[6][10] In fact, all the earlier structures called Belfast Castle were on a completely different site, and in a completely different area of Belfast, from the current Belfast Castle. The castle was originally built in 1500 by the McQuillans, who came from Scotland in the 1200s as hired mercenaries and built the castle around 200 years later. [109][110][111][112], The Gate Lodge at what was formerly the main entrance into the Belfast Castle Demesne still stands. Belfast Castle was built in 1177 during the Norman Invasion of Ireland after John de Courcy acquired land in eastern Ulster that included the small village of Belfast. Wildlife abounds in the park including sparrow-hawks, long-eared owls and the rare Adoxa moschatellina Town Hall Clock plant. Here are 11 facts about this famous collection of ceremonial objects and royal regalia. In the 1980s, Belfast Castle was totally renovated and continues to be a popular centre for conferences, events and weddings. A second castle was constructed bySir Arthur Chichester, the baron of Belfast, on the same site in the year 1611. Belfast Castle is no less interesting. It was called Belfast Castle, in a nod to family history, even though it was built on a completely different site from the original castle site, which had been located right in the centre of Belfast. Visitors can explore the public rooms on the ground and first floor. Sorley Boy McDonnell took Dunluce by force from the McQuillans after the Battle of Orla in 1565. [115], Belfast Castle is located 400 feet (121.92 metres) above sea level on Cave Hill, overlooking Belfast in County Antrim in the east of Ulster. Interesting facts about Belfast | Just Fun Facts To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. The Victorian structured Castle has a breathtaking view in the lough of the city and is positioned 120 m above sea level. The first Belfast Castle was built in the late 12th century by the Normans in Belfast city. A second castle was constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, the baron of Belfast, on the same site in the year 1611. By 1603, Belfast Castle was in ruins, largely as a result of the Nine Years War. Featuring on theHBO TV serieswasnt the first time that Dunluce Castle was shown to the world. The Queen's University of Belfast: The History Of The City. Once inside the cave, be careful as its also very steep and it can get slippery with the water on the stones. To find out more about how we use your location, please read our. You can also take a bus from Duncairn Yorkgate Station to Carrickfergus 14-22 Larne Road and walk for 8 minutes to reach the castle. The castle and its surrounding demesne was eventually gifted to the City of Belfast by Lord Shaftesbury in January 1934.[35][60]. On the 24 April 1708, the Belfast Castle, which had been built for Lord Chichester, accidentally burnt down. Photo right: Joy Brown (Shutterstock). WebThe Story of Belfast and Its Surroundings. Location. WebCarrickfergus was built by an Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy in 1177, he used this Castle as his headquarters after he conquered eastern Ulster. The first Belfast Castle is believed to have been erected at Bal Feirste, Belfast, by the 1220s. This construction in the mid-twentieth-century left both the Chapel of the Resurrection and the former Main Gate Lodge marooned in the middle of housing estates, no longer being part of the castle's demesne. Apart from this, the castle is also famous for The Cave Hill Country Park, The Cave Hill Adventurous Playground, The Cave Hill Visitor Centre, and much more! There is currently no charge for parking. Lord Shaftesbury, his wife Harriet, Countess of Shaftesbury, and her Chichester ancestors are commemorated in the form of Belfast street names, much like how the original castles are remembered.[60][88]. Its said the McDonnells covered a bog with rushes and stationed a few men on firm ground, fooling the McQuillans into charging into the bog. But the locals say they can still hear the screams of the kitchen staff over the sound of the sea waves. [6][10][11] Originally, a castle had been erected at Bal Feirste (Belfast) by the 1220s, probably to guard the important ford across the River Lagan. Homepage, Plan Donegall House was converted into being The Royal Hotel in 1824. [115] The grand, octagonal stone carriageway piers that once stood to one side of the Gate Lodge were demolished in the mid-twentieth century, as was the attached wall surrounding the demesne. Hot food is served until 3pm. Orientation Courses are also available within the castle.Belfast Castle, Northern Ireland, by Andrew Hurley, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. For local insights and insiders travel tips that you wont find anywhere else, search any keywords in the top right-hand toolbar on this page. Although popularly attributed to Sir Charles Lanyon, some architectural historians believe that the castle was actually designed by either his business partner, and former apprentice, W.H. Grand Belfast Castle offers panoramic views from its elevated position in Cave Hill Country Park. It includes many archaeological sites, fantastic flora and fauna, and panoramic views. Curiously, it was only when he no longer owned Belfast that Lord Donegall became interested in actually living there. Inside the grand front door, the ground and first floor rooms have retained their original features. [4], Another example of events held at the castle was the 2015 Belfast Castle Hospice Walk, held by the Northern Ireland Hospice to benefit local charities and those living with terminal illnesses.