Killyleagh Castle

Today I visited the town of Killyleagh.  I was surprised by how quiet the town was and High Street is remarkably unspoiled by commercial shop fronts, a real blessing!

Its key feature is Killyleagh Castle, at the top of High Street, is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. It has been owned by the Hamilton family since the early 17th century.

Huge parts of counties Antrim and Down were settled by Scottish Presbyterians, the Montgomerys and the Hamiltons in the 17th century.  The castle is still in the Hamilton family, Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his young family are still in residence.  The extra photo is of the castle as seen through the gate archway.