Hello Travel Lovers!
Our destination: Scrabo Tower in Northern Ireland
This mighty tower standing on Scrabo Hill and simply known as the "Scrabo Tower" is located in Scrabo Hill near Newtownards in County Down, Northern Ireland. It was built from 1857-1859 in memory of the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry named Charles Vane. This was originally known as "Londonderry Monument".
This tower is just a few minutes away from home. Many people go up here to have a walk, be it alone, with family or with their dogs. This is also a good place for solitude and appreciating the beauty of nature.
The Scrabo usually opens in Easter for everyone. Unfortunately, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, they were close to visitors this year. But let me show you what it looks like.
Here are the admission fees to give you an idea. And just pay it inside and from there you can climb up the tower.
History
After the death of the 3rd Marquis of Londonderry in 1854, Charles William Stewart held a meeting in Newtownards rectory to discuss the erection of a monument in his memory.
Different suggestions for the location of the monument was made, whether it should be sited in Newtownards, Conway Square or Scrabo Hill. And the Scrabo Hill was chosen.
For a budget of £2000, local architects were invited for a design competition that is perfect for the monument. First, second and third place winner was rejected because their design cost will exceed the budget and Charles Lanyon who happened to be the fourth place won.
Charles Lanyon who is a famous Ulster architect who also designed the Queen's University didn't achieve his original plan which is supposedly The Scrabo would have a taller central tower and more especial architectural style.
When I was young I'm dreaming to be in a castle and feels like a princess. And that's what I exactly felt when I was here. It has the feeling of the past. It makes you feel like you are time travelling.
I'm telling you I enjoy these stairs. I love every bit of it.
The stairs are made up of sandstone which is found in the quarries of Scrabo Hill same as the roof, quoins and window dressing. While the outer walls are made of basalt rocks. Basalt Rocks are the volcanic rocks found on the summit of Scrabo.
This is inside one of the rooms in the tower. There was a family that lives here before. And I'm so fascinated with it! I wonder how they manage to walk up and down and how they can heat the whole place. It's simply not easy to keep this running lol.
Do you want to know when was the last time it was lived-in and who?
It was in 1966! A family tradition that lasted for 109 years ended when Elizabeth, Jean and Agnes Millin handed the keys of Scrabo tower to Londonderry Estate. They were the grandchildren of William Mckay who happened to be the original tenant of the Scrabo Tower. And would you believe that the three of them was born in there? That's amazing!
And here we are at the top of the tower.
Even the pigeon are enjoying the stunning view up here.
The Scrabo has a breathtaking panoramic view of Strangford Lough and its Islands and the towns of Newtownards and Comber where we live.
I hope you enjoy our tour! You've been an amazing visitor!
THANK YOU AND COME AGAIN!
❤❤❤
Check out my other Travel Articles
La Paz Sand Dunes Adventure in Laoag
My Unforgettable Trip in Morocco
Baluarte Zoo and Safari Gallery in Vigan
Jeep Safari Adventure in Turkey- Part 2
Jeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye(Water Fighting and more) -Part 1
My First Scuba Diving Experience in Fethiye
Staying at the Garcia Resort and Spa in Oludeniz, Turkey
12 Island Boat Trip in Fethiye
Airport Transfer Service in Turkey that You Can Book Online
The Best Turkish Bath Experience in Hisaronu
How to Apply for Turkey E-Visa Online
Tips on Flying During the Pandemic
Remember to SUBSCRIBE if you liked my content! Hit LIKE and COMMENT for more! ❤️❤️❤️
And to my lovely sponsors thank you so much!
P.S.
I created a travel community named "Travel Around the World" if you have any travel post please feel free to use this community so we can all share our travel experiences. Thank you!
Do you know, dear friend, that one of my unfulfilled wishes is Ireland. I love that green island country, their Celtic music, river dance and their history. Thanks for this article.