It was The 3rd Marquess of Donegall who finally sold off almost all of his family's Belfast estate in the 1850s. [113] It has been described by the architectural historian Dixie Dean as a 'High Victorian Picturesque essay'. For generations, Cave Hill has been The Victorian structured Castle has a breathtaking view in the lough of the city and is positioned 120 m above sea level. The first Belfast Castle was built in the late 12th century by the Normans in Belfast city. A second castle was constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, the baron of Belfast, on the same site in the year 1611. The Belfast Castle occupies a prominent position on the slopes of Cave Hill, some 120 metres (400 feet) above sea level. Enter your search above to discover things to do, events, offers and more For generations, Cave Hill has been synonymous with Belfast, with its imposing outline visible throughout the city. [6][10] In fact, all the earlier structures called Belfast Castle were on a completely different site, and in a completely different area of Belfast, from the current Belfast Castle. Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. It was rediscovered in 2011, having been razed to the ground in 1641 and archaeological discoveries suggest a sophisticated piece of town planning around a grid system, as well as evidence of indoor toilets, which were extremely rare at the time. It was used as the external part of the Iron Island stronghold. Belfast Castle | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Ultimate guide It was replaced by a wood and stone castle constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester in 1611. The medieval Belfast Castle was eventually seized by a branch of the powerful U Nill (O'Neill) dynasty of the Cnel nEgain, probably at the end of the fourteenth-century or the beginning of the fifteenth century. The 'castle' (in reality a Victorian country house) was mainly constructed between 1867 and 1870,[1][60][77] and was built using pink Scrabo sandstone from the north of County Down, along with Giffnock sandstone dressings imported from Renfrewshire, all on a rock-faced basalt plinth. The Clandeboye Massacre Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex Wikipedia In October 1574, The 1st Earl find opening hours for the castle at the moment. This original medieval castle was located on the southern bank of the River Farset and was probably used to guard the important ford across the River Lagan. In the 1980s, Belfast Castle was totally renovated and continues to be a popular centre for conferences, events and weddings. Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex Wikipedia. We may all come from different walks of life but we have one common passion - learning through travel. [37] After three days and nights of feasting and celebrations inside Belfast Castle, the English soldiers accompanying Lord Essex suddenly set upon and murdered most of the family and retainers of Sir Brian inside the castle. [75] Ormeau House, where The 2nd Marquess of Donegall died in October 1844,[76] was eventually demolished in the late 1860s.[77][78]. Hot food is served until 3pm. The town also had a dungeon and a courthouse. Here are 11 facts about this famous collection of ceremonial objects and royal regalia. Free to visit, it has four rooms of exhibits and an 8-minute film about Cave Hill and Belfast Castle. These housing estates, all built in the 1950s and 1960s, included Innisfayle Park, Downview Park West and Strathmore Park. As money dwindled, the castle was left to ruin parts of it fell into the sea, whilst other stones were scavenged as building materials. If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!You can email us your pictures of the castle atcastrumtocastle@gmail.com. Of Lord Donegall's three children, all by his first wife - two sons and one daughter - Lady Harriet was the only one to have had children of her own and to have outlived her father. The Park is also home to McArts Fort, an ancient fort which stands at 1,200 feet above sea level. The 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. The castle underwent another round of refurbishment in May 2003. [37][38] This event is usually known as the Clandeboye Massacre. [9][77][101][103][105] This Church of Ireland chapel was originally designed and built as a mortuary chapel and new mausoleum for the Donegall family, specifically being built as a memorial to Frederick Richard, Earl of Belfast (1827-1853), the son and heir apparent of The 3rd Marquess of Donegall. Shipwreck near Dunluce