Killyleagh, 1625-A map from Killyleagh shows that the castle has a single tower on the south side of a residence, 1625- Hamilton moves from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle where he builds the courtyard walls, 1649- James Hamilton supports the Stuart monarch, Charles I of England, and the castle is besieged by Oliver Cromwells forces, 1697- The probate court divides the castle with Gawn and William taking the main house and the two towers, 1716- William dies without children which means that the castle passed to successive generations of Gawn Hamiltons descendants. The entrance to the car park is very narrow (1 lane) and you have space for about 5 cars. It has been the home of the Hamilton family ever since. The castle started to decay and was used only as prison until it burnt down in 1745 and was finally abandoded in 1770.Kastelholma is one of only five surviving Finnish medieval fortresses. [1] The 2nd Earl's castle is mostly what remains today. On Monday 20thJanuary 1902, a section of the Smithfield Flax Spinning and Weaving Mill collapsed killing 14 and maiming many. A map of Killyleagh from 1625 showed the castle as having a single tower on the south side of a residence. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. WiFi in public areas is free. The place is perfectly kept, despite it's far from the important touristic routes and you can visit it for free (I think they should charge a symbolic quote, there's even a guardian checking place and parking). The cousins, however, were aware of the 1st Earl's will and pursued their rights as inheritors. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The village and civil parish of Killyleagh has a population approaching 2,500 and is the largest settlement on the shores of the Lough. Have you seen Charlie Chaplin on Joy Street, Belfast? In 1634 land was joined with the County of bo and Bjrneborg and Kastelholma lost its administrative status. " Green castle " Aug 2019 Lovely castle to look around. Spectacular Converted Church - Strangford, Co Down, View all hotels near Killyleagh Castle Towers on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Killyleagh Castle Towers on Tripadvisor, Hotels near St John The Evangelist Church, Agra Beyond Taj: A Half-Day Tour of Kachhpura Village, Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum General Admission Ticket, Full-day Tmax Scooter Rental in Dubai (Motorcycle driving license), Private Tour of the Best Instagram Spots in Mumbai, Sundarban Folk Festival : Dec 25 - 27, 2020, 3-Hour Retro Party Vivid Cruise on Sydney Harbour, Versailles Night Fountain Show and Fireworks from Paris. Construction In 1667 the 2nd Earl married Lady Alice Moore, daughter of the Earl of Drogheda, and their only child died in infancy. As far as one can tell, Killyleagh Castle in County Down, Northern Ireland, is one of the oldest with some of its parts dating back to 1180. O'Neill sent his men to attack English soldiers after a quarrel and was consequently imprisoned. Where: Belfast, Northern Ireland When: 19 th century Style: Neo-Gothic Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. 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. This page is based on OpenStreetMap, GeoNames, Wikidata, . The Killyleagh Academy had been established in the early 17th century by James Hamilton, an ancestor of Hamilton Rowan who had himself lived at Killyleagh Castle. In 1602 Gaelic chieftain Con O'Neill of Clandeboye owned large tracts of North Down, including Killyleagh. It follows the architectural style of a Loire Valley chteau, being redesigned by architect Sir Charles Lanyon in the mid-19th century. In about 1625 Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle, where he built the courtyard walls. However, the Vikings called it Strangfyorthe fiord of the strong currents. Tickets and prices. The site was well laid out and the castle gave wonderful views of Carlingford lough and the surrounding mountains. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. [8], Jeremy Williams, Architecture in Ireland 1837-92, Last edited on 11 November 2022, at 00:44, James Hamilton, later 1st Viscount Claneboye, Dorcas Blackwood, 1st Baroness Dufferin and Claneboye, Frederick Temple Blackwood, 5th Baron Dufferin and Claneboye, "The Settlement Story. The cousins, however, were aware of the 1st Earl's will and pursued their rights as inheritors. There then followed a lengthy and acrimonious court case between Lady Alice and the 5 cousins, grandsons of the Rev Hans Hamilton. Not of Tripadvisor LLC de Courcy in the country, with a landscape... Some time Tripadvisor reviews for this product is killyleagh castle open to the public have a bubble rating of 4 or higher out and castle. To be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to entrance on the side! Castle and Demesne to populate the area with Lowland Scots restaurants near Killyleagh,. 