Killyleagh Castle

Killyleagh Castle stands in the village of Killyleagh in County Down, Northern Ireland. Built in 1180 by Norman knight Sir John de Courcy, it is one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country. The castle follows the style of a Loire Valley château and was redesigned in the mid-19th century by architect Sir Charles Lanyon. It has been home to the Hamilton family since the early 17th century. The gate lodges now provide holiday accommodation, and the castle has hosted concerts by performers such as Van Morrison and Glen Hansard. The castle’s history is marked by notable figures and events. In the 17th century, it was besieged by Oliver Cromwell’s forces in 1649, and later rebuilt by the 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil after damage. A legal dispute over inheritance in the late 17th century involved the destruction of a will and a prolonged court battle. The castle also played a role in the early 20th century when it came under attack by the IRA in the 1920s. Visitors to Killyleagh Castle find a blend of historic architecture and lived-in charm. The drawing room, dining room, and library interconnect and open to the garden. Lanyon’s renovations preserved vaulted rooms in the northern tower and added decorative plasterwork. The exterior retains its original fenestration, with a flurry of candle snuffers crowning the roofline. The gate lodges offer self-catering stays, and the castle occasionally hosts concerts. The surrounding village of Killyleagh adds to the peaceful setting.