County Down

Greencastle castle, County Down

by jenjunebug

Greencastle castle, County Down

Greencastle ruins, County Down, photograph by Robert French, Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.

https://theirishaesthete.com/2025/08/25/greencastle/

A Noble and Commanding Appearance

by theirishaesthete


‘The history of Mourne is associated with that of the Castle of Greencastle – one of the finest specimens of Anglo-Norman architecture military architecture in the County of Down – which constitutes such an important feature in the scenery of that coast, from every point of which it presents a noble and commanding appearance. It was erected by the early English invaders to guard the entrance to the Lough of Carlingford and to secure a line of correspondence between the Pale and their outlying possessions in Lecale.’
From An Historical Account of the Diocese of Down and Connor by the Rev. James O’Laverty (Dublin, 1878)




‘Greencastle, situated in the barony of Mourne, County Down, province of Ulster. It stands upon a gut or inlet of the sea and was reputed a strong castle, fortified by the Burghs, earls of Ulster and lords of Connaught. It was remarkable for two eminent marriages celebrated here in 1312; one between Maurice Fitzthomas and Catherine, daughter to the Earl of Ulster, on the 5th of August, and the other between Thomas Fitz-John and another daughter of the said earl, on the 16th of the same month. It was destroyed by the Irish, A.D. 1643, but soon after repaired and better fortified. Green Castle and the Castle of Carlingford, appear by a record, 1 Henry IV, to have been governed by one constable, the better to secure a communication between the English pale of the County Louth and the settlements of the English in Lecale and those northern parts; and Stephen Gernon was constable of both, for which he had a salary of 20l. per annum for Green Castle and 5l. for Carlingford. In 1495, it was thought to be a place of such importance to the crown, that no person, but of English birth was declared capable of being constable of it.’
From An Improved Topographical and Historical Hibernian Gazetteer, by the Rev. H Hansbrow (Dublin, 1835)




‘The castle stands upon an elevated rock, about a quarter of a mile from the sea. The walls are double, and the outer ones is looped at regular distances for archers, with passages to each floor. The central building is strengthened and protected by four square flanking towers at the corners, with a spiral staircase in each. Upon gaining the battlements, a beautiful view of the Lough scenery is obtained; the most striking object, however, is the Castle of Carlingford, which looks to great advantage from this point.
Green Castle rendered important services in the rebellion of 1641. It served not only to protect the Protestants of the district, but exercised considerable influence in keeping the insurrection in check. A part of this old Castle is now in occupation, and the rest turned into out-offices for cattle.’
From Tours in Ulster: A Handbook to the Antiquities and Scenery by J.B. Doyle (Dublin, 1855)

Woburn House, County Down

by jenjunebug

Woburn House, County Down

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.   

p. 285. “(Dunbar, afterwards Dunbar-Buller, sub Pack-Beresford/IFR) A large and imposing two storey C19 Italianate mansion. Entrance front with curved bow at one end, projecting wing at the other and central three storey tower incorporating porte-cochere. Superimposed Ionic and Corinthian corner-pilasters on tower above rusticated Doric piers; entablatures on console brackets over ground-floor windows, segmental pediments over windows in upper storey, triangular pediments over windows in 3rd storey of tower. Balustraded roof parapet; shallow pyramidal roof on tower, on cornice with pediments at front and sides. Adjoining symmetrical seven bay garden front, prolonged by single-storey wing ending in pedimented pavilion; central balustraded single-storey bow; entablatures and segmental pediments over windows as in entrance front; dormered attic in roof behind balustraded parapet.” 

http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2014/09/woburn-house.html

Waterfoot House, Newcastle, County Down

by jenjunebug

Waterfoot House, Newcastle, County Down

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.  

p. 282. “(Byers/IFR) A pleasant Victorian “marine residence” attractively situated by the water’s edge.” 

