We exist to make planning your Irish Road Trip easy. The beginnings of Belfast Castle Course of the disappeared Farset River The first Belfast Castle is believed to 2. The castle boasts an antique shop, a restaurant and visitors centre. Its location provides unobstructed views over the City of Belfast and Belfast Lough. Hot food is served until 3pm. WebCarrickfergus Castle. https://ga.advisor.travel/poi/Caislean-Bheal-Feirste-11444, https://www.irelandhighlights.com/info/belfast-castle/, https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/belfast-castle-estate-p676051, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-62167256, https://apps.communities-ni.gov.uk/Buildings/buildview.aspx?id=8684&js=true, https://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/heritage/buildings-belfast-castle-estate, https://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/heritage/history-carrickfergus, http://www.placenamesni.org/resultdetails.php?entry=17038, https://www.townlands.ie/antrim/belfast-lower/templecorran/templecorran/aldfreck/, https://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/heritage/chichester-family, https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Living-in-Northern-Ireland/Life-in-Belfast/The-history-of-the-city/, http://www.stonedatabase.com/buildings.cfm?bk=2616, https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/3094/LANYON,+charles+(sir), https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/3086/LANYON-JOHN, https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/John_Lanyon, http://www.mmtrust.org.uk/mausolea/view/486/Belfast_Castle_Mortuary_Chapel, http://www.stonedatabase.com/buildings.cfm?bk=2617, https://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/property/movein/2016/02/25/news/a-site-with-truly-divine-potential-430817, https://www.flickr.com/photos/16132340@N07/16673439845, https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/house-home/let-there-be-light-derelict-belfast-church-transformed-into-heavenly-homes-39478506.html, https://paintworksni.com/the-chapel-donegal-park-gardens/, https://content.propertynews.com/belfast-church-transformed-into-homes-at-the-chapel-development/, https://www.alskea.com/development-project/antrim-road/, https://www.rqia.org.uk/inspections/view-inspections-as/map/the-gate-lodge-dental-practice/, Historic houses in the Republic of Ireland, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Belfast_Castle&oldid=1147255831, Gothic Revival architecture in Northern Ireland, Register of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with Structurae structure identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 March 2023, at 19:34. We also provide all the visiting information you need to help plan your visit to each castle. [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. But the locals say they can still hear the screams of the kitchen staff over the sound of the sea waves. 'Belfast: The hidden castles under the city's shops' (, W.A. Basalt rock forms the coastline of this part of Ulster and this castle was mainly built out of local basalt stone, known for its strength and durability. Archaeological evidence suggests humans have been living on Castle Rock since 850 BC. The 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Sorley Boy McDonnell took Dunluce by force from the McQuillans after the Battle of Orla in 1565. They still own the castle, but now live in Glenarm. The boat was dashed against the rocks and both were killed. Image by Hajotthu from Wikimedia. The stairs are quite steep and might be slippery during the rainy season. Of all the private owners of the new Belfast Castle, the 9th Earl was to own it the longest, presiding over the castle until January 1934. [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. We may all come from different walks of life but we have one common passion - learning through travel. Apart from this, the castle is also famous for The Cave Hill Country Park, The Cave Hill Adventurous Playground, The Cave Hill Visitor Centre, and much more! 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. After his military service was over, he mainly lived in Great Britain, where he was very involved in politics at Westminster. In the years after it was given to the city, there was some debate about what Belfast Castle should be used for. Wildlife abounds in the park including sparrow-hawks, long-eared owls and the rare Adoxa moschatellina Town Hall Clock plant. The castle we see today was built in Scottish Baronial style, and the construction was completed in 1870. Once the home of the Donegall family, there have been quite a few Belfast Castles over the centuries. 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]. Whether you want to learn the history of a city, or you simply need a recommendation for your next meal, Discover Walks Team offers an ever-growing travel encyclopaedia. Then head for a post-walk feed at the castle. [43] This huge estate covered almost all of Inishowen,[44][45] and had been seized by the Crown from the Dochartaigh (O'Doherty) clan in the aftermath of the rebellion of Sir Cathaoir Ruadh Dochartaigh (Sir Cahir Rua O'Doherty), Lord of Inishowen, in 1608. This castle was never rebuilt. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The first Belfast Castle wasbuilt in the late 12th century by the Normansin Belfast city. The Chapel of the Resurrection, like Belfast Castle and the rest of its surrounding demesne, was inherited by the Shaftesbury family in October 1883. It was on holidays along the North Coast, that C S Lewis first set eyes on Dunluce Castle. Alternatively, head to the Cellar Restaurant which serves Irish and British favourites within the castle building. This is the location that Lewis states as his inspiration for Cair Paravel in Narnia. The feast was to celebrate a newly signed peace agreement between the English Crown and Sir Brian. Especially under the of 1903, the huge country estates in Ireland, including those of the Shaftesbury family in Ulster, were broken up and sold off, mainly being sold to the tenant farmers who actually lived on and farmed the land. This original High Medieval, Late Medieval and Early Modern castle site was on the southern bank of the River Farset (which now flows beneath High Street), being located on a sliver of land that was bounded by the Farset to the north and the River Owenvara (Blackstaff River) to the south. [37][38][42], By 1603, Belfast Castle, which was probably a Gaelic towerhouse by this time, was in ruins, largely as a result of the Nine Years' War. 24 No-one knows what the original name means. Image by Anna and Piotr Pieszak from Pixabay. [10][15] This original 'Belfast Castle', located on what later became the County Antrim side of the River Lagan, was probably in the area now bounded by Donegall Place, Castle Place, Cornmarket, and Castle Lane in the centre of what is now Belfast City Centre. Cavehill Country park contains numerous archaeological and historical features, including Napoleons Nose, which is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swifts novel Gullivers Travels. Exterior shots ofDunluce Castlewere used inGame of ThronesforPyke Castle of House GreyjoyonPyke Island. [80] He decided to build what has been described as a new 'princely mansion'[1] for himself in the 1860s on what was then the northern edge of Belfast,[1][77] just over a decade after the Great Famine had ended. The designs for the chapel came out of the office of Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon. To find out more about how we use your location, please read our. Orientation Courses are also available within the castle.Belfast Castle, Northern Ireland, by Andrew Hurley, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo by Ballygally View Images (Shutterstock). showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland. The castle and its surrounding demesne was eventually gifted to the City of Belfast by Lord Shaftesbury in January 1934.[35][60]. Dunluce Castle is in the care of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. After the third Marquis of Donegalls demise, the castles possession was passed ontoThe Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury: Lord Ashley. [13][14], By 1333, a small settlement is thought to have developed around the castle at Belfast. Sir Brian mac Feidhlimidh Nill was not killed during this massacre. Homepage, Eat & Drink To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. The castle stands mostly in ruins today, but the walls and remains of some of the buildings can still be seen. He was known as the Earl of Belfast, a courtesy title, between January 1799 and October 1844, when he succeeded his father in the marquessate. [109][110][111][112], The Gate Lodge at what was formerly the main entrance into the Belfast Castle Demesne still stands. Its quite challenging underfoot and steep in places but very rewarding. One of the beauties of visiting Belfast Castle is that its a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Belfast. [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). Yes, there is no admission fee for visiting the castle. Titanic. This event was ordered by Essex himself and is usually known as the Clandeboye Massacre. 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. [9] Designed by John Lanyon, the son and business partner of Sir Charles Lanyon, the Gate Lodge is located on the Antrim Road. The Chapel of the Resurrection was also built for The 3rd Marquess of Donegall in the late 1860s, at the same time as the new Belfast Castle. Belfast Castle estate also contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland that is home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfasts rarest plant, the town hall clock. We create informative articles about castles and famous historical figures such as kings and queens. However, the ruins left today are from the 16th and 17th centuries, when Dunluce became the seat of Clan McDonnell, who overthrew their rivals, the McQuillans, who were Lords of Route. But thats not the only exciting thing about this 16th-century structure. Its one of the most haunted castles on the island of Ireland. 