Norman 1180 Killyleagh Castle Co Down Oldest Inhabited Castle in Ireland

We were in the coastal village of Killyleagh on Monday past. Here we are at the front of the outstanding Killyleagh Norman Castle parts of which which date from 1180. At that time Killyleagh and much of east Ulster, was settled by Norman knight Sir John de Courcy. De Courcy built fortifications the castle as part of a series of fortifications around Strangford Lough. The castle was strategically sited built to protect the lands seized from the native Irish.
Today all those centuries later this imposing building still looks out over the village. It is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country. It follows the architectural style of a Loire Valley château, being redesigned by the architect Sir Charles Lanyon in the mid-19th century. It has been owned by the Hamilton family since the early 17th century.
Killyleagh castle is currently the home of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his family. The castle hosts occasional concerts; performers have included Van Morrison, Glen Hansard and Bap Kennedy.