Greencastle
13th Century Castle
Greencastle is located 4 miles (6.4km) south west of Kilkeel reached by minor roads off the A2 from Kilkeel or Lisnacree.
This Royal Castle was built in the mid 13th Century on a rocky height beside Carlingford Lough. It commanded the ferry link with Carlingford and defended sea and land communications from Dublin, Drogheda and Carlingford to Newry, Dundrum and Downpatrick. It was besieged and captured by Edward Bruce in 1316 and, despite being wrecked on many occasions, continued in use until the early 17th Century.
The large keep within the curtain walls was built in the 13th Century although it was altered in the 15th and 16th Centuries. On the first floor is a great hall with Elizabethan windows, fireplaces and a latrine in the North-East corner.
Facilities:
- Car Park
- Guided Tours on Request
Access:
| Open July and August only | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Friday and Saturday | 2pm - 6pm |
| Wednesday and Thursday | 10am - 1pm |
Access limited for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.
Admission Free
(Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult)
Customer Contact: (028) 9181 1491
Contact:
Environment and Heritage ServiceCommonwealth House
35 Castle Street
Belfast
BT1 1GU
Tel: (028) 9054 6754
Fax: (028) 9054 6516
Email: ehsinfo@doeni.gov.uk
Website: www.ehsni.gov.uk