[118]. Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and, Only 10 minutes from Bangor, these old fisherman's cottages now house a heritage display, visitor information and weekend, Step aboard and discover one ship, 100 years of history, and 1000 incredible stories, Located in Portaferry on the shores of Strangford Lough, you can enjoy a diver's view of marine life, Journey back in time and discover the stories of Irish emigration to the New World in the 18th, See the gothic and classical collide at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion resting on a rolling, Perfect for a family stroll while looking at the local flora and fauna, Balloo Wetland Nature Reserve has, Ever wanted to learn the ancient craft of coppersmithing? The beginnings of Belfast Castle. Which boasts no less than nine cats for visitors to discover. The castle we see today was built in Scottish Baronial style, and the construction was completed in 1870. For more stunning views, don your hiking boots and head out on the Cave Hill Trail. The Chapel of the Resurrection, like Belfast Castle and the rest of its surrounding demesne, was inherited by the Shaftesbury family in October 1883. The castle was designed and built in the Victorian version of the Scots Baronial style. Archaeologists have uncovered the house of a Scottish merchant that was erected in the first part of the 17th century. The castle underwent another round of refurbishment in May 2003. "}}]}, The Giants Causeway Legend And The Now-Famous Finn McCool Story, What To See And Do In The Magnificent Ballyhoura Region. [10] In June 1597, the forces of Shane McBrian O'Neill, Lord of Lower Clandeboye and son and successor of Sir Brian mac Feidhlimidh Nill, forcibly took the castle back from English control, apparently putting to the sword most of the English garrison there. 'Belfast: The hidden castles under the city's shops' (, W.A. It is situated in Cumbria,. We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a [84] This Victorian castle, which has been described by Sir Charles Brett as 'a rugged and determined exercise in the fullness of the Scottish Baronial style, perched on a highly romantic site with a superb view',[1] remains standing and in use to the present day. Homepage, Stay Discover Walks contributors speak from all corners of the world - from Prague to Bangkok, Barcelona to Nairobi. [115] The Gate Lodge is now occupied by a dental practice, and is located where Strathmore Park meets the Antrim Road. One of the beauties of visiting Belfast Castle is that its a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Belfast. Belfast Castle is located 400 feet (121.92 metres) above sea level on Cave Hill, overlooking Belfast in County Antrim in the east of Ulster. According to legend, Belfast Castle is safe as long as there is a (preferably white) cat residing there. The 'castle' (in reality a Victorian country house) was mainly constructed between 1867 and 1870,[1][60][77] and was built using pink Scrabo sandstone from the north of County Down, along with Giffnock sandstone dressings imported from Renfrewshire, all on a rock-faced basalt plinth. It covers the former Pleasure Gardens, Floral Hall and Bellevue Zoo. 24 No-one knows what the original name means. About Belfast You have to go down 115 steps to reach the cave. Discover Northern Ireland: Belfast Castle Estate. Dunluce Castle is an important historical marker perched high on a cliff along the causeway coast of County Antrim. The first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in the late 12th Century. Image by William Miller from Wikimedia. We also provide all the visiting information you need to help plan your visit to each castle. Lynn or John Lanyon. Alskea: Donegall Park Gardens, Antrim Road, Belfast. Belfast Castle | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Ultimate guide Placenamesni.org: Aldfreck, County Antrim. Belfast Castle estate also contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland that is home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfasts rarest plant, the town hall clock. [60] This serpentine outdoor staircase was installed for The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury in 1894. It is described as, The castle of Cair Paravel on its little hill towered up above them; before them were the sands, with rocks and little pools of salt water, and seaweed, and the smell of the sea, and long lines of bluish-green waves breaking forever and ever on the beach. Yes, there is no admission fee for visiting the castle. You have previously denied access to your GPS location. Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre 5. It takes you past the Devils Punchbowl, several caves and McArts Fort as you traverse moorland, heath and meadows. Thus, upon his own death in February 1625, Arthur, Lord Chichester, was succeeded in his estates and properties (but not in the peerage) by his younger brother Edward (1568-1648), who was created The 1st Viscount Chichester later in that same year. [1][80] Thus, she and her husband eventually inherited the castle and the rest of the Donegall family's vast estates in October 1883, upon the death of her father, the 3rd Marquess,[80] while the marquessate was inherited by her elderly uncle, the former Church of Ireland Dean of Raphoe, who became The 4th Marquess of Donegall. For a century it remained a magazine and armoury. A cobbled street going across the town towards Dunluce Castle has also been discovered. But thats not the only exciting thing about this 16th-century structure. It was built in the 1860s and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. [3][5], While it is open to the public daily, reservations can be made for a private room to host weddings, business meetings, and parties. [22][23][24] The U Nill of Clandeboye maintained Belfast Castle as one of their main residences,[10][25] with the castle and its surrounding tath largely remaining in their hands throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries,[22] with a few brief exceptions. The new, Victorian castle was built in the Scots Baronial architectural style and was designed by the Belfast firm of Lanyon, Lynn and Lanyon. Dunluce Castle is in the care of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Once the home of the Donegall family, there have been quite a few Belfast Castles over the centuries. Marina O'Donnell, 'The Estate System of Landholding in County Donegal' in Jim MacLaughlin and Sen Beattie (Editors). [6][11][16] Although originally built in either the late twelfth-century or the early thirteenth-century, this castle was 'rebuilt' on several occasions between the 1220s and the 1550s, possibly being 'rebuilt' on the same site or on an adjacent site. We cant (and weve tried!) He was known as the Earl of Belfast, a courtesy title, between January 1799 and October 1844, when he succeeded his father in the marquessate. The castle is flanked on all sides by extremely steep waterfalls, which may have attracted early Christians and Vikings to the area. WebIn 1797 the Castle, which had on various occasions been used to house prisoners of war, became a prison and it was heavily defended during the Napoleonic Wars; six guns on the east battery remain of the twenty-two that were used in 1811. [66], The 2nd Marquess of Donegall also maintained a country residence called Ormeau Cottage on the Ormeau Demesne (which later became Ormeau Park). Belfast is home to many museums that tell its history, culture and daily life. [6] By 1802, these original castle sites had partially been built upon with other buildings. Photos via Curated Kitchen & Coffee on Facebook. Belfast church transformed into homes at The Chapel development. Facts about Belfast Castle [87][106], Harriet, Countess of Shaftesbury (1836-1898), the wife of The 8th Earl of Shaftesbury, later commissioned a sculpture to commemorate her brother, Lord Belfast, and her mother, Harriet, Marchioness of Donegall (1822-1860),[106] the daughter of The 1st Earl of Glengall and the first wife of The 3rd Marquess of Donegall. This castle was never rebuilt. It was built in 1811-1870 on a mountain overlooking the city. really odd question, then we're here for you. Also, dont forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits! Belfast Castle was passed to the Shaftesburys in October 1883. Cavehill Country park contains numerous archaeological and historical features, including Napoleons Nose, which is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swifts novel Gullivers Travels. Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Top 10 Facts about Belfast Castle 1. The sculpture, which was originally located in the Chapel of the Resurrection, was carved in white marble, and it depicts the young Lord Belfast lying on a sofa, dying from scarlatina, being mourned by his lace-capped mother, Lady Donegall. Castle on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland, The current Belfast Castle, which was constructed in the late 1860s for. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The fire destroyed the castle, leaving only street names, such as Castle Place, to mark the location. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Image by MorningbirdPhoto from Pixabay, S. Lewis is said to have been inspired by the castle in his portrayal of Cair Paravel, the royal castle of Narnia in his famous book series The Chronicles Of Narnia.. This castle, in some form or another, has been present for nearly two thousand years of Irish history. The castle was just the beginning. Fans of Game Of Thrones can instantly recognize Dunluce Castle as the seat of the House of Greyjoy the great castle of Pyke.
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