History of the castle

Antrim Castle

According to the Illustrated Dublin Journal of 1861, the castle was built by Sir John Clotworthy, later created Viscount Massereene. It was through his daughter and heiress, Mary, and her marriage to Sir John Skeffington, 4th Baronet (by special remainder he would become the 2nd Viscount Massereene), that the estate and title came to the latter family.

During a grand ball on 28 October 1922, the castle caught fire and was destroyed. Although much of the evidence pointed to arson by the IRA, the official verdict was not conclusive, thus no insurance claim was paid out. The castle remained as a ruin until its demolition in 1970. The only evidence of the castle is a slightly raised grassed platform as well as a freestanding Italian tower which was built in 1887 and a gatehouse.


Antrim Castle Motte - Photo ©
Sue Adair, 19 November 2008

The gardens are a popular tourist attraction, open yearly, located on the Randalstown Road, Antrim, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Reputed hauntings

One servant, a young local named Ethel Gilligan, although rescued from the flames later died as a result of her injuries, her ghost has been seen walking in Castle Gardens, and amidst the ruins of the castle before its demolition, the locals refer to her as the 'White Lady'.

References

• The Illustrated Dublin Journal, Volume 1, Number 14, December 7, 1861.
• Discover Northern Ireland Office.