Rooms of the castle have now been converted into public tea rooms that can be booked for tea parties or meetings. 34 Fun Facts About Belfast, Northern Ireland - Traveling with the Dunluce Castle is an important historical marker perched high on a cliff along the causeway coast of County Antrim. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Also it is said that good fortune will come to those visiting the castle as long as the tradition of the castle cat is kept. The Queen's University of Belfast: The History Of The City. [73] At that time, the Ormeau Demesne was on the south-eastern edge of Belfast, being in Ballynafeigh on the County Down side of the River Lagan. 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. When the head of the Chichester family was advanced in the Peerage of Ireland to being an earl in 1647, they took the title Earl of Donegall due to the family's ownership of this vast estate in Inishowen. By default, all distances on the site are calculated from Belfast City Centre. Novels that drew inspiration from Dunluce Castle. [13][14], By 1333, a small settlement is thought to have developed around the castle at Belfast. [81][82] This new residence was called Belfast Castle, in a nod to family history, even though it was built on a completely different site, and in a completely different area, from the original castle site, which had been located right in the centre of Belfast. Its one of the most haunted castles on the island of Ireland. Join us [56] The head of the family was further advanced in the Peerage of Ireland to being Marquess of Donegall in July 1791. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Visit Belfast is a trading name of Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau Limited (NI 034953). One of the most famous ships in history was built right here in Belfast. [102][103] The chapel was built in the Decorated Gothic[104] version of the Gothic Revival style and was constructed in the demesne of the new castle, just off the Antrim Road. [37][38][39][40][41] It seems this massacre was ordered by Essex himself. Then head for a post-walk feed at the castle. However, this castle was built of stone and timber and burnt down after a hundred years, leaving only a little of it to mark its presence as the Castle Place to the common public. Passed down by generations, it was later handed over to the northern Irish Government in 1928. The first Belfast Castle wasbuilt in the late 12th century by the Normansin Belfast city. A formative ruin located on an island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In the section below, weve popped in the most FAQs that weve received. [43] This huge estate covered almost all of Inishowen,[44][45] and had been seized by the Crown from the Dochartaigh (O'Doherty) clan in the aftermath of the rebellion of Sir Cathaoir Ruadh Dochartaigh (Sir Cahir Rua O'Doherty), Lord of Inishowen, in 1608. Registered Office 9 Donegall Square North, Belfast BT1 5GB. Instead, Sir Brian, along with his wife and his brother, were arrested by Lord Essex and, later in 1574, all three were executed in Dublin. In July 1603, Sir Arthur Chichester offered to rebuild Belfast Castle if he was granted Belfast and its surrounding lands by the Crown. We cant (and weve tried!) Enter your e-mail address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. The town was built to rival Coleraine. Sir John Chichester, who had been appointed as Governor of Carrickfergus Castle, soon fell out with the previously neutral MacDonnells of the Glens. really odd question, then we're here for you. He settled at what became known as Donegall House, a large terraced house on the corner of what is now Donegall Place and Donegall Square North, only a few hundred yards from the original site of Belfast Castle, right in the centre of the town of Belfast[68][69] (it did not officially become a city until November 1888[70][71][72]). [60], Since the construction of the current Belfast Castle in the late 1860s, its sandstone walls and towers have been restored. Even if you just visit for the views out over the city, the short 20-minute drive from the city centre out to the castle are well worth it. R.J. Hunter, 'Plantation in Donegal' in William Nolan, Liam Ronayne and Mairead Dunlevy (Editors), Thomas McErlean, 'Chapter 4: The Archaeology and History of. Theres a small cafe on the ground floor opening onto the terrace. It was built in 1811-1870 on a mountain overlooking the city. 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. [9], There have been several different structures called 'Belfast Castle' over the centuries; not all of these structures have been on the same site. 'Belfast: The hidden castles under the city's shops' (, W.A. Top 10 Amazing Facts about Dunluce Castle - Discover Walks Blog It has since hosted many weddings, dances and events. Built in the 12th century by the Normans, Belfast Castleis established in a prominent position ofThe Cave Hill County Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They were very influential in the city as Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1907 and Chancellor of the Queens University in 1908. Photo right: Joy Brown (Shutterstock). Titanic. 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. Situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast Castle is a short 20 Natural Stone Database: Buildings - Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast. A Guide To Weather, Seasons + Climate, How To Get Around In Ireland: The Pros + Cons To Cars, Tours and Public Transport, Airports in Ireland: Where They Are And Which Is The Best To Fly Into, Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Belfast Castle, 2. Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Belfast Castle 1. https://ga.advisor.travel/poi/Caislean-Bheal-Feirste-11444, https://www.irelandhighlights.com/info/belfast-castle/, https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/belfast-castle-estate-p676051, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-62167256, https://apps.communities-ni.gov.uk/Buildings/buildview.aspx?id=8684&js=true, https://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/heritage/buildings-belfast-castle-estate, https://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/heritage/history-carrickfergus, http://www.placenamesni.org/resultdetails.php?entry=17038, https://www.townlands.ie/antrim/belfast-lower/templecorran/templecorran/aldfreck/, https://www.culturenorthernireland.org/features/heritage/chichester-family, https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Living-in-Northern-Ireland/Life-in-Belfast/The-history-of-the-city/, http://www.stonedatabase.com/buildings.cfm?bk=2616, https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/3094/LANYON,+charles+(sir), https://www.dia.ie/architects/view/3086/LANYON-JOHN, https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/John_Lanyon, http://www.mmtrust.org.uk/mausolea/view/486/Belfast_Castle_Mortuary_Chapel, http://www.stonedatabase.com/buildings.cfm?bk=2617, https://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/property/movein/2016/02/25/news/a-site-with-truly-divine-potential-430817, https://www.flickr.com/photos/16132340@N07/16673439845, https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/house-home/let-there-be-light-derelict-belfast-church-transformed-into-heavenly-homes-39478506.html, https://paintworksni.com/the-chapel-donegal-park-gardens/, https://content.propertynews.com/belfast-church-transformed-into-homes-at-the-chapel-development/, https://www.alskea.com/development-project/antrim-road/, https://www.rqia.org.uk/inspections/view-inspections-as/map/the-gate-lodge-dental-practice/, Historic