In the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion we have a wide selection of castles and towers that have withstood the test of time, so here we have compiled a list of some of our area's most impressive castles and tower houses.
Take a trip to visit the historical castles that offer us a glimpse into the region's intriguing past. Although some of them may not be accessible, many are open for the public to view the ruins, and several house self-catering accommodation, just imagine staying in or near a beautiful castle for the weekend!
Let's embark on a journey to discover some of the must-see castles in Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Killyleagh Castle
Killyleagh Castle is within the town of Killyleagh, it is a remarkable fixture of a castle with its “fairytale” architecture, built to resemble a French Chateau from the Loire Valley. It does not open to the public and is a private residence believed to be amongst one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. It is worth a visit to look at the from the outside.
Dundrum Castle
Believed to have been built in or around 1177, Dundrum Castle was built by John De Courcy as part of his coastal defence after he invaded Ulster. It is a wonderful way to spend a day out exploring and learning about the history. You can enter the structures and a climb up the steps which provide spectacular views over Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.
Audley's Castle
Tucked away on the shores of Strangford Lough is Audley’s Castle, named after its previous owner. This 15th century castle was used as a filming location in the Game of Thrones® series. The ruin of Audley's Castle was used as an eye-catching focus of the long vista along Castle Ward's artificial lake, Temple Water.
Strangford Castle
After exploring the beautiful shores of Strangford Lough, enjoy a visit to Strangford Castle. This small, 3-storey, rectangular tower house was built in the late 16th century. The castle/tower house is not always accessible but on occasion may be opened to the public.
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Kilclief Castle
Set amidst the sparkling waters of Kilclief stands Kilclief Castle, built between 1412 and 1433 as the summer residence of John Sely, Bishop of Down. It is one of the oldest, datable tower-houses in the region. The castle can be visited for a small fee during opening hours.
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Castlewellan Castle
A staple Victorian style castle that sits in the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan Castle was built by the Annesley family between 1856 and 1858. Since 1974 the castle has been used as a conference centre. It is not open to visitors, but it is worth a look for its fascinating architecture when visiting Castlewellan forest park.
Jordan’s Castle
In the harbour town of Ardglass lies Jordan’s Castle, one of Ardglass’ many castles, Jordan’s Castle being the most noticeable one. Its architecture is structurally like many of the other castles throughout the Lecale area. It is 4 stories high, with 2 rectangular projecting turrets on the north side. It opens, on occasion, to allow visitors to view the inside.
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The village of Ardglass contains more castles than any other location in Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion! Throughout the village of Ardglass is ruins of many castles, forts and tower houses.
King's Castle
Originally built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 19th century after parts collapsed in 1830 during repairs. It's said the castle was used in the late 1700s as a yeomanry barracks. Since 1988 the castle has been operated as a nursing home, it is worth a stop on your travels to have a look at the exterior of the building.
Margaret's Castle
Margarets castle is a small 15th century tower house, it is two storeys high, but evidence shows it may have had three storeys at a point in time. It is said that this was another structure to safeguard the Ardglass harbour. Only two floors remain and part of the spiral staircase, it is not open to the public.
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Cowd Castle
Situated at the entrance to the Ardglass Golf Club sits Cowd Castle. It is a small, two-storey tower which may date from the late 15th century or early 16th century. Originally this tower was linked to the town wall and access to the floors below was by stairs attached to the thick wall. It is not open to the public but may open on occasion.
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Ardglass Castle
Known now as the clubhouse of Ardglass Golf Club, it is the oldest building used as a golf clubhouse in the world. Large sections of the original building can be seen within the clubhouse. Lord Charles Fitzgerald demolished most of the building in 1791 and built his mansion, the castle then became the premises of Ardglass Golf Club in 1911. In the carpark are the ruins of Cowd Castle and attached to the main building is Horn Castle.
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Isabellas Tower
Built in 1851 by Aubrey William Beauclerk for his daughter Isabella to help her recuperate from tuberculosis. The building has 2 floors and the bottom level is octagonal and upper circular with 4 windows.
When in Ardglass make sure to follow the heritage trail and see all the castles and ruins.
Bathing House
This little Bathing house, known locally as “ladies changing rooms” was built at the turn of the century by William Oglivie as in the 1830's Ardglass was a popular tourist spot. It has now become a staple part of the history of Ardglass village.
Moyry Castle
Under the shadow of Slieve Gullion stands Moyry Castle in the countryside, southwest of the village of Jonesborough, in County Armagh. A 16th century small square castle that has unusual, rounded corners and numerous gun-loops. A must-see if you love historical monuments! So, take a detour back in time and visit the site of Moyry castle which is free to visitors.
Quoile Castle
This 16th century castle/tower house situated alongside the Quoile River in Downpatrick. It is a square, 3 storey high, tower house built out of split stone rubble with sandstone dressings. Part of the castles wall has fallen showing the inside of the castle making it an interesting site. There is access to the ground and first floor levels.
