SHANE'S CASTLE

From Atlas and Cyclopedia of Ireland (1900)

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Description of County Antrim | Carrick-A-Rede | Antrim Round Tower | Giant's Causeway | Glenarm Castle | Dunluce Castle | Shane's Castle | Carrickfergus Castle | Portrush | Albert Memorial, Belfast | St. Patrick's Cathedral, Belfast | Antrim Map

SHANE'S CASTLE.—This edifice, now in ruins, was the ancient seat of the O'Neills, the most powerful of the Irish septs. It stands in the midst of a beautiful demesne extending from Randalstown to and along the shores of Lough Neagh for a distance of three miles. The river Main flows through the grounds and is crossed by an ornamental bridge, connecting them with the Deer-park, which is of considerable extent. The castle was destroyed by fire in 1816, nothing being saved but the family papers. At present a portion of the stables are converted into a residence; all that is left of the castle being some ruined towers, and the fortified esplanade, upon which is a conservatory. The castle derives its name from Shane O'Neill, John the Proud, one of the most redoubtable foes the English power met in Ireland. He was assassinated at a banquet at the instance of the Lord Deputy, who kept his head spiked for months on the tower of Dublin Castle.

Shane's Castle, County Antrim

Description of County Antrim | Carrick-A-Rede | Antrim Round Tower | Giant's Causeway | Glenarm Castle | Dunluce Castle | Shane's Castle | Carrickfergus Castle | Portrush | Albert Memorial, Belfast | St. Patrick's Cathedral, Belfast | Antrim Map

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