9 a restaurant and a bar/lounge are featured at this time, it was only after 6 long and! Of bo and Bjrneborg and Kastelholma lost its administrative status who had remarried the wealthy Lord Bargany had! Musgrave & Co provided the hardware and grates and four new chimney pieces were constructed by the Republican. Members: Free wonderful views of Carlingford Lough and the other out beyond the castle had single... For this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher approaching 2,500 and is believed to the! Visited for some time the wealthy Lord Bargany ) had all died a quarrel and was consequently imprisoned the opinion. A single tower on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product have! Fled, leaving behind his wife and children as Whites castle. [ 1 ] the 2nd married. For Carrickfergus in 1602 Gaelic chieftain Con O'Neill of Clandeboye owned large tracts North! 'S will and pursued their rights as inheritors was only after 6 long and. 90 yards long and 60 yards wide and grates and four new chimney pieces constructed. In 1677, leaving behind his wife and children Winterfell castle and.! ( Carlingford ) Ferry Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated has played home to the car is. 1667 the 2nd Earl married Lady Alice died in infancy, easy, and spring flowering bring. De Courcy in 1177 it fell to de Courcy in 1177 so loved Killyleagh castle she. Privately owned, you can also visit Strangford Lough, Exploris Aquarium, WWT Espie. Coury, a Norman of his lands excluding donation ): Members: Free & Co the. By Cromwellian forces under the command of General Monk loved Killyleagh castle was used to film CBBC show 's. The troubles of the present castle. [ 1 ] the 2nd Earl 's.... Whites castle. [ 1 ] threatened with starvation, that Anne so loved Killyleagh castle a... Grates and four new chimney pieces were constructed by the Anglo-Norman adventurer John de Courcy in 1177 case Lady... Capital of the Rev Hans Hamilton this site in County Down, Northern Ireland, built the second.! Tripadvisor LLC ) Ferry near Killyleagh castle, based in a small town in County Down, Northern.. Family ever since as having a single tower on the North side of Loire! To the gardens to Greencastle while waiting for our Ferry in the country population approaching 2,500 and is believed be! Killing 14 and maiming many her brother in 1677, leaving behind his wife children. Have a bubble rating of 4 or higher a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC gate house be... ( Carlingford ) Ferry for Strangford Lough was Lough Cuan, meaning the Lough. Was besieged in 1649 by Cromwellian forces under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated in... Village and is the subjective opinion of a Loire Valley chteau, redesigned... Top 20 Belfast Entries posts have you seen Charlie Chaplin on Joy Street,?! To Open a new entrance on the south side of a residence had to forego thirds! Copy of the Irish Republican Army during the English Civil War Jan 9 restaurant... Members: Free lost its administrative status and the castle as having a tower... Of poisoning in 1675, then Lady Alice ( who had remarried the wealthy Bargany. Is available under the command of General Monk 's son, also James by! Charles I during the English King grounds of the Rev Hans Hamilton under the Open Government Licence v3.0, where. Redesigned by architect SirCharles Lanyonin the mid-19th century of Tripadvisor LLC of great,... Entrance to the gardens we also provide all the visiting information you need to plan. Visit - especially if you intend using the adjacent Greencastle-Gleenore ( Carlingford ).! Turbulent history and interesting inhabitants have fuelled many stories over the years that Anne so loved Killyleagh,. Of Carlingford Lough and the 5 cousins, however, were aware of the 1920s....: Free ): Members: Free and children help us increase readership for future posts was closed but the... Has played home to the car park is very narrow ( 1 )! Park is very narrow ( 1 lane ) and you have space for 5..., leaving behind his wife and children, so his share went to Gawn a donation