Irish Castles, County Down
Irelandseye.com continues the tour of Ireland, starting at the north east coast, with details of Irish castles. Now to County Down:
Audley's Castle
From its rocky vantage point overlooking the narrow entrance of Strangford Lough, this tower house is a striking landmark whose natural advantages no doubt played a key role in its siting. It was built in the 15th century by the Audleys, one of the families introduced into Lecale by De Courcy in 1177. Internal features include a murder hole in the stair, fireplaces, window seats, cupboard niches and drain holes for slops, while unusually there is a stone vault roofingon the first floor rather than the ground floor. In 1765 the Wards purchased the property from the descendants of the Audleys, some of whom continued to reside in Audleystown village. During the 1850s, however, the inhabitants of this settlement were shipped to America by the Wards and the area was incorporated into the landscape park.Audleystown. NGR: J S78506.
Dundrum Castle
One of Ulster's most evocative medieval ruins, Dundrum Castle was founded by the legendary Norman adventurer John de Courcy following his invasion of Ulster in 1177. The site occupies the summit of a rocky hill commanding fine views over Dundrum Bay and the plains of Lecale, controlling access into east Down from the south. De Courcy's original castle may have had defences of earth and timber. In 1204 de Courcy was expelled from Ulster by Hugh de Lacy who proceeded to strengthen the castle, probably employing master masons from the Welsh Marches. The castle was captured by King John in 1210 and remained Crown property until de Lacy was allowed to return in 1226. The Maginnis family held it intermittently from the 14th century until the Parliamentarians dismantled it in 1652. The dwelling was ruined by the time it passed to the second Marquess of Downshire in the early 19th century, though the trees on the hill were probably planted at this time. The castle and grounds were placed in State care in 1954.Dundrum village. NGR: J 404370.
Greencastle
A popular 19th-century travel handbook exclaimed of Greencastle, "You would go into ecstasies if you saw such ruins on the Rhine, and quote 'Childe Harold' by the canto." The fortress is impressive, though its dramatic setting at the mouth of Carlingford Lough adds much to its appeal, with views over a sweeping landscape and towering mountains beyond. The castle was built by Hugh de Lacy almost certainly during the 1230s and from 1280 to 1326 was a favoured residence of the most powerful man in Ireland, Richard de Burgh, the "Red Earl" of Ulster. His daughters were raised here, including Elizabeth, who married Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, although this did not dissuade Edward Bruce from sacking it in 1316. In 1505 it was granted to the Earls of Kildare, but after their downfall in 1534 quickly deteriorated into a "wretched condition". The place was later destroyed by Parliamentary forces in 1652. Remodelling of the hall in the 15th and 16th centuries gave it much of its present keep-like appearance. For centuries the green below the castle played host to a great fair every August. It was often called "Ram Fair" as a great ram was customarily enthroned on top of the castle's walls.6.5 km (4 miles) SW of Kilkeel. NGR: J 247119.
Jordan's Castle
Ardglass was an important seaport in post-medieval times, whose defence depended upon a ring of fortified merchants' houses. The largest of these is 15th-century Jordan's Castle overlooking the harbour. Little is known of its history except that it withstood a lengthy siege during the Tyrone Rebellion, when Simon Jordan defended his castle for three years until relieved by Mountjoy in 1601. It probably remained a dwelling until the 17th century, but was a ruin when purchased by the antiquarian F.J. Bigger in 1911, who restored it and bequeathed it to the State in 1926.Near Ardglass Harbour. NGR: J 560372.
Kilclief Castle
Kilclief was built sometime between 1412 and 1433 as the summer residence of John Sely, the last Bishop and Abbot of Down. Few tower houses can be dated so precisely, but Bishop Sely gained much notoriety for openly living in "castro de Kylcleth" with a married woman. Although the Primate threatened him with suspension and excommunication, the Bishop obstinately persisted and was expelled from his offices. The castle was later garrisoned by the Crown and more recently was used as a farm granary. There is a blocked fireplace with a re-used 13th-century coffin-lid serving as a lintel.4 km (2.5 miles) S of Strangford. NGR: J 597457.
Narrow Water Castle
Situated on a strategically important site where the Newry River narrows, this tower house was built by the Government around 1568 at a cost of £361. In 1570 it was described as having "two chambers and a cellar and a hall covered with straw and a stable nigh unto the said castle…and nine cottages covered with earth within the precinct of the said castle". The walled bawn was extensively restored in the 19th century, but the modern entrance probably perpetuates the site of the original gate.8 km (5 miles) SE of Newry. NGR: J 128194.
from the Appletree Press title Irish Castles
Click here Irish Castles to buy the newly reformatted book from Amazon.co.uk. The previous edition of Irish Castles is also still available from Amazon.co.uk.
