Historic Buildings, Houses & Castles

For centuries, people have set up their homes in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion to enjoy the cool mountain air and seaside views. These days, our landscape is dotted with heritage buildings, country manors, castles and historic churches. 

A Mix of Architectural Styles at Castle Ward 

Experience contrasting styles at the 18th century Castle Ward mansion. Built to match the differing tastes of its original residents, Lord and Lady Ward, Castle Ward is a mixture of gothic and classical architecture. 

The Ward family chose to build their magnificent home on these grounds for good reason. Around every corner, you’ll find beautiful forest, lake and mountain views. The site is also home to a 16th century tower house, which played a starring role in HBO’s Game of Thrones®. 

17th Century Country Retreats 

Step into the height of luxury in the 1600s. Montalto Estate is an elegant 17th century country house, set on its own private demesne. Journey through time as you learn how Montalto changed hands after the 1641 rebellion. 

Montalto house was in ruins when the current owners bought it in 1995, and used it as their own family home. In 2018, its network of beautifully maintained trails and gardens were opened to the public. 

12th Century Coastal Castles 

For almost a thousand years, people from all around Europe fought for the land around the Mournes. In 1177, Dundrum Castle was built to defend the local coastline from invaders. Today, the main round tower and surrounding walls remain. 

Cast your eye over the Irish Sea and breathe in the salt air. These days, you’re unlikely to spy any invading navies, but you’ll still be rewarded with some of the most expansive coastal views anywhere in Ireland. 

The History of County Down in Bagenal’s Castle 

Step into the heart of the Plantation era at Bagenal’s Castle. Originally built in the mid 1600s, the castle has been modified and developed so often over the centuries, that its exact location was disputed until 1996 when it was rediscovered in a local bakery. 

Original plans of Bagenal’s Castle can be found in the British Archives. Today, it houses the Newry and Mourne Museum, where you’ll learn the role of fortified houses just like this one across Northern Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster. 

The Golden Age of Rail Travel 

In the Victorian era, an extensive railway network crisscrossed the island of Ireland. Today, cars and buses have largely taken the role of the railways, but you can step back to the golden age of steam at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway Museum. 

Originally built as a working rail line in 1848, today it’s the only full sized heritage railway experience in Ireland. With regular leisure trips between Downpatrick and Belfast, families and enthusiasts will adore travelling through the Northern Ireland countryside by steam power. 

Loire Valley Chateau Style 

As the oldest inhabited castle in Northern Ireland, Killyleagh Castle is also unique for its distinctly French architectural cues. The original castle dates all the way back to the year 1180. 

Most of the current structure was built in 1666 and 1850. Later alterations were made by the famed architect Sir Charles Lanyon, in the 19th century French chateau style. These sit alongside earlier structures in a stunning stylistic juxtaposition. 

Victorian Engineering Marvels 

Gaze up at the highest viaduct in Ireland, as it spans the valley of the Camlough River. Known locally as the 18 arches, the Craigmore viaduct is 126 feet tall and a quarter of a mile long. 

Opened in 1852, to this day the viaduct carries the main Belfast to Dublin railway line. Built over three years from locally sourced stone, it is a true testament to the quality of Victorian engineering. 

18th Century Mill Houses at Bessbrook 

Bessbrook is a fine example of living history. The local mill was bought by Quakers in 1845, who quickly set to work creating housing for their throngs of workers. Built from local granite, these dwellings have stood the test of time. 

Bessbrook’s beauty and practicality has been the model for model villages ever since. It even inspired the better known Cadbury model village in England. 

Anglo Norman Motte and Bailey at Clough 

Back in the 12th century, the Motte and Bailey castle at Clough was the height of modern defensive technology. A fortified structure built on a natural mound, Motte and Baileys played a huge role in the Norman invasion of Ireland. 

In 1950, excavations found the remains of timber palisades around the mound, complete with trenches for archers. Today, the fortified stone tower of Clough Castle continues to survey the local landscape. 

A 19th Century Castle in the Ring of Gullion 

Built in the 1830s, Killeavy Castle is a grey stone country manor, built in a pre-Victorian style. The original occupants included medieval-inspired castle doors, and Tudor windows, creating an unparalleled sense of grandeur. 

Killeavy Castle sits on a large estate at the base of Slieve Gullion, with dense woodlands surrounding it on all sides. Wander the trails and paths on the estate, or sit down to lunch in the hotel’s restaurant.