Lady Alice discovered that her father-in-law, the 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, had stated in his will that should Henry die without issue the estate should be divided between five Hamilton cousins, the eldest sons of his five uncles. These were placed over an arch in the garden). This didnt go unnoticed. The village is best known for its 12th-century castle. Gawn Rowan Hamilton has said: "I have a cutting from the Belfast Telegraph which tells the story of my great-great uncle being woken at 2 am and exchanging gunfire from the battlements, which was terribly exciting. In 1625 James Hamilton moved from his residence in Bangor and made his home in 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. At this point a clause in Henrys fathers will became more significant. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Lady Alice discovered that her father-in-law, the 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, had stated in his will that should Henry die without issue the estate should be divided between five Hamilton cousins, the eldest sons of his five uncles. What attractions are near Greencastle Royal Castle? William died without children in 1716 and the castle passed to successive generations of Gawn Hamilton's descendants. Nowadays it is a major tourist attraction easily accessible by car or bus from Mariehamn. In 1860, the 5th Baron gave the bawn and gatehouse back to the Hamiltons and commissioned a replacement gatehouse to better match the main castle. However, Lady Anne was still a force to be reckoned with. Your email address will not be published. The Co Down village of Killyleagh was founded in 1613 and today is known for multiple reasons it is home to Irelands oldest inhabited castle, it is the birthplace of retired Northern Ireland footballer David Healy, and more recently has been presented to HRH The Duke of York, through his title, Baron Killyleagh. Note that a link to our Copyright & Takedown notice is included in the website footer on all pages. It is a private family home, claimed to be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. 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. Top 20 Belfast Entries posts Have you read them all? Hamiltons son, also James, by his third wife Jane Phillips, succeeded him. They consisted of the Box Garden, the Rockery Garden and stone steps leading to a lake surrounded with rose beds and majestic yew trees. Open to the public: Limited access: Site history; In use: Late 12th century - present: Events: English Civil War: War memorial. Follow us on Facebook to receive notifications when new posts are added. Killyleagh Castle is situated 2 miles north of Salt Island. He re-encased the entire exterior while respecting the original fenestration. The Earls of Gosford occupied the castle until 1921, and the estate was later purchased by the Ministry of Agriculture to form Gosford Forest Park. O'Neill sent his men to attack English soldiers after a quarrel and was consequently imprisoned. He built a castle on the site of the earlier fort. Ref. In 1602, the Gaelic chieftain known as Con ONeill of Clandeboye owned large tracts of North Down, one of them being Killyleagh. It follows the architectural style of a Loire Valley chteau, in its redesign by architect Sir Charles Lanyon. Find Killyleagh stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. A flamboyant oak staircase leads to the upper floor. Views are fabulous and it is an easy place to pass the time waiting on the hourly ferry across Carlingford Loch. Be careful of the low arches and the stone steps. Visitors give high marks for the top-notch restaurants in Killyleagh, which is also known for its bars and spas. Let us know what you think. She destroyed the will and had her husband make his own will in 1674, leaving the estate to her. However, the circumstances of his burial are rather strange. it is a good experience with breathtaking scenery lots of history and panoramic views very close to Kilkeel which has now the added interest of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex being the Baron and Baroness of Kilkeel. It is also believed to be the oldest Castle in Ireland with bits of it dating back to 1180. Henry died of poisoning in 1675 and Lady Alice followed soon after in 1677, leaving the estate to her brother. Gawn and William had to open a new entrance on the north side in order to enter their castle. KILLYLEAGH. It has been owned by the Hamilton family since the early 17th century. Alice now persuaded her husband to make a will of his own leaving his entire inheritance to herself. From 2012 to 2014, the castle was used to film CBBC show Dani's Castle. Well worth a visit if your in the area. In 1602 Gaelic chieftain Con O'Neill of Clandeboye owned large tracts of North Down, including Killyleagh. By then, the cousins were all dead. Our 3 boys asked to return on our next trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland. 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. I only spent a short time around this 13th Century, facility/attraction. Click the image below to read more about making a small donation. On alternate years a pair of gilt spurs were to be presented to Lord Dufferin. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Unfortunately, their only child together died extremely young. Great views from the top. In 1602 Gaelic chieftain Con O'Neill of Clandeboye owned large tracts of North Down, including Killyleagh. In any case, we're sure to have lots to share and are delighted to welcome you. Hamilton Rowan's grandson, Archibald Rowan-Hamilton, and his wife employed architect Sir Charles Lanyon from 1850 to renovate the castle, creating its romantic silhouette with the addition of the turrets. There truly is no other quite like it. Killyleagh Castle, Las Vegas, Nevada. He reinforced Killyleagh Castle with a second tower. The terraced gardens lay to the south of the property. Be careful when entering, the driveway was a bit hidden between 2 plots of land. Twenty years later the matter was finally settled when a copy of the original will was uncovered. The gate lodges provide self-catering holiday accommodation. It sits on the western side of Strangford Lough, 5 miles north-east of Downpatrick. Robert Hamiton, of Killyleagh, county Down, (third son of Hugh Hamilton of Lisbane), married Jane Phillips, and died 1689, leaving issue: Ursula, married John Blackwood of Ballyleidy, county Down. [1] In about 1625 Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle,[4] where he built the courtyard walls. Even by the standards of the day the arrangement was very unusual. From 2012 to 2014, the castle was used to film CBBC show Dani's Castle. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. The 1st Earl's son, Henry Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil, rebuilt the castle in 1666. Whether this was by the hand of his wife, no-one can say for sure. Be the first to share your thoughts! It is a stunning building with it's' turrets reaching high into the sky. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. 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. The building subsequently deteriorated and in 2006 was sold to a development company who converted the castle into private dwellings. Gawns great-grandson, known as Archibald Hamilton Rowan, an Irish nationalist of the United Irishmen, lived in the castle and used it as a main residence between 1806 and 1834 after his exile in America. January 15 1863 The house dominates the small village and is believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. 96% of travellers recommend this experience. Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. I was pleased to see that it was open for visitors and went to see it with my family. 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. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated . Nice grounds. 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 Dublin Probate Court confirmed this Solomon-like disposal. The matter was concluded 20 years later when a copy of the original will was discovered. In his will, she made sure that the estate was left to her. Killyleagh. Nowadays, it is the home of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his beloved family. Lanyon retained the vaulted rooms in the northern circular tower and the pentagonal rooms in its Georgian counterpart. Killyleagh Castle is a castle in the village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. Its gardens and lands are now a recreational park. It has been the home of the Hamilton family ever since. The 2nd Earl's castle is mostly what remains today. In 1697, the probate court divided the castle with Gawn and William taking the main house and the two towers. Killyleagh is classified as an intermediate settlement by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (i.e. , We happened upon Greencastle on our way to Downpatrick. Killyleagh (/klile/; from Irish: Cill Laoch, meaning church of the descendants of Laoch) is a village and civil parish in County Down, Northern Ireland. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. The cousins, however, were aware of the 1st Earl's will and pursued their rights as inheritors. Still owned by the Hamilton family who have resided here since the early 17th century. Downpatrick is a mixed Protestant and Catholic town but with a strong link to the Roman Catholic religion. It has been owned by the Hamilton family since the early 17th century. While renown for her attractive appearance and witty repartee, Lady Alice seems to have acquired a rather dubious reputation. Demography. Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 6DY. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Due to being privately owned, you cannot enter the grounds of the castle itself. Barney Hughes The baker beloved by the working classes, Vere Foster One of the greatest men youve never heard of, Pottingers Entry One of Belfasts oldest streets, Hannahstown & its Church on the Hill A Turbulent History, Click here to see a complete list of all Belfast Entries posts to date, Add Us as Friends on Facebook to see ALL new articles, Greyabbey The first Gothic building in Ireland, The Smithfield Mill Disaster, 20th January 1902, From Hercules Lane to Royal Avenue, Belfast, Belfast Entries Feedback Let us know what you think. Killyleagh Castle has been the family home of the Hamilton family since the 17th century, even to this day. James and Anne were staunch royalists and supported King Charles I during the English Civil War. There then followed a lengthy and acrimonious court case between Lady Alice and the 5 cousins, grandsons of the Rev Hans Hamilton. The design of the architect for this mansion was ably carried out by the eminent contractors Messrs. D. and J. Fulton, at an expenditure over 6,000, and it will bear most favourable comparison with many others of modern times in the kingdom. January 15 1863. 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. This is an area of great beauty, with a breathtaking landscape. Telephone: 0330 137 4008. His five younger brothers also settled in Ireland. Killyleagh Castle; Type: Castle: Site information: But the young man was like Samson in the hands of Delilah. The last to pass away was James Hamilton, son of Archibald Hamilton. In 1716, William died without children which meant that the castle passed to successive generations of Gawn Hamiltons descendants. James Hamiltons wife Anne however, was not prepared to submit easily to the parliamentarians. Then, in the same year, Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle. The last to die was James Hamilton of Neilsbrook, County Antrim, son of Archibald Hamilton, the next brother of James Hamilton, 1st Viscount Claneboye. 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. 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. Strangford 12.5 miles; Portaferry 13.6 miles; Belfast 19.3 miles. 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. Killyleagh (County Down) Our aim is to connect all people with a link to Killyleagh (Down). Restaurants near Greencastle Royal Castle: Attractions near Greencastle Royal Castle: Greencastle Royal Castle, Kilkeel: Address, Phone Number, Greencastle Royal Castle Reviews: 4.5/5. Belfast Entries posts & photos are our intellectual property and copyrighted to us. Killyleagh town In April 1689 a battle was fought near the town when Col. Talbot of Cormac O'Neill's Regiment defeated supporters of King William under Henry Hunter. The site was well laid out and the castle gave wonderful views of Carlingford lough and the surrounding mountains. William died without children in 1716 and the castle passed to successive generations of Gawn Hamilton's descendants. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. Lanyon retained the vaulted rooms in the northern circular tower and the pentagonal rooms in its Georgian counterpart. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Be the first to rate this post. On 7th June 1647 James was created Earl of Clanbrassill. In the 1920s, the castle came under attack by the Irish Republican Army. The castle came under attack by the Irish Republican Army during the troubles of the 1920s. Killyleagh Castle. At this time, it was known as Whites castle. 1806 to 1834- Gawns great-grandson, known as Archibald Hamilton Rowan, an Irish nationalist of the United Irishmen, lives in the castle and uses it as a main residence after his exile in America. Gunboats sailed up Strangford Lough and destroyed the gatehouse of the castle. ONeill was imprisoned in Carrickfergus Castle on the charge of treason. Greencastle Royal Castle (Kilkeel) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. After graduating from Glasgow, Hutcheson, Bruce and Drennan senior established a presbyterian academy in Dublin in 1719 which attempted to emulate the school at Killyleagh. Owned by the Hamilton family who have resided here since the early 17th century ] about... 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