Waringstown House, County Down

by jenjunebug

Waringstown House, County Down

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London. 

p. 282. “(Waring LGI1958) One of the earliest surviving unfortified Irish houses, built 1667 by William Waring, who also built the nearby church; the architect of both the house and the church is said to have been James Robb, chief mason of the King’s Works in Ireland. Originally, the house appears to have been of two storeys and an attic, with pedimented curvilinear gables along the front such as still exist at the sides; but the front was fairly soon afterwards raised so that it became three full storeys, probably at the same time as two storey one by overlapping wings were added; giving the house a facade of late C17 early C18 appearance, with six bays in the centre block and a pedimented doorcase flanked by two narrow windows. The two centre bays are framed with rusticated quoins, similar to those at the sides fo the centre block and on the wings. The front is prolonged by two short C18 curved sweeps, ending in piers with finials. Tall C19 Tudor Revival chimneys. Surprisingly, for so large a house, the walls are of rammed earth. Since the death of Mrs D.G. Waring 1968, the house has stood empty; its future is uncertain.” 

http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2015/03/waringstown-house.html

Tullyveery, Killyleagh, Co Down

by jenjunebug

Tullyveery, Killyleagh, Co Down

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.

p. 278. “(Heron/IFR) A mic-C18 house with later additions.”  

Tudor Hall, Holywood, Co Down 

by jenjunebug

Tudor Hall, Holywood, Co Down 

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.

p. 276. “(Dunn/IFR1976) A Tudor-Revival house of 1840.” 

Tudor Hall, Holywood, Co Down for sale October 2025 courtesy Sherry FitzGerald Ltd. Christie’s International Real Estate

€1,556,688

Building Holywood

  • 5 Beds
  • 4 Baths

Built in the 1840s by Belfast merchant Henry Murney of High Street, Tudor Hall stands as a remarkable example of period architecture blended seamlessly with modern refinement. This exceptional Grade B1 Listed Tudor-Gothic residence has been sympathetically and comprehensively restored, with every detail carefully considered to preserve its historic charm while ensuring comfort, style, and functionality for contemporary living.

The property itself is steeped in history, reflecting the fully-fledged neo-Elizabethan style of architecture, and is enhanced by its striking façade, elegant proportions, and timeless period detailing. Beyond the impressive exterior, the interiors showcase a harmonious balance of grandeur and warmth, with original features beautifully complemented by high-quality modern upgrades.

Set within approximately half an acre of landscaped gardens and private woodland, the home enjoys an enviable sense of peace and seclusion, all while being only a short stroll from Holywood’s vibrant High Street. Its elevated position affords picturesque views across Belfast Lough, adding to the sense of prestige and tranquility.

Rarely does a residence of such architectural significance, heritage, and quality come to the market. Tudor Hall is not only a fine example of neo-Elizabethan design but also a true sanctuary, offering a unique lifestyle opportunity in one of Holywood’s most desirable and private settings. 

