[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. In the aftermath of the Second World War, the chapel and the lands surrounding it were detached from the Belfast Castle Demesne. The castle was designed and built in the Victorian version of the Scots Baronial style. 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'. Image by Anna and Piotr Pieszak from Pixabay. The publicity manager at the time felt that the castle should either be re-purposed into a tea and dance room, or perhaps a museum and art gallery with refreshment rooms. 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 Cellar Restaurant is currently closed to the public. These housing estates, all built in the 1950s and 1960s, included Innisfayle Park, Downview Park West and Strathmore Park. The house has its walls still intact with a fireplace and internal privy. Belfast Castle estate also contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland that is home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfasts rarest plant, the town hall clock. find opening hours for the castle at the moment. It was finished in 1870. You have previously denied access to your GPS location. Below, youll find everything from the brilliant Cave Hill Walk to the panoramic views of Belfast City to much, much more. The original main entrance into the current demesne was formerly on the Antrim Road itself, where Strathmore Park now meets the Antrim Road. Dont miss St Georges Market (Fridays through Sundays) with its musical entertainment and stalls. Exterior shots ofDunluce Castlewere used inGame of ThronesforPyke Castle of House GreyjoyonPyke Island. The first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in the late 12th Century. In order to display distances relevant to you, we'd like to be able to use your GPS location. [6][10] This original, medieval castle was almost certainly on, or very near, the same site as the much later 'Plantation-era' castle developed for Lord Chichester.[6][16][17]. In the early 70s, it also featured on the inner sleeve of theLed ZeppelinalbumHouses of the Holy. WebModern History Between 1945 and the 1970s, Belfast Castle was a popular venue for wedding receptions, dances and afternoon teas. The English Crown finally seized Belfast Castle from the U Nill of Clandeboye during the Nine Years' War in the 1590s, when the castle was occupied by English troops. With its fascinating history and associations, its superb setting and views, and well-deserved reputation for good food, here are the top 10 facts about Belfast Castle; 1. The new Belfast Castle was built on what had been the Donegall family's deerpark on the slopes of Cave Hill,[1][7] a location which was, at that time, on the northern outskirts of Belfast, just off the Antrim Road. Since 1945, the castle has been a popular venue for weddings, afternoon teas, and other such events.[60]. You can choose a different starting point here, or specify your own. The Mausolea and Monuments Trust: Belfast Castle Mortuary Chapel. find opening hours for the castle at the moment. WebThe Story of Belfast and Its Surroundings. 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. The new Belfast Castle was constructed in the late 1860s using pink Scrabo sandstone from near Newtownards in the north of County Down, along with Giffnock sandstone dressings from Renfrewshire and a rock-faced basalt plinth. [114] The lodge was principally designed and built in the Scots Baronial style, just like Belfast Castle itself, and was constructed for The 3rd Marquess of Donegall in the late 1860s, at the same time as both the castle and the Chapel of the Resurrection. Belfast Castle is a medieval castle on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland. [60] This serpentine outdoor staircase was installed for The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury in 1894. Theres a small cafe on the ground floor opening onto the terrace. [54] The 3rd Marquess joined the British Army as an officer when he was a young man. [1] Lord Ashley (who later became The 8th Earl of Shaftesbury) had married Lady Harriet Chichester (1836-1898), the only surviving child of Lord Donegall, in August 1857. The town was built to rival Coleraine. [6][10][20][21] The U Nill almost certainly had Belfast Castle rebuilt at some stage, probably as a Gaelic towerhouse, either building on the same site as the Norman castle or else building their towerhouse very near to that site. 