@tired_momma
Killyleagh Castle in County Down, Northern Ireland
**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! ❤
26 comments
I feel like i am in a book, stories with the setting on your articles.Imagining those royalties in a castle with their knights. ❣️
Oo madam parang ansaya mag imagine din yung feeling Rapunzel let down your hair mula as tuktok. Pero sobrang laki sarap maghide and seek. 🤣
I was wondering what it feels like na makakita in real life ng mga castles. Siguro feeling Queen and Princess ako nyan. And also yun feeling na nasa fairy take books ako. It's great that you had the opportunity to visit those kind of places.
Yes I know, but then again after getting inside Scrabo Tower I said, I will prefer a bungalow. Ang mahal ng oil for the heat madam! Mamumulubi may ari nito.😅
Yun lang, hahahah. Well, given na siguro na kapag may ganyan ka is afford mo lahat dapat.. Btw, thank you for the tip momshie!❤
Hey! I missed you!
Thanks, P!!! ❤❤❤ I missed you too!!! I know you're always good and doing well. You're awesome!
This Castle is historical and I wonder if royal families still live there?
Yes the Hamilton still lives there dear. ❤ Thank you for reading.
Momma the Explorer hahaha ang ganda ng castle. Nkaka amaze. 🤗 so nice that you get to visit places momma. 😊 keep safe and continue to write more of this 💚
Thanks Glez, its not that far kaya lang young talagang historical places at sarado because of covid.
Long time no see madam. Busyng busy ka ah
Oo madam tapos na homeschooling back to school na pareho kaya makakalayas na din ako. 🤣🤣🤣
Haha.. Hirap tlga ng buhay ina 😁
soon talaga makakakita rin ako irl ng castle. ang ganda
Amen to that! 🥰
Ang ganda naman jan madam, tagal mong walang ganito ha.
Ikaw ba nmang mag homeschooling ng dalawang bata e makalayas ka pa ba😂 At dahil back go school back to gala din ako. 😜
Haha at least nagka time na madams. Masusulit na ang free time tehee, with hubby ganorn.
Hindi ko maintindihan yung ibang terms ate at hindi ko alam basahin. Basta, alam ko na hinati yung land hahahaha. You're lucky you have the chance to visit it, and next time kapag wala nang pandemic, I know you can show us what's inside of this castle.
Hello there, Wew, imagine that, living in a real-world castle with that much history. Heck, I wouldn't mind living in a castle even WITHOUT history :P Cheers!
Haha, it would be nice for a good hide and seek in there lol. Thanks Max!
I can see why it can hold concerts- that land area is huge OwO
That would've been interesting to see what's inside! Hehehe
Yes, I know! I was gutted but hoping to go back again when it's open. Cheers love
To be continued hehehee