Rooms 

GROUND FLOOR: 
ENTRANCE PORCH: 8’2” x 7’11” (2.5m x 2.41m)Double opening entrance door with glass side panels. Ornate period tiled floor. Double opening glazed doors to: 
ENTRANCE HALL: 24’8” x 17’2” (7.52m x 5.23m)Impressive reception hall with restored hardwood strip flooring, ornate cornice detail and ceiling rose. Feature staircase to First Floor. 
WC:Traditional style suite with wash hand basin and low flush WC. Hardwood strip floor. 
CLOAKROOM:Hanging space. Restored hardwood strip floor. 
DRAWING ROOM: 25’11” x 23’2” (7.9m x 7.06m)Views over the garden and Belfast Lough. Magnificent reception room with restored hardwood strip flooring, corniced ceiling, period open fire and hearth. 
KITCHEN/DINING ROOM: 27’3” x 18’11” (8.3m x 5.77m)Corniced ceiling and ceiling rose. Period open fire with hearth, restored hardwood strip flooring, working original shutters. Integrated premium appliances, bespoke carpentry and a large Calcutta Viola marble island. Access to Garden Room. 
GARDEN ROOM: 20’4” x 11’5” (6.2m x 3.48m)Hardwood strip floor. Double opening doors to side garden. 
REAR HALLWAY:Hardwood strip flooring. 
ART GALLERY: 14’11” x 8’3” (4.55m x 2.51m)Hardwood strip floor. Access to Garden Room. 
GYM: 14’2” x 13’10” (4.32m x 4.22m)Half tiled walls, quarry tiled floor. 
SECOND KITCHEN: 17’1” x 12’5” (5.2m x 3.78m)Excellent range of fitted solid wood high and low level units. Porcelain sink with chrome mixer taps. Plumbed for washing machine and dishwasher. Space for electric cooker and fridge freezer. Quarry tiled floor, half tiled walls. 
BOILER/UTILITY ROOM: 6’8” x 6’6” (2.03m x 1.98m)New gas-fired central heating boiler. Quarry tiled floor, half tiled walls. Access to enclosed yard. 
FIRST FLOOR: 
BEDROOM 1: 20’7” x 15’8” (6.27m x 4.78m)Views across Belfast Lough. Corniced ceiling. Hardwood strip floor surround with central carpet. 
READING ROOM/OPEN LANDING: 16’11” x 14’5” (5.16m x4.4m)Views over the garden and Lough. Period fireplace and restored hardwood floor. 
PRINCIPAL BEDROOM (2): 26’8” x 19’0” (8.13m x 5.8m)Expansive principal room with views over the garden and Lough. Corniced ceiling, hardwood flooring and period fireplace. 
BATHROOM: 14’11” x 8’3” (2.5m x 2.51m)Shower enclosure, wash hand basin, wall-hung WC, Amtico flooring. 
REAR LANDING: (4.22m x 2.95m)Carpet. 
BEDROOM 3: 15’8” x 12’2” (4.78m x 3.7m)Corniced ceiling. Carpet. Period tiled fireplace. 
LINEN ROOM:Shelving and secondary boiler for upper floor 
SECOND FLOOR: 
BEDROOM 4: 18’5” x 16’4” (5.61m x 4.98m)Views across Belfast Lough. Fitted with full-length wardrobes. Wooden floor surround and central carpet. 
BEDROOM 5: 16’4” x 14’8” (4.98m x 4.47m)Views across Belfast Lough and gardens. Period tiled fireplace. Carpet. 
OFFICE SUITE: 26’8” x 19’0” (8.13m x 5.8m) 
2: 16’9” x 9’5” (5.1m x 2.87m) 
3: 16’10” x 9’5” (5.13m x 2.87m) 
4: 13’7” x 13’2” (4.14m x 4.01m)Flexible office/creative spaces with views over Belfast Lough and garden. Period fireplaces. Carpet. 
ENCLOSED YARD:Fully quarry paved. Water supply. 
OUTSIDE STORE/GARAGE: 17’0” x 11’6” (5.18m x 3.5m At widest points)Twin Belfast sink. Quarry tiled floor. Power and light. Covered wood store. 
OUTSIDE:• Newly landscaped with feature planting and shrub beds • Golden gravel driveway and pathways • Secure fencing, gates and hedge boundaries • Expansive lawns and numerous outdoor entertaining areas with garden and Lough views • A rare private woodland with a variety of species and seasonal wildflowers, offering both seclusion and a natural retreat 

Tollymore Park, Bryansford, Co Down – house demolished, demesne open to public

by jenjunebug

Tollymore Park, Bryansford, Co Down – house demolished, demesne open to public, with follies

Tollymore Park, County Down, photograph by Robert French, (between ca. 1865-1914), Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.

p. 2772. “(Hamilton, Clanbrassill, E/DEP; Jocelyn, Roden, E/PB) A C18 and C19 house extending round four sides of a courtyard; of which the earliest part was built mid-C18 by James Hamilton, Viscount Limerick and1st Earl of Clanbrassill of 2nd Creation; whose grandmother was the heiress of the Magennis family, the original owners of the estate.

James Hamilton (1617/1618-1659) 1st Earl of Clanbrassil and 2nd Viscount Clandeboye, courtesy of National Trust Castle Ward.