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. [91], The vast country estates of the Donegall family, which had been inherited by the Shaftesbury family in October 1883, were largely broken up and sold off under The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury during the 1890s and during the first decade of the twentieth century. One of the beauties of visiting Belfast Castle is that its a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Belfast. The Chapel of the Resurrection, like Belfast Castle and the rest of its surrounding demesne, was inherited by the Shaftesbury family in October 1883. He also experiences financial difficulties managing the estate, especially after the various Land Acts passed by the British Parliament during the 1880s, 1890s and early twentieth-century. This castle has a long and tumultuous history, well worth exploring. [62][79] This left, of the 'Belfast estate', only the Ormeau Demesne and most of Cave Hill in the ownership of Lord Donegall. In the section below, weve popped in the most FAQs that weve received. In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. [30] Chichester reported back to his superiors that his forces had retaken the castle 'without anie loss to us, and put those wee found in yt to the sworde [sic]'. On-site amenities include an excellent Visitor Centre, cafe/restaurant, toilets and a Gift Shop. The 8th Earl of Shaftesbury died in April 1886, only two and a half years after he and his wife had inherited Belfast Castle. We create informative articles about castles and famous historical figures such as kings and queens. 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. Scots Baronial style was an architectural style that originally developed out of French-inspired Gothic styles during the Renaissance in Scotland in the sixteenth-century. [103] In January 1945, the Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor replaced the Diocese of Down, Connor and Dromore in this part of Belfast. This is the location that Lewis states as his inspiration for Cair Paravel in Narnia. [6] However, when in Ulster, Lord Chichester, as he later became, usually resided at Joymount House in nearby Carrickfergus rather than at the 'Plantation-era' Belfast Castle. Lynn or John Lanyon. 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. We also provide all the visiting information you need to help plan your visit to each castle. 16 Things Belfast is Known and Famous For 1. You have to go down 115 steps to reach the cave. You will get gorgeous views of the sea once you make your way to the Mermaids Cave. Lord Belfast had died in Naples, aged 25, from scarlatina in February 1853. 1858- The castle is rebuilt by its original owners 1921- The building, as well as the surrounding 235 acres (95 ha) of adjoining land, is purchased by the newly established Government of Northern Ireland for only 15,000 1921 to 1972- Stormont Castle serves as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland Passed down by generations, it was later handed over to the northern Irish Government in 1928. [96][97][98][99], In his later years, Lord Shaftesbury spent less and less time at Belfast Castle,[100] particularly after the outbreak of the First World War. [6][16][18] By the 1860s, nothing remained above ground of the earlier 'Belfast Castles'. Cave Hill Visitor Centre is located in the basement of Belfast Castle. Let there be light: Derelict Belfast church transformed into heavenly homes. To facilitate the building of this housing, almost all of the castle's demesne wall along the Antrim Road was demolished. A blacksmiths forge was also found. About Belfast WebFacts about Belfast. A hundred and fifty years later, in 1862, the process of reconstructing the castle was undertaken byThe Third Marquis of Donegall, a descendant of theChichester family, who decided to build a new castle on the North of Belfast. [6][10][11] Originally, a castle had been erected at Bal Feirste (Belfast) by the 1220s, probably to guard the important ford across the River Lagan. : The Gate Lodge Dental Practice. Recent Posts Interesting facts about Table Tennis Interesting facts about Shrek Interesting facts about the Baroque Interesting facts about Peter Paul Rubens Top 10 Facts about Belfast Castle 1. A prominent Unionist, the 9th Earl was to involve himself very much in local affairs, going on to become Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1907. It was situated in Belfast city centre on Castle Place. Between 1945 and the 1970s, Belfast Castle was a popular venue for wedding receptions, dances and afternoon teas. In 1978, the castle closed as part of a 2 million refurbishment programme, overseen by Hewitt and Haslam Partnership architects. It reopened on 11 November 1988 and is now a popular venue for weddings, business meetings and events. [80][103] It seems that this small chapel was converted in 1891 into being a family chapel for regular worship, while also remaining as a family mausoleum. Course of the disappeared Farset River. The 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. For our opening times, go to Opening hours. Castle Belfast Castle This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Carrickfergus Castle Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre The sculpture was carved by Patrick McDowell, R.A., the well-known Belfast artist. [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. [6] The current 'castle' is a Victorian structure, built between 1867 and 1870 on the slopes of Cave Hill, and is listed as being Grade B+. This direct description fits with Dunluce Castle, once home to the Clans of Ulster. Practical Advice For Students Who Dream Of Traveling. [57][58] It is almost certain that Chichester had his 'Plantation' castle built on the site of the Gaelic U Nill towerhouse.