Killyleagh Castle is the oldest inhabited castle located in the small village of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. You will not miss this when you're in the area as it overwhelms the village. The castle has its parts which are dating back to 1180.

The architectural style of the castle follows the style of a Loire Valley chateau and being redesigned by renowned architect Sir Charles Lanyon in the mid-19th century. If you read my article about the Scrabo Tower here in Newtownards, Sir Charles Lanyon was also the one behind its design. Killyleagh Castle was owned by the Hamilton family since the early 17th century.

This castle is currently the home of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his young family. Killyleagh castle hosts concerts and some of the performers include Bap Kennedy, Glen Hansard and Van Morrison. Also, this castle was used to film the CBBC show "Dani's Castle" from 2012-2014.

There's also a War Memorial on the right-hand side of the gate.

History

In the 12th century, Killyleagh was settled by Norman knight John de Courcy who built fortifications in 1180 on the site of the castle as part of fortifications around the Strangford Lough for protection from the Vikings.

In 1602, large tracts of North Down including Killyleagh was owned by Gaelic chieftain Con O'Neill of Clandeboye. O'Neill's wife made a deal to give half of O'Neill's land to Scots aristocrat Hugh Montgomery if he could get a royal pardon for O'Neill when he sent his men to attack English soldiers after a disagreement and consequently they were imprisoned.

Montgomery obtained the pardon, however, King James I divided the land in three wherein the area from Killyleagh to Bangor went to James Hamilton who later becomes the 1st Viscount of Clandeboye. Killyleagh has a map from 1625 showing that the castle has a single tower on the south side of a residence. Hamilton moved from Bangor to Killyleagh Castle in about 1625 where he built the courtyard walls.

And this castle has been home to Hamilton ever since.

I've been here yesterday after taking the kids to school and finishing some errands. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, the castle is close to visitors so I can't go inside. But still, I had my moment to make the most out of it.

❤Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy it! ❤