As first built, the house consisted of a two storey block with one bay on either side of a central three sided bow, and single-storey three bay wings; the entrance door being not in the middle of the bow, but in the bay to the left of it. The architect of this original range is likely to have been Thomas Wright, of Durham, probably very much in collaboration with first Earl. By 1787 the three other sides of the courtyard had been built, all single-storey; the entrance had been moved from its original position to the centre of the adjoining front, and the house already had the long corridors with windows containing roundels of Flemish stained glass, for which it was noted in later years. Towards mid-C19 – by which time Tollymore had passed by inheritance to the Earls of Roden – an extra storey was added to all those parts of the house which had formerly been of one storey only. The entrance front became a typical late-Georgian composition…The demesne of Tollymore is famous for its picturesque scenery and its numerous follies. It is one of the earliest examples in Ireland of a naturalistic landscape park in the manner of William Kent, having been laid out by 1st Earl of Clanbrassill (then Viscount Limerick) in mid-C18. The follies, gateways and bridges, mostly erected by 2nd and last Earl of Clanbrassill and some of them probably designed by Thomas Wright, include a barn made to look like a Gothic church, with a tower and spire, gate piers with spires, an obelist, a grotto or hermitage, an elegant Gothic arch with crocketed pinnacles and flying buttresses, and a castellated gateway known as the Barbican Gate. The Tollymore estate was bought by the Northern Ireland Ministry of Agricuture in two portions in 1930 and 1941. The house was demolished 1952; but the demesne is maintained as a forest park and open to the public. 

Lord Clanbrassil (probably James Hamilton (1729-1798) 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil of second creation) by Thomas Hickey (Irish 1741-1824) courtesy of Wooley and Wallis sale 2010.
Tollymore Park, County Down, photograph by Robert French, (between ca. 1865-1914), Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.
Tollymore Park, County Down, photograph by Robert French, (between ca. 1865-1914), Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.
Robert Jocelyn (1688? – 1756) Viscount Jocelyn, Lord Chancellor of Ireland,by STEPHEN SLAUGHTER (1697-1765), Adams auction 26th April 2022. His city residence was on St Stephen’s Green, and he had country residences in Co. Dublin at Donnybrook and later at Mount Merrion.
Robert Jocelyn, Baron Newport (c.1688-1756), Lord Chancellor of Ireland, later 1st Viscount Jocelyn Date 1747 Engraver Andrew Miller, English, fl.1737-1763 After Justin Pope-Stevens, Irish, fl.1743, d.1771, courtesy of National Gallery of Ireland.
Robert Jocelyn (1688? – 1756) Baron Newport and 1st Viscount, as Lord High Chancellor of Ireland Irish school courtesy of National Trust Castle Ward.
Robert Jocelyn (1788-1870) 3rd Earl of Roden, by Thomas Goff Lupton, printed by R. Lloyd, published 28 April 1839 by Hodgson & Graves, after Frederick Richard Say, courtesy of National Portrait Gallery NPG D39829.
Elizabeth Jocelyn (1813-1884), Marchioness of Londonderry, wife of 4th Marquess of Londonderry, formerly Viscountess Powerscourt, wife of 6th Viscount Powerscourt, by James Rannie Swinton, courtesy of Mount Stewart National Trust. She was the daughter of Robert Jocelyn, 3rd Earl of Roden.

http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2014/02/tollymore-park.html http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2021/07/tollymore-park-revisited.html

Timpany, Ballynahinch, Co Down 

by jenjunebug

Timpany, Ballynahinch, Co Down 

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.   

p. 273. “(Robb/IFR) A gable-ended house with a thatched roof, of one storey and an attic, with curved dormers. Built 1780 by Cap James Robb. The house was enlarged and improved 1858 by Alexander Robb, who raised the walls so that the attic became a second storey; and re-roofed the house with slates; he also added a return at the back.” 

Strangford House, Strangford, Co Down 

by jenjunebug

Strangford House, Strangford, Co Down 

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.   

p. 266. “(Nugent, sub Douglas-Nugent/IFR) An elegant three storey late C18 house, built 1789 by a customs-collector named Norris. Three bay front, the centre bay breaking forward; fanlighted doorway with sidelights, the lintel of the door beign decorated with carved swags. The top storey has no windows in the front, but there is a rectangular blind panel above each window. Good interior plasterwork and joinery.” 

