castles historical ireland

Ardglass contains more medieval tower-houses than any other town in Ireland, reflecting its importance as Ulster's busiest port in the 15th century. Jordan's Castle was probably built in the 15th century and, like others of its kind, was a fortified family residence, owned, in this instance, by the Jordan family. Simon Jordan is celebrated for having defended the castle for three years during the Tyrone Rebellion until relieved by the Lord Deputy, Mountjoy, in 1601. Jordan's Castle is a good...

Donegal Castle is located in Donegal town in County Donegal in the Northwest of Ireland. The Castle is situated in the centre of the town on a rock outcrop overlooking the River Eask. It was built by one of the O'Donnell chieftains in the 15th century.
Donegal Castle was the residence of the O'Donnell Family, who were originally loyal subjects of Queen Elizabeth I. This changed when the last of the family "Red" Hugh O'Donnell, with his friend, Hugh O'Neill rebelled and fought a bloody n...

This beautiful park is wovan around the lake and islands of Lough Oughter. A number of marked trails range in length from 1.5km to 2.8km, each offering enchanted views and a diversity of habitat for the wild fauna.

Norway and Sitka spruce are the main tree species with a considerable amount of mixed woodland, including ash, oak, birch, sycamore, beech and alder. Stoat, badger, fox, grey squirrrel, hedgehog and rabbit are among the variety of fauna which can be spotted here.

The t...

Thought to have been built in the 13th century, it was occupied by Sir James McDonnell and burnt by Shane O'Neill in 1565. Though rebuilt by Sorley Boy McDonnell it later fell into disuse....

Ross Castle is located at the Edge of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park, just outside Killarney town in County Kerry. The castle is a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is unsure but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O'Donoghue Ross Chieftains.
You can take a boat trip from the lake shore at the Castle out onto the Killarney lakes, where you are guaranteed to see some of the most breat...

The mightiest of the castles along the County Down coast, Dundrum was probably built by John de Courcy in the last decades of the 12th century. It is first mentioned in the historical records when it was unsuccessfully besieged in 1205, though taken by King John five years later. The upper of the two wards, on the top of the commanding hiss, is dominated by a tall, round keep or donjon with immensely thick walls, from the top of which a splendid view may be had over the sea and many parts of s...

19th century harvest traditions brought to life at Bunratty Folk Park.
Harvest traditions from over 100 years ago will be brought to life at Bunratty Folk Park, when a traditional 19th century Harvest Day will be held by Shannon Heritage, the tourism subsidiary for Shannon Development. One of the highlights of the day will be the vintage threshing machine in the haggard at the Folk Park. Visitors can watch the crew of farmers at work, demonstrating the art of threshing, as they sepa...

O'Doherty's Keep was originally a small Norman castle but it became an important landmark during the nine years war, when Hugh "Boy" O'Doherty renovated it in 1602. O'Doherty's Keep was intended for use by the Spaniards who were supposed to land on the Inishowen peninsula to assist the Irish rebels against Queen Elizabeth. Unfortunately the Spanish arrived in the wrong part of the country. O'Doherty's Keep was shortly burned by the English. It is uncertain whether it was renovated during th...

A landmark dominating land and sea which has for centuries been the gateway to Northern Ireland....

Running through the western end of the estate is the River Maine, a substantial river, a large part of which can be waded. Chest waders are recommended and a stout wading staff is needed. The river provides nearly 3 miles of unique angling in more attractive surroundings.

Access:
This shall be by the Grand Entrance or White gates, off the Randalstown/Antrim Road. Drivers are requested to keep their cars parked on the hard road where possible.

A stocking progra...