houses in the Republic of Ireland, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Belfast_Castle&oldid=1147255831, Gothic Revival architecture in Northern Ireland, Register of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with Structurae structure identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 March 2023, at 19:34. It was on holidays along the North Coast, that C S Lewis first set eyes on Dunluce Castle. It had its front on the cobbled streets. The last service in the chapel was held in 1972, after which the building was closed. The Mermaids Cave is located just below Dunluce Castle which is, in reality, a large cavern. It was inhabited by both the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans. Homepage, Eat & Drink Whether you want to learn the history of a city, or you simply need a recommendation for your next meal, Discover Walks Team offers an ever-growing travel encyclopaedia. 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. He and his wife, Constance, Countess of Shaftesbury (1875-1957), were also very involved with charitable causes in Belfast, often holding events in the grounds of Belfast Castle in order to raise money for local charities. [37][38] This event is usually known as the Clandeboye Massacre. Many other establishments can be visited alongside the castle like The Cave Hill Country Park, The Cave Hill Adventurous Playground, The Cave Hill Visitor Centre, the Belfast Zoo, and many more. Chichester, who had been one of the most ruthless English commanders in Ireland during the Nine Years' War,[36] received a King's letter in August 1603, which officially put him in charge of Belfast Castle and its surrounding lands. Hot food is served until 3pm. No votes so far! Theres also a Visitor Centre, caf, adventure playground, landscaped gardens and eco trails. [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. Its location provides unobstructed views over the City of Belfast and Belfast Lough. [48][49][50][51] Most of this huge Inishowen estate was eventually sold off by the Chichester family via the Encumbered Estates Court in the 1850s and later in the nineteenth century.[52][53][54][55]. We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a Belfast Castle is famously used to hold weddings, it is a popular avenue to hold business meetings, tea parties, and occasional dinner meet-ups! Belfast church transformed into homes at The Chapel development. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the opening hours for Belfast Castle? Castle [26], In the early sixteenth-century, Belfast Castle was seized on three different occasions by two senior-ranking members of the House of Kildare, part of the wider Geraldine dynasty. In a patent dated 5 November 1603, the Crown granted to Sir Arthur Chichester 'The Castle of Bealfaste or Belfast, with the Appurtenants and Hereditaments, Spiritual and Temporal, situate in the Lower Clandeboye, late in the possession or custody of Sir Ralph Lane Knt., deceased'. Not only was it important in the past, but its also still a popular location to visit for Irish folks, visitors to Northern Ireland, and historians alike. 16 Things Belfast is Known and Famous For 1. Belfast Castle (Irish: Caislen Bhal Feirste[2][3]) is a mansion located in Cave Hill Country Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in a prominent position 400 feet (120m) above sea level. [91], As in the twentieth-century, many of the rooms have been turned into public tea rooms or are available to be reserved for private functions. The castle sits atop a volcano But no need to fear the volcanic explosion that formed Castle Rock last exploded nearly 340 million years ago. [26][28] Domhnaill, whose chief residence was Donegal Castle in Donegal Town, had invaded Clandeboye with his army and 'took and demolished the Castle of Belfast, and then returned safe to his house loaded with immense spoils'. 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. The park is named after the five caves located on the side of the cliffs. You can choose a different starting point here, or specify your own. [60] This serpentine outdoor staircase was installed for The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury in 1894. Come amaze yourself with your creativity and bring home. Alskea: Donegall Park Gardens, Antrim Road, Belfast. For a century it remained a magazine and armoury. Beyond Belfast Castle and Cave Hill, the city has lots of interesting historical sites, museums, galleries and shops. The castle was built on a hill known as Castle Rock , a volcanic plug that formed following an eruption 340 million Donegall House was converted into being The Royal Hotel in 1824. A cobbled street going across the town towards Dunluce Castle has also been discovered. [10][15] This original 'Belfast Castle', located on what later became the County Antrim side of the River Lagan, was probably in the area now bounded by Donegall Place, Castle Place, Cornmarket, and Castle Lane in the centre of what is now Belfast City Centre. Youll find everything you need to know about visiting Belfast Castle below. Belfast rumour has it that the clock tower leans because of the prostitutes that used to occupy the building. [66], When The 2nd Marquess of Donegall settled in Belfast in 1802, what remained of the 'Plantation-era' Belfast Castle had long been a ruin, having been destroyed by a fire almost a century before, in April 1708. After his military service was over, he mainly lived in Great Britain, where he was very involved in politics at Westminster. Maguire, 'Lords and landlords - the Donegall Family' in, Culture Northern Ireland: The Buildings of the Belfast Castle Estate -, Culture Northern Ireland: A History of Carrickfergus -. Belfast Castle

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