Strangford House, 39a Castle Street, Strandford, County Down, for sale courtesy Alexander, Reid & Frazer For sale 2026

BT30 7NF

 £1,350,000

Features
– Distinguished Grade B+ listed Georgian home dating from 1789.
– Generous accommodation offering eight bedrooms, four reception rooms, two bathrooms, two washrooms, a ground floor WC, and a lower-ground-floor utility room.
– Expansive, bright, double-aspect drawing and dining rooms with space for dining and entertaining, overlooking the lough and private gardens.
– Sash windows with spectacular sea views over Strangford Lough.
– Many dignified late-Georgian classical features, including original mouldings and decorative open fireplaces with individual motifs.
– Beautiful setting with established gardens, outbuildings and a garage.
– Option to include additional land available by separate negotiation.
– Benefits from full planning permission for an orangery extension.

Strangford House is nestled in a tranquil elevated position, in the heart of the beautiful seaside village of Strangford, Co. Down. It was built in 1789 and is a fine example of the Georgian townhouses beloved in Dublin at the time.

The property is a grade B+ listed example of a Georgian House, offering stunning views over Strangford Lough and woodland surrounds. Set within historic grounds, the property is approached via a private sweeping drive forming part of the property, rising from Castle Street, through a gated entrance to the main house.

With beautifully proportioned accommodation arranged over four floors, the property combines period elegance with spacious family living. The historic house has many original Georgian features including impressive ceiling heights, mahogany doors, fine historic fireplaces, ornate cornicing and many bright, double-aspect, sash-windowed rooms.

The ground floor offers elegant and well-proportioned reception spaces with a mix of solid wood and carpeted flooring. There is excellent scope for family living and entertaining, with two spacious reception rooms featuring unique sea views and period fireplaces. The kitchen and adjoining areas link naturally within the main house, providing an easy flow between the principal rooms.

The first floor offers two beautifully proportioned king-sized bedrooms and a third double bedroom or study, a formal drawing room, ornate cornicing and stunning sea views across Strangford Lough and the house’s private gardens. A well-appointed family bathroom located on a split-level landing, includes an early Victorian WC, sympathetic to the historic character of the house.

The upper floor provides three further good-sized bedrooms, two enjoying elevated views towards Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. This light-filled level offers excellent flexibility for family, with generous attic storage while maintaining the cohesive flow of this exceptional Georgian home.

The lower ground floor includes a family room area within the service quarters, offering a bright and versatile space with excellent natural light. The lower ground floor is reached from the main house via an internal staircase and externally via the house’s rear entrance, with convenient access through to the courtyard.

Strangford village is set in the Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers excellent local amenities, including award-winning restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, a church, community centre and primary school. Nearby facilities include convenience stores, hairdressers and a pharmacy. Public transport links connect directly to Downpatrick for secondary schooling, supermarkets, leisure facilities and a cinema, while a short ferry crossing provides easy access to Portaferry.

Externally, the property enjoys beautiful private grounds with mature gardens, a lawned area, outbuildings and a garage, all combining to create a wonderful sense of space and seclusion. The property comprises of Strangford House, its private driveway from Castle Street with front and back gardens, outlined in red on the accompanying map.

There is also planning permission for a striking orangery (Ref: LA07/2023/2105/F).

Outbuildings
The property includes a range of existing outbuildings within the curtilage, comprising a garage and various storage sheds. These structures provide excellent scope for storage, hobbies or ancillary use within the grounds.

Stormont Castle, County Down

by jenjunebug

Stormont Castle, County Down

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.   

p. 265. “(Cleland/LGI1912) An earlier house rebuilt as a large Scottish Baronial castle 1858 by the Belfast architect, Thomas Turner, with a ta tower reminiscent of the Prince Consort’s tower at Balmoral Castle. Classical interior. Subsequently the official residence of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland; the Northern Ireland Parliament house having been built on the grounds.” 

http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2014/04/stormont-castle.html