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. Martina O'Donnell, 'Settlement and Society in the Barony of East Inishowen. find opening hours for the castle at the moment. WebThe first 'Belfast Castle' was built by the Normans in the late 12th century. He also experiences financial difficulties managing the estate, especially after the various Land Acts passed by the British Parliament during the 1880s, 1890s and early twentieth-century. Can you remember?. Also, dont forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits! The cave is actually a huge cavern, more than 25 meters under the castle. Lord Belfast had died in Naples, aged 25, from scarlatina in February 1853. 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. [115] The Gate Lodge is now occupied by a dental practice, and is located where Strathmore Park meets the Antrim Road. Come amaze yourself with your creativity and bring home. The castle sits atop a volcano But no need to fear the volcanic explosion that formed Castle Rock last exploded nearly 340 million years ago. The first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in the late 12th Century. What are the opening hours for Belfast Castle. Lynn or John Lanyon. According to legend, Belfast Castle is safe as long as there is a (preferably white) cat residing there. [57][58] It is almost certain that Chichester had his 'Plantation' castle built on the site of the Gaelic U Nill towerhouse. The new, Victorian castle was built in the Scots Baronial architectural style and was designed by the Belfast firm of Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon. The popularity of the show has brought hundreds of visitors to the castle in Ireland. Image by William Miller from Wikimedia. Following this fire, the senior line of the Donegall family left Belfast. The fire destroyed the castle, leaving only street names, such as Castle Place, to mark the location. It is situated in Cumbria,. This is regarded as one of the more challenging walks in Belfast for good reason. The Clandeboye Massacre Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex Wikipedia In October 1574, The 1st Earl This castle, in some form or another, has been present for nearly two thousand years of Irish history. For our opening times, go to Opening hours. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is Belfast Castle free? This new residence was located on what was then the northern edge of Belfast. Northern Irelands capital is bustling with great food spots, as youll discover in our guide to the best restaurants in Belfast. [6] Chichester may even have incorporated parts of the U Nill structure into his new castle. You can take a Line 2 Train from Belfast Lanyon Palace to Downshire and walk for approximately 9 minutes to reach the castle. The Chichester castle features prominently to the top right of Thomas Phillips' map of Belfast in 1685. 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'. Around 1608, Randal McDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim, built the town of Dunluce next to the castle. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We can't (and we've tried!) 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. The building of these housing estates greatly reduced the castle's demesne in size. Homepage, Stay [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]'. [10][36] A new grant of the castle and its surrounding lands was made by the Crown the following year, in May 1604, again to Chichester, who would serve as Lord Deputy of Ireland between 1605 and 1616. [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]. [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. [1][80] Thus, she and her husband eventually inherited the castle and the rest of the Donegall family's vast estates in October 1883, upon the death of her father, the 3rd Marquess,[80] while the marquessate was inherited by her elderly uncle, the former Church of Ireland Dean of Raphoe, who became The 4th Marquess of Donegall. With its fascinating history and associations, its superb setting and views, and well-deserved reputation for good food, here are the top 10 facts about Belfast Castle; 1. Dont miss St Georges Market (Fridays through Sundays) with its musical entertainment and stalls. Although the reason for its fame [6][16][18] By the 1860s, nothing remained above ground of the earlier 'Belfast Castles'. If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!You can email us your pictures of the castle atcastrumtocastle@gmail.com. This shows that the kitchen did not fall. Belfast church transformed into homes at The Chapel development. [84] This Victorian castle, which has been described by Sir Charles Brett as 'a rugged and determined exercise in the fullness of the Scottish Baronial style, perched on a highly romantic site with a superb view',[1] remains standing and in use to the present day. [75] Ormeau House, where The 2nd Marquess of Donegall died in October 1844,[76] was eventually demolished in the late 1860s.