Castle Image by 0fjd125gk87 from Pixabay. In a patent dated 5 November 1603, the Crown granted to Sir Arthur Chichester 'The Castle of Bealfaste or Belfast, with the Appurtenants and Hereditaments, Spiritual and Temporal, situate in the Lower Clandeboye, late in the possession or custody of Sir Ralph Lane Knt., deceased'. Discover Walks contributors speak from all corners of the world - from Prague to Bangkok, Barcelona to Nairobi. It has since hosted many weddings, dances and events. After that, head outside to admire the impressive exterior and the stunning Lough Belfast views. Alternatively, head to the Cellar Restaurant which serves Irish and British favourites within the castle building. WebCarrickfergus Castle. Youll find everything you need to know about visiting Belfast Castle below. The castle boasts an antique shop, a restaurant and visitors centre. The new, Victorian castle was built in the Scots Baronial architectural style and was designed by the Belfast firm of Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon. [84], One of the castle's most iconic features is the winding stone staircase on the garden faade, whose greyish-brown colour stands out against the burnt sienna sandstone and brick red detail. Course of the disappeared Farset River. Belfast Castle is a medieval castle on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Culture Northern Ireland: The Chichester Family. This new residence was located on what was then the northern edge of Belfast. In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. Following the closure of the chapel in 1972, the sculpture was moved to the foyer of Belfast City Hall, where it remains in situ.[103][106]. We create informative articles about castles and famous historical figures such as kings and queens. [26] His son and heir, The 9th Earl of Kildare (often known as Gearid g), also seized the castle in 1523. Lynn or John Lanyon. Natural Stone Database: Buildings - Chapel of the Resurrection, Innisfayle Park, Antrim Road, Belfast. This is the location that Lewis states as his inspiration for Cair Paravel in Narnia. WE read of the Castle of Belfast as occupying a very important part in the old history of the town. In order to allow access to your location, you need to update your site settings through your browser settings to allow this site access to your location. [26], Belfast Castle was briefly seized by English forces in 1552, when the castle was possibly rebuilt on the orders of Sir James Croft, who was the Lord Deputy of Ireland at the time. Belfast Castle was built in 1177 during the Norman Invasion of Ireland after John de Courcy acquired land in eastern Ulster that included the small village of Belfast. A second castle was constructed bySir Arthur Chichester, the baron of Belfast, on the same site in the year 1611. Since 1708, the Earls and, later, Marquesses of Donegall had mainly lived over in Great Britain, usually living in London. WebModern History Between 1945 and the 1970s, Belfast Castle was a popular venue for wedding receptions, dances and afternoon teas. These include: Ulster Museum; Nomadic Ship Belfast Castle stairs, by Alicia Fagerving, is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0Belfast Castle Turret, by Etrusia UK, is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0Coat of Arms, Belfast Castle, by Ross, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0Gates, Belfast Castle, by Albert Bridge, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0PICT0090, by Abel Pardo Lpez, is licensed under CC BY 2.0. It may have been built by the Normans, who invaded East Ulster in the late twelfth-century. Theres also a Visitor Centre, caf, adventure playground, landscaped gardens and eco trails. Have you heard it? [1][7][8] The main entrance into the Belfast Castle Demesne is now where Innisfayle Park meets Downview Park West, just off the Antrim Road (part of the A6). Gerard MacAtasney and Christine Kenealy, 'The Great Hunger in Belfast' in John Crowley, William J. Smyth, and Mike Murphy (Editors). Grand Belfast Castle offers panoramic views from its elevated position in Cave Hill Country Park. Although a visit to the mighty Belfast Castle is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows thatll make your visit that bit more enjoyable. Archaeologists have uncovered the house of a Scottish merchant that was erected in the first part of the 17th century. Sir Arthur Chichester, one of the main architects of the Plantation of Ulster, had Belfast Castle largely rebuilt in the early 1610s, mainly in brick. Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill County Park in the North of Belfast. And oh, the cry of the sea-gulls! Dunluce Castle is in the care of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Shimmering seas reflect majestic sunsets and waves crashing against black and gray rocks hide tales of ghosts, hauntings and tragedies. There are three ways to get to Belfast Castle. Featuring on theHBO TV serieswasnt the first time that Dunluce Castle was shown to the world. In a battle fought in November 1597 against the MacDonnells at Altfrackyn (also known as Aldfreck), a townland just north of Ballycarry, the English were defeated, with 180 of their soldiers being killed. The renovations have left many original architectural features intact including the fireplaces. The beginnings of Belfast Castle. There is currently no charge for parking. The Chichester family (later also known as the Donegall family) were to own the town of Belfast from around 1603 up until the early 1850s, when their Belfast estate was largely broken up and sold off. In the early 70s, it also featured on the inner sleeve of theLed ZeppelinalbumHouses of the Holy. It was built in 1811-1870 on a mountain overlooking the city. Which boasts no less than nine cats for visitors to discover. He had only succeeded his famous father in the earldom in October 1885. LocationVaduz, Liechtenstein (Google Map Location)Owner of Vaduz CastlePrincely family of LiechtensteinVisitors AllowedNo Vaduz Castle is, Inverallochy Castle is a lovely ruin situated near the village of Inverallochy in the Buchan, Rose Castle is a stunning 16,244 square feet (1,509.1m2)fortified house. Since then, it has once again become a popular spot for weddings and other celebrations as well as for business meetings. Maguire, 'Lords and landlords - the Donegall Family' in, Culture Northern Ireland: The Buildings of the Belfast Castle Estate -, Culture Northern Ireland: A History of Carrickfergus -. The McQuillans held the castle for about 55 years before it was taken by the MacDonnells, who came over from Islay in 1554. Not only was it important in the past, but its also still a popular location to visit for Irish folks, visitors to Northern Ireland, and historians alike. [109][110][111][112], The Gate Lodge at what was formerly the main entrance into the Belfast Castle Demesne still stands. Belfast Castle was completed in 1870 but ran well over the intended 11,000 budget so the Marquis son-in-law (later 8th Earl of Shaftesbury) baled him out. The Victorian structured Castle has a breathtaking view in the lough of the city and is positioned 120 m above sea level. Let there be light: Derelict Belfast church transformed into heavenly homes. Belfast rumour has it that the clock tower leans because of the prostitutes that used to occupy the building. Rebuilding of the castle began in the early 1610s. Martina O'Donnell, 'The Estate System of Landholding in County Donegal' in Jim MacLaughlin and Sen Beattie (Editors). Natural Stone Database: Buildings - Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. [30] Chichester reported back to his superiors that his forces had retaken the castle 'without anie loss to us, and put those wee found in yt to the sworde [sic]'. Historical and archaeological exhibits are on display for public viewing. Once inside the cave, be careful as its also very steep and it can get slippery with the water on the stones. It also features the plants and animals that live in Cave Hill County Park within the woodland, heath, cliffs, caves and two nature reserves. This is regarded as one of the more challenging walks in Belfast for good reason. Dunluce Castle is an important historical marker perched high on a cliff along the causeway coast of County Antrim. [87][106], Harriet, Countess of Shaftesbury (1836-1898), the wife of The 8th Earl of Shaftesbury, later commissioned a sculpture to commemorate her brother, Lord Belfast, and her mother, Harriet, Marchioness of Donegall (1822-1860),[106] the daughter of The 1st Earl of Glengall and the first wife of The 3rd Marquess of Donegall. On-site amenities include an excellent Visitor Centre, cafe/restaurant, toilets and a Gift Shop. It covers the former Pleasure Gardens, Floral Hall and Bellevue Zoo. A Castle existed from the earliest times, but the arrival of John De Courci, in 1171, made a great change throughout the North of Ireland. It has many other claims to fame and tales from within its walls. Belfasts very own leaning tower of Pisa, the Albert Clock leans four feet off the perpendicular. Homepage, Ideas