shanes castle

Shanes Castle, the family seat of the O'Neills of Clanaboy, is magnificently situated at the North East corner of Lough Neagh with commanding views over the length and breadth of the Lough. Although the castle has been in ruins since the fire of 1816, the remaining structure including a unique Camellia House is a substantial feature in the landscape.

There has been a Feral herd of fallow deer at Shanes Castle for many years. Shanes Castle Demesne is one of the most beautiful and well maintained in Ireland, with a rich variety of fauna, flora, insect and bird-life. Lough Neagh, a designated "Ramsar" site, is an area of international importance for over wintering Wildfowl. Great numbers of many different varieties enjoy the sanctuary of the non-shooting area in Antrim Bay established by Lord O'Neill and Lord Shaftesbury.<