Bright Castle
At present the remains of Bright Castle are situated at the border of the Bright Castle Golf Club. The terrain of this club is not accessible, but the ruin can easily be seen from the small road that runs next to it. It is a 15th century or 16th century 3- storey tower house. The tower is built out of split-stone rubble but, less than half of the original structure survives.
Killeavy Castle
Killeavy Castle Estate is a 19th century grade A listed historical building originally designed in 1836 by architect George Papworth of Dublin. Settled at the base of Slieve Gullion Mountain, with its pre-Victorian Castle, the beautiful estate is used as a hotel, wedding venue, spa and visitor attraction. Visitors flock to the Estate to appreciate the restored 19th century Castle, manicured gardens, unspoiled woodlands, and authentic working farm.
Narrow Water Keep & Castle
The Narrow Water Keep was originally built by Hugh de Lacy, first Earl of Ulster, to prevent attacks on Newry City via the river, it is open to the public and is free to visit.
Narrow Water Castle is the private home of the Hall family who have lived at Narrow Water since 1670. This beautiful Elizabethan revival style castle is made from local granite suited in stunning landscaped gardens, with forests and lakes. The castle is not open for public admission. It does however open its doors for weddings and exclusive events, you also can stay in the accommodation situated on the grounds.
Greencastle
On the shores opposite the Carlingford Lough sits Greencastle castle, a 13th century structure . The Castle has an interesting history and has impressively withstood the test of time, surrounded by beautiful countryside and views from the tower which offer magnificent sights of the mountains and Carlingford Lough. It can be visited free of charge in the summer months.
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Bagenals Castle
Bagenal’s Castle’s exact location was lost over the years due to constant adaptation of the building, the Newry and Mourne Museum has been housed at Bagenal’s Castle since March 2007.
Clough Castle
Clough Castle is a historic structure located in Clough. Dating back to the 12th century, this Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey castle is known for its prominent earthwork motte, a large mound on which the original wooden or stone keep would have stood.
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Winterfell Tower
Old Castle Ward lies in the grounds of the Castle Ward Estate, located just outside of Strangford. "Winterfell Tower" as its famously known, from the Game of Thrones® TV series it is a 3-storey tower house built of split stone rubble with sandstone dressings.
We are lucky to have so many intriguing castles and tower houses throughout the region that have remained resilient throughout the ages and are structurally and historically fascinating to our heritage and local area.
For more Historical sites and trails check out our blog on Historical Heritage Trails,
Also dont miss out on the opportunity to see inside some of these castles and towers on The European Heritage Open Day this September.
South of the County Armagh village of Jonesborough lie the ruins of Moyry Castle, built in the 17th century to guard the strategic mountain pass known as Moyry Pass or the 'Gap of the North'.
Welcome to Killeavy Castle Estate, the perfect antidote to the modern fast paced world. Named winner of the Luxury Castle Hotel (Europe) Award at the prestigious World Luxury Awards 2021, it’s the ideal place to escape and unwind, and is located just 10 minutes outside Newry City.
Kilclief Castle was built between 1413 and 1441, reputedly by John Sely, bishop of Down. This makes it the earliest datable tower-house in County Down and is often used to date other tower-houses in the County.
Believed to have been built in or around 1177, Dundrum Castle was built by John De Courcy as part of his coastal defence after he invaded Ulster. Dundrum Castle is located on a wooded hill north-west of Dundrum village near Newcastle.
Located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
Ardglass is a beautiful fishing village which overlooks the Irish Sea. Ardglass has been a fishing port for over two thousand years. Today it is the home port of thirty fishing vessels and it is a major fish marketing and processing centre. Ardglass boasts a fabulous marina created in 1991. Ardglass Castle, once the home of the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare, is the clubhouse of Ardglass Golf Club. The golf club restaurant and bar offers a fine a la carte meal or bar snacks and the golf course itself is something to be savoured and sampled. Originally there were seven castles in Ardglass. Now Jordan's Castle, restored by antiquarian QC Francis Joseph Biggar when he bought it in 1911, is the only fortified tower that is more or less compl
An Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork castle dating to the late 12th or early 13th century. The motte was built of earth to provide a look-out position and central defence. The bailey provided a space for domestic buildings and livestock.
Commanding the mouth of Carlingford Lough, the Castle has an eventful history. It was built in the 13th century, taken by Edward Bruce in 1316, attacked at least twice by the Irish in the late 14th century and maintained as a garrison up to 1590.
Killyleagh is a large village in County Down located on the shores of Strangford Lough and dominated by Killyleagh Castle, a Loire-style chateau which claims to be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. The Castle has been the home of the Hamilton family since the 17th century Plantation of Ulster and the turrets can be hired for a self-catering holiday experience. Delamont Country Park is located outside Killyleagh on the road to Downpatrick on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough. Follow Killyleagh's Heritage trail to learn more about it's famous inhabitants and local history.
An Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork castle dating to the late 12th or early 13th century. The motte was built of earth to provide a look-out position and central defence. The bailey provided a space for domestic buildings and livestock.
The Reserve provides a relaxing natural retreat and offers visitors tranquil riverside and woodland walks.
Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
