History of our castles in Northern Ireland | National Trust

If ‘Game of Thrones’ ignited an interest in castles, then learn more about the real history of some of our most important castles in Northern Ireland. The castle ruins in the care of the National Trust speak of sieges and centuries ceased. Malachy Conway, Archaeologist for National Trust NI reveals the history behind three of the most famous castles in their care.
Tower House, Old Castle Ward
This castle has become one of the most iconic sights in Northern Ireland due to the HBO hit series ‘Game of Thrones’. The Tower House at Old Castle Ward was chosen as Winterfell, home of the Stark family in global hit TV series. Its true history is just as dramatic. Old Castle Ward in County Down was the first residence of the Ward Family in Ireland. Arriving as settlers, the family acquired the land from the Earl of Kildare. Sitting on the shores of Strangford Lough, it is possible that the castle pre-existed and that the Earl of Kildare had built it to help fortify the site.
Dunseverick Castle
Located on the Causeway Coast Way, Dunseverick Castle is one of the most picturesque castle ruins in the care of the National Trust in Northern Ireland. Sitting imposingly on a huge basalt stack on the North Coast, it is an ancient royal site of the Dál Riada, a Gaelic kingdom from at least the 5th century AD. It features two shores on either side on which ships and galleys could land, and it is believed that Saint Patrick once visited the site.
Guided hike: One of the best ways to uncover the history of Dunseverick Castle is with the guided hike on the Giant’s Causeway Clifftop Experience. This fully guided hike, delivered by the National Trust in partnership with local tour company 'Away A Wee Walk', shares the best views alongside the history and heritage. During the walk, witness stunning sights like Hamilton’s Seat, awarded the ‘The Most Epic View in Northern Ireland’ by Walk NI. The walk covers five spectacular miles of wonderfully wild and rugged coastal scenery along grass and gravel paths, offering walkers the opportunity to see much more of this scheduled monument as you make your way to the most northerly point of Northern Ireland.
Old Castle Ruins, Crom
The Old Castle Ruins at Crom lie at the heart of the County Fermanagh estate. The castle survived two attacks in 1689 but was accidentally burnt down in 1764. Interestingly to create a romantic effect to the ruins of the castle, additional walls and towers were added to the Old Castle. Located near to the ruins are the two famous yew trees of a considerable age. The conjoined pair may even have witnessed the sieges of the old castle.
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni

[@NationalTrustNI]

Which one is your favourite castle? Tell us in the comments below.

[@PinnedonPlaces]

Very impressive! We absolutely love castles and ruins and want to explore NI when we can safely! So thank you so much for sharing this as its given us inspiration for our next adventure :)

[@lavnaf]

I've been to castle ward before. Lovely place! I'm so lucky to live so near by

[@user-fu2wz7gk3t]

thank u for video, i am going to add it in my school presentation about nothern ireland

[@centurionedward2934]

Don’t you guys pretty much have a 2nd castle On the hill In castle ward? Like a Army fort Type