[77][78]. [6] It certainly seems that the 'Plantation' castle was, at the very least, built on the site of the U Nill towerhouse, which had probably replaced the Norman castle. 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. It remained in their hands throughout the fifteenth- and sixteenth-centuries, with a few brief exceptions. It appears that it has been closed for much of 2021. The medieval Belfast Castle was eventually seized by a branch of the powerful U Nill (ONeill) dynasty of the Cnel nEgain, probably at the end of the fourteenth-century or the beginning of the fifteenth-century. [60] The Cavehill Visitor Centre is located inside the castle. The Mausolea and Monuments Trust: Belfast Castle Mortuary Chapel. [6][12] These Norman invaders carved out a territory for themselves which was centred on Carrickfergus, this territory later becoming known as the Earldom of Ulster. Belfast is home to many museums that tell its history, culture and daily life. Excavations have revealed the evidence of coins from the times of Charles I and Elizabeth I. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line. Martina O'Donnell, 'The Estate System of Landholding in County Donegal' in Jim MacLaughlin and Sen Beattie (Editors). After that, head outside to admire the impressive exterior and the stunning Lough Belfast views. Photos via Curated Kitchen & Coffee on Facebook. Paintworks NI: The Chapel, Donegall Park Gardens. It appears that it has been closed for much of 2021. 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. : The Gate Lodge Dental Practice. [89][90] It was Lord Shaftesbury who had the Baroque stone staircase added to the garden faade of the castle in 1894. [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. For local insights and insiders travel tips that you wont find anywhere else, search any keywords in the top right-hand toolbar on this page. He and his wife, Constance, Countess of Shaftesbury (1875-1957), were also very involved with charitable causes in Belfast, often holding events in the grounds of Belfast Castle in order to raise money for local charities. More than 1,200 men died in the wreck, and 9 survived, helped by Sorley Boy MacDonnell, chief of the clan MacDonnell and owner of Dunluce Castle at the time. [3][4][5] There have been several different structures called 'Belfast Castle' over the centuries, located on different sites. 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. There is currently no charge for parking. [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. Natural Stone Database: Buildings - Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast. WebBelfast Castle is located in the Cave Hill area of north Belfast. 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. 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 castle was briefly occupied twice by the forces of The 8th Earl of Kildare, the Lord Deputy of Ireland and the leading Geraldine at the time. This current grand turreted castle was built in 1862 by the 3rd Marquis of Donegall, a descendant of the Chichester family.The Scottish Baronial architectural style was designed by architect John Lanyon, whose father Charles designed the Palm House in Belfasts Botanic Gardens. The restaurant is open for dinner until 9pm on Thursday to Saturday evenings. You can choose a different starting point here, or specify your own. [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. They were very influential in the city as Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1907 and Chancellor of the Queens University in 1908. [60], Belfast Castle is open to the public daily with a visitor centre, antique shop, Millennium Herb Garden, restaurant, and a playground. [54] The 3rd Marquess joined the British Army as an officer when he was a young man. While the town of Belfast had been sold off by The 3rd Marquess of Donegall back in the 1850s,[62][69][79] the Donegall family continued to own a large estate in County Antrim and large parts of Inishowen until these passed to the Shaftesburys in October 1883. Belfast City Hall, the Black Mountain, Titanic Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter are all worth a visit. The Ability Caf at the Castle Tavern is now open 9am to 4pm every day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland. This castle has a long and tumultuous history, well worth exploring. [10] This medieval castle may have been built by the Normans, who invaded East Ulster in the late twelfth century. There are three ways to get to Belfast Castle. Novels that drew inspiration from Dunluce Castle. In the section below, weve popped in the most FAQs that weve received. You have previously denied access to your GPS location. Belfast rumour has it that the clock tower leans because of the prostitutes that used to occupy the building. These lands were redeveloped