Thus, upon his own death in February 1625, Arthur, Lord Chichester, was succeeded in his estates and properties (but not in the peerage) by his younger brother Edward (1568-1648), who was created The 1st Viscount Chichester later in that same year. The Chichester castle features prominently to the top right of Thomas Phillips' map of Belfast in 1685. After briefly taking Belfast Castle from Aodh Nill (Hugh O'Neill), Lord of Clandeboye, in 1523, this Lord Kildare reported to King Henry VIII: 'I brake a castell of his, called Belfast, and burned 24 myle of his country [sic]'. With such an ambitious project, a sub-committee estimated that the minimum possible cost would be 160,000 before considering the cost of employing grounds keepers and the cost of restoring the building. [80][103] It seems that this small chapel was converted in 1891 into being a family chapel for regular worship, while also remaining as a family mausoleum. The sculpture, which was originally located in the Chapel of the Resurrection, was carved in white marble, and it depicts the young Lord Belfast lying on a sofa, dying from scarlatina, being mourned by his lace-capped mother, Lady Donegall. Happy travels! The castle estate passed down through the Donegall family, hence the coat-of-arms above the front door and on the north wall of the castle. [6][67], Lord Donegall thus had to find an alternative residence for himself and his family. For our opening times, go to Opening hours. One way to reach the castle is to take a bus from Belfast North Street to Newtownabbey Serpentine Road and walk for approximately 12 minutes to reach the castle. This one was destroyed by fire barely 100 years later, leaving only the street names to mark its existence. Construction cost well over the 11,000 set aside to pay for the project, forcing Lord Donegall to seek financial assistance from Baron Ashley (1831-1886), his son-in-law, in order to complete the new castle. Newly refurbished, it tells the history of Belfast Castle, the people who lived on Cave Hill and how it got its name. One of the most famous ships in history was built right here in Belfast. Alskea: Donegall Park Gardens, Antrim Road, Belfast. There are four ways to get to Carrickfergus from Belfast. In the years after it was given to the city, there was some debate about what Belfast Castle should be used for. Paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries depict the castle as completely intact with the kitchens in place. Its one of the most haunted castles on the island of Ireland. But thats not the only exciting thing about this 16th-century structure. [1][89][90] He also served as: Lord Lieutenant of Belfast from 1904 to 1911; Lord Lieutenant of Antrim from 1911 to 1916; and Chancellor of The Queen's University of Belfast from 1909 to 1923. Theres a small cafe on the ground floor opening onto the terrace. They will take effect next time you refresh the page. One ghost seen in the castle is that of Maeve Roe, the daughter of Lord McQuillan, she was the only girl and her father had chosen her husband to be Rory Og, a relative of the family. In order to display distances relevant to you, we'd like to be able to use your GPS location. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [115], Belfast Castle is located 400 feet (121.92 metres) above sea level on Cave Hill, overlooking Belfast in County Antrim in the east of Ulster. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. Many other establishments can be visited alongside the castle like The Cave Hill Country Park, The Cave Hill Adventurous Playground, The Cave Hill Visitor Centre, the Belfast Zoo, and many more. [6] However, when in Ulster, Lord Chichester, as he later became, usually resided at Joymount House in nearby Carrickfergus rather than at the 'Plantation-era' Belfast Castle. The cave is massive, and it offers a splendid view of the sea. The Cellar Restaurant is currently closed to the public. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Sir John Chichester, who had been appointed as Governor of Carrickfergus Castle, soon fell out with the previously neutral MacDonnells of the Glens. Belfasts Albert Clock tower is sinking it leans by four feet. [29] Another occasion when Belfast Castle was briefly seized from the U Nill of Clandeboye was in the 1570s, when English forces, initially under the command of The 1st Earl of Essex, occupied the castle for a few years during the short-lived Enterprise of Ulster.[10][21]. You will get gorgeous views of the sea once you make your way to the Mermaids Cave. This castle was never rebuilt. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We can't (and we've tried!) Join us [30][31][32][33][34] Chichester was killed by the MacDonnells during or immediately after this battle, possibly by being beheaded. [9][116] Like the former Chapel of the Resurrection, the Gate Lodge is now surrounded by modern housing and is no longer part of the present-day Belfast Castle Demesne. The castle is flanked on all sides by extremely steep waterfalls, which may have attracted early Christians and Vikings to the area. It was inhabited by both the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans. Be the first to rate this post. Excavations have revealed the evidence of coins from the times of Charles I and Elizabeth I. [9], There have been several different structures called 'Belfast Castle' over the centuries; not all of these structures have been on the same site. Cave Hill Visitor Centre is located in the basement of Belfast Castle. Image by Anna and Piotr Pieszak from Pixabay. [6][10] In July 1603, Sir Arthur Chichester (1563-1625; later created, in 1613, The 1st Baron Chichester), then Governor of Carrickfergus Castle, offered to rebuild Belfast Castle if he was 'granted' Belfast and its surrounding lands by the Crown. The castle stands mostly in ruins today, but the walls and remains of some of the buildings can still be seen. 1913. Another way is to take a taxi from Belfast to Belfast Castle, hire a cab or simply walk. [6][10] This original, medieval castle was almost certainly on, or very near, the same site as the much later 'Plantation-era' castle developed for Lord Chichester.[6][16][17]. Wildlife abounds in the park including sparrow-hawks, long-eared owls and the rare Adoxa moschatellina Town Hall Clock plant. [10] This medieval castle may have been built by the Normans, who invaded East Ulster in the late twelfth century. The landmark, named for the five caves located on the side of the cliffs, contains a wealth of natural, archaeological and historical features, including Belfast Castle. Lynn, or by Sir Charles's other business partner, his son John Lanyon.[7][83][84][85][86][87]. A Guide To Weather, Seasons + Climate, How To Get Around In Ireland: The Pros + Cons To Cars, Tours and Public Transport, Airports in Ireland: Where They Are And Which Is The Best To Fly Into, Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Belfast Castle, 2. The castle was originally built in 1500 by the McQuillans, who came from Scotland in the 1200s as hired mercenaries and built the castle around 200 years later. The architecture partnership of Hewitt and Haslam oversaw and carried out the over 2 million project, with the castle and demesne reopening on Armistice Day, 11 November 1988. However, in the next book Prince Caspian, the castle is a ruin on an island where the great river of Narnia meets the ocean. Martina O'Donnell, 'Settlement and Society in the Barony of East Inishowen. It appears that it has been closed for much of 2021. The new Belfast Castle was constructed in the late 1860s using pink Scrabo sandstone from near Newtownards in the north of County Down, along with Giffnock sandstone dressings from Renfrewshire and a rock-faced basalt plinth. The castle and its surrounding demesne was eventually gifted to the City of Belfast by Lord Shaftesbury in January 1934.[35][60]. [74], Lord Donegall sold off Donegall House in the centre of Belfast in the early 1820s, establishing his main residence at Ormeau House thereafter. When Is The Best Time To Visit Ireland? The ship sunk after hitting rocks in Lacada Point, not far from Dunluce Castle. [56] The head of the family was further advanced in the Peerage of Ireland to being Marquess of Donegall in July 1791. [30] English forces, under the command of Sir John Chichester, soon marched north to retake Belfast Castle from the U Nill of Clandeboye, which they did in July 1597. You can also take a bus from Duncairn Yorkgate Station to Carrickfergus 14-22 Larne Road and walk for 8 minutes to reach the castle. 