Hop on! Let's go for a virtual trip! =)
Lovely autumn leaves waving as we head on our way to where I'm going to take you today.
Welcome to Mahee Castle!
Mahee Castle is also known as the Nendrum Castle here in County Down.
This is only a small ruined near the Nendrum Monastery. This was built by Captain Thomas Browne in 1570 and was abandoned in the early 17th century and been neglected after.
In 1923, it was partly renovated by H.C. Lawlor and the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society to avoid further damage on the tower house and they also built a buttress wall to support its corner.
Location
Mahee Castle is located in Mahee Island. Mahee Island is near the western shore of Strangford Lough, southeast of our town which is if you read about the Island Hill article where I had a date with my husband that's all part of Strangford Lough.
History
This tower house was built after a petition to the Bishop of Down in 1570 by Captain Thomas Browne. When it was abandoned in the early 17th century, the cornerstone of the castle was taken off and use for building projects and even use to make the causeway to the Island.
It says that during the 15th and 16th centuries, this castle was near the border of Clandeboye and Dufferin. And because of border conflicts, Mahee Castle may have changed hands many times.
Then in 1923, they started this restoration project under the guidance of H.C Lawlor and the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society. Part of this restoration was removing of the creeping ivy from its walls, grouting of the cracks with cement, they waterproofed the top as well and built a buttress was to support the tower's northeast corner.
Excavation
During 2001 and 2002, an archaeological excavation was carried out at this Mahee Castle under a sponsored program by the Environment and Heritage Service of Ireland.
They've done a detailed stratigraphic sequencing which revealed that the building was dated to the Late Medieval period with the help of the animal remains and remnants excavated in the castle. It means that the building could have existed before 1570.
Their goal for this excavation was to come up with a restoration program to save this site.
Front of Mahee Castle
Then when you get inside
As you can see, it's dark in here. Supposedly you can go up to the top but they close it. Maybe because we're coming here. 😅
Here's at the backside
And from the side view
It might just be a ruin but this ruin was once a proud building standing majestically in this Mahee Island.
I'm glad that they tried to restore this place and open it to the public to visit. For people like me to appreciate it's history and the now ruins.
I hope you enjoy our virtual trip as much as I did! Comment down below if you appreciate the beauty of this ruin!
Thank you so much for coming.
Information Collected from Google
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The fact that this building has still been here after a long time still amazes me, would be nice ro visit it one day