as housing estates, mainly in the 1950s and 1960s, leaving the chapel marooned in the middle of these new estates. [10], Sir Arthur Chichester was also 'granted' a vast estate in Inishowen in County Donegal, over in the north-west of Ulster, in 1608 or 1609. The castle underwent another round of refurbishment in May 2003. Nevertheless, the site was passed down over the centuries, until it came into the part ownership of Winston Churchill through his marriage to Clementine Hozier. By 1603, Belfast Castle was in ruins, largely as a result of the Nine Years War. Dunluce Castle. As with Belfast Castle itself, there is some debate over who actually designed the Chapel of the Resurrection. The head of the Donegall family would not live in Belfast again for almost a century, until The 2nd Marquess of Donegall (1769-1844) settled in Belfast in 1802, establishing his main residence there. Sir Brian, along with his wife and his brother, were arrested by Lord Essex and, later in 1574, all three were executed in Dublin. For more stunning views, don your hiking boots and head out on the Cave Hill Trail. 23 The castle had its own gallows. A report by the plantation commissioners in 1611 gives Historical and archaeological exhibits are on display for public viewing. Scots Baronial style castles were typically built on asymmetrical plans and included high roofs, towers, and turrets to display the owner's status. Below Dunluce Castle, there is a massive cave, named Mermaids Cave. Belfast Castle was used as the permanent premises of the Shaftesbury family from the 18th to the early 19th century. The Queen's University of Belfast: The History Of The City. The castle and its surrounding demesne were eventually gifted to the City of Belfast by Lord Shaftesbury in January 1934. It also features the plants and animals that live in Cave Hill County Park within the woodland, heath, cliffs, caves and two nature reserves. [107], Having been derelict for almost fifty years,[9][104][108] the chapel was eventually converted into luxury flats, with work being completed in 2020. really odd question, then we're here for you. Scots Baronial style was an architectural style that originally developed out of French-inspired Gothic styles during the Renaissance in Scotland in the sixteenth-century. [66], The 2nd Marquess of Donegall also maintained a country residence called Ormeau Cottage on the Ormeau Demesne (which later became Ormeau Park). It is a monument in state care sited in the townland of Dunluce, in Coleraine Borough Council area, at grid ref: C9048 4137. 5. Stay on for the 10 amazing facts about Dunluce Castle. On-site amenities include an excellent Visitor Centre, cafe/restaurant, toilets and a Gift Shop. WE read of the Castle of Belfast as occupying a very important part in the old history of the town. Shimmering seas reflect majestic sunsets and waves crashing against black and gray rocks hide tales of ghosts, hauntings and tragedies. 1913. No votes so far! 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 Giants Causeway Legend And The Now-Famous Finn McCool Story, What To See And Do In The Magnificent Ballyhoura Region. Here are 11 facts about this famous collection of ceremonial objects and royal regalia. [56] The head of the family was further advanced in the Peerage of Ireland to being Marquess of Donegall in July 1791. The last service in the chapel was held in 1972, after which the building was closed. Discover Northern Ireland: Belfast Castle Estate. In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. Belfasts Albert Clock tower is sinking it leans by four feet. 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. After the outbreak of the First World War Lord Shaftesbury found himself spending less and less time at Belfast Castle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Visit Belfast is a trading name of Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau Limited (NI 034953). Cave Hill Visitor Centre is located in the basement of Belfast Castle. Belfast Castle is no less interesting. [10] In June 1597, the forces of Shane McBrian O'Neill, Lord of Lower Clandeboye and son and successor of Sir Brian mac Feidhlimidh Nill, forcibly took the castle back from English control, apparently putting to the sword most of the English garrison there. Photo right: Joy Brown (Shutterstock). It was used as the external part of the Iron Island stronghold. [102][103] The chapel was built in the Decorated Gothic[104] version of the Gothic Revival style and was constructed in the demesne of the new castle, just off the Antrim Road. There are plenty of snacks and drinks available, although the castle is best known for its large-scale catering. Homepage, Business Events Belfast and Northern Ireland, Belfast Castle is one of the city's most famous landmarks, Breathtaking views of the city from Cave Hill Country Park, The award-winning Cave Hill Adventurous Playground, Learn about the history at Cave Hill Visitor Centre, Shop in the Victorian-style Castle Antiques area.