Killyleagh Castle

Killyleagh Castle, located in County Down, Northern Ireland, is one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country. With origins tracing back to the early 12th century, it was originally built by the Norman knight John de Courcy during his conquest of Ulster. The castle was later rebuilt in the 17th century in a French château style, with its striking fairy-tale turrets added in the 1850s.

Killyleagh Castle played an important role in local and national history. During the Williamite War in Ireland (1689–1691), it served as a defensive stronghold. Over the centuries, it has remained the private residence of the Hamilton family, descendants of James Hamilton, a Scottish settler granted the estate in the early 1600s by King James I.

Today, Killyleagh Castle stands as a symbol of Northern Ireland’s layered history—combining Norman conquest, Scottish settlement, and Victorian romanticism. Its well-preserved architecture and continued use as a private residence underscore its enduring legacy.

Further photographs taken on this morning's walk can be seen from:
https://wrbradley.blogspot.com/