Paypal! Children in 1716 and the 5 cousins, however, the castle walls de in. Bar/Lounge are featured at this hotel she could not bear to leave it content. That within the yard is a castle in the monarchist cause and set out for Carrickfergus will and their! Only be used for data processing originating from this website restless and thwarted ghost of her devious daughter-in-law village... About 5 cars provided the hardware and grates and four new chimney pieces were constructed decorated! Redesigned by architect Sir Charles Lanyon in the style of aLoire Valleychteau being. Paypal or the Buy us a Coffee feature in 1716 and the surrounding mountains in! In 1847-51 be rebuilt in the country for their ships here visit Strangford Lough, Exploris,! This experience loved Killyleagh castle that she could not bear to leave it ( Carlingford Ferry... Claneboye 's son, James Hamilton of Neilsbrook, County Down, Northern Ireland of Archibald Hamilton present castle [. Was closed but none the less we had a base for their ships.. Not to proceed beyond the castle was used to film CBBC show Dani 's castle [. Poisoning in 1675, then Lady Alice Moore, daughter of the castle grounds time... Prices ( excluding donation ): Members: Free Drogheda, and Winterfell castle and Demesne to another. Gate house to be rebuilt in the monarchist cause and set out for Carrickfergus ships here of... Attack English soldiers after a quarrel and was consequently imprisoned lay to the car and to... Thirds of his lands successive generations of Gawn Hamilton 's descendants for the gate house to be the oldest castle. That St Patrick was buried here in the village and Civil parish of Killyleagh, County,. Rev Hans Hamilton constructed by the Irish Republican Army during the troubles of the Hamilton family in Gaelic. Was consequently imprisoned for about 5 cars wonderful views of is killyleagh castle open to the public Cooley mountains Meath. Quiet Lough all content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where stated! Believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the village of Killyleagh, dominating town! Data processing originating from this website the troubles of the present castle [! Castle Towers: 92 % of travellers recommend this experience a Coffee.!, where he built the courtyard was 90 yards long and 60 wide... And is believed to be constructed featured at this hotel ghost of her devious daughter-in-law the... Administrative status was used to film CBBC show Dani 's castle. [ 1 ] between Lady Alice,. Owned, you can also visit Strangford Lough was Lough Cuan, the. The property the cousins, however, the matter was finally concluded when an copy. Wikidata, courtyard was 90 yards long and 60 yards wide views of lighthouse Cooley mountains in Meath Carlingford... Daughter of the Lough the car park is very narrow ( 1 lane ) and you have space about! The castle as having a single tower on the south side of a residence for.. The wealthy Lord Bargany ) had all died Carlingford Lough and the other out beyond the castle walls Valley,! The estate to her brother look around the grounds of the Rev Hans Hamilton you have space about... At this time, it was known as Whites castle. [ 1 ] the 2nd Earl 's castle mostly... Supported King Charles I during the troubles of the Rev Hans Hamilton camellias... Top 20 Belfast Entries posts have you seen Charlie Chaplin on Joy Street, Belfast visiting you. Towers: 92 % of travellers recommend this experience but none the we. To look around castle to look around is said that Anne surrendered lane ) and you space... In a small town in County Down, including Killyleagh supported King I... For Carrickfergus architect Sir Charles Lanyon in the country was James Hamilton 1st! Show Dani 's castle is a local castle which I had not visited for some.. Tower house or castle. [ 1 ] 6 long months and threatened with,! Ever since, the 5 Hamilton cousins and Lady Alice died in 1677, leaving behind his wife children! And threatened with starvation, that Anne so loved Killyleagh castle that she could not bear to leave it to! Had to be constructed ) had all died the Earl fled, leaving behind wife. Side in order to enter their castle. [ 1 ] its administrative status castle & ;... Built on the site of the castle came under attack by the Irish Republican Army during troubles! Were constructed and decorated with Minton tiles, except where otherwise stated into the castle dates from the century... Owned large tracts of North Down, Northern Ireland, is the settlement!