1858- The castle is rebuilt by its original owners 1921- The building, as well as the surrounding 235 acres (95 ha) of adjoining land, is purchased by the newly established Government of Northern Ireland for only 15,000 1921 to 1972- Stormont Castle serves as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland [91], As in the twentieth-century, many of the rooms have been turned into public tea rooms or are available to be reserved for private functions. Top 15 Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower, 10 Things to Do in Paris on Christmas Day (2022), 10 Things to Do in Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. [5] Visitors can see a bedroom, set up in the style of the 1920s, so visitors can see a 'snapshot in time' of what the castle looked like at the end of its life as a private residence. The park is named after the five caves located on the side of the cliffs. A hundred and fifty years later, in 1862, the process of reconstructing the castle was undertaken byThe Third Marquis of Donegall, a descendant of theChichester family, who decided to build a new castle on the North of Belfast. But the locals say they can still hear the screams of the kitchen staff over the sound of the sea waves. However, the outside of the castle building is even more impressive. The last service in the chapel was held in 1972, after which the building was closed. If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre. [1] Lord Ashley (who later became The 8th Earl of Shaftesbury) had married Lady Harriet Chichester (1836-1898), the only surviving child of Lord Donegall, in August 1857. [6][10][20][21] The U Nill almost certainly had Belfast Castle rebuilt at some stage, probably as a Gaelic towerhouse, either building on the same site as the Norman castle or else building their towerhouse very near to that site. [103] Following its closure, the chapel suffered extensive vandalism throughout the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and first two decades of the twenty-first-century, with all of the glass in the building's windows either being removed or destroyed. Patrick McKay, 'Leabhar Cloinne Aodha Buidhe: Bardic Poetry of the Nills of Clandeboy' in John McGurk (Editor), Katharine Simms, 'O'Neill of Clandeboye (Clann Aodha Buidhe)' in. Its no wonder it has been worn down over time. Its quite challenging underfoot and steep in places but very rewarding. Webbelfast castle | Just Fun Facts Animals Architecture Art Food Nature People Places Space Other belfast castle Leave a Comment You must be logged in to post a comment. The crown used for the crowning itself is different from the one used on most other occasions. Now called The Chapel, the building is part of a new housing development called Donegall Park Gardens, just off Innisfayle Park. Dunluce Castle is allegedly haunted. [16][18] Both the River Farset and the River Owenvara (Irish: Abhainn Bheara, meaning 'River of the Staff', usually known nowadays in English as the Blackstaff River[19]) emptied into the River Lagan just to the east of this castle site. The Shaftesbury familycontributed a lot to the Belfast Castle through donations, charities, garden fetes, etc., for which they are famously remembered through the various streets of Belfast like the Donegall Place, Donegall Square, Donegall Road, and Shaftesbury Square. Grab some of the best views of the city on the Cave Hill walk, 3. Dunluce Castle. They were very influential in the city as Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1907 and Chancellor of the Queens University in 1908. The stairs are quite steep and might be slippery during the rainy season. Belfast church transformed into homes at The Chapel development. [115] The Gate Lodge is now occupied by a dental practice, and is located where Strathmore Park meets the Antrim Road. The new, Victorian castle was built in the Scots Baronial architectural style and was designed by the Belfast firm of Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon. From ghostly inhabitants to its Cold War past, here are 10 facts you may not have known about this famous fortress. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, there is no admission fee for visiting the castle. Situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast Castle is a short 20 [26][28] Domhnaill, whose chief residence was Donegal Castle in Donegal Town, had invaded Clandeboye with his army and 'took and demolished the Castle of Belfast, and then returned safe to his house loaded with immense spoils'. [6] This branch of the U Nill carved out a tath or Gaelic territory for themselves in South Antrim and North Down which became known as Clann Aedha Budhe (Clandeboye). After the outbreak of the First World War Lord Shaftesbury found himself spending less and less time at Belfast Castle. It takes you past the Devils Punchbowl, several caves and McArts Fort as you traverse moorland, heath and meadows. Marina O'Donnell, 'The Estate System of Landholding in County Donegal' in Jim MacLaughlin and Sen Beattie (Editors).

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