Castle Quest - Reply to Topic

Forum:	Individual Castles
Topic:	Narrow Water Castle's little brother! (Co Down, Ireland)

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T O P I C R E V I E W
wombat I live in Warrenpoint, Co Down, Ireland where the well known Narrow Water Castle is situated.
There is also another castle of similar size hidden in the forest on a hilltop overlooking Narrow Water Castle (about 1000m away). The best way to describe it's location is OS map reference approx. 312100(E), 320300(N). The OS map I have shows a small black dot exactly where the castle is located.
It is near a disused quarry and is hidden by fairly thick forest. My wife recalls that is was visible from the road when she was younger but the trees have grown high enough to hide it from the road now.
Does any one have any information regarding the history of this castle? Most of the locals don't even know it exists and in some ways it is a more interesting looking castle than Narrow Water Castle.
Any info greatly appreciated.
Peter Hm!
Must admit I don't know this one.
Salter doesn't list it either.
Will be interesting to see what comes up.
wombat Unfortunately, I do not have a photo of the castle I can post in the photo archive. The castle is about 3 storeys high and has turrets of similar design to Narrow Water Castle.
The most prominent feature is a gothic style arch above the main doorway that may give a clue to it's age.
Peter Ah!
It could be a 'sham' castle, built to counter-balance Narrow Water. Though its roots may be in an earlier genuine tower, as a look-out point. As it is on higher ground ?
Still looking .. we all like a mystery.
wombat Peter - did the mention of the Gothic style arch trigger something there?
I agree that a 'Sham' castle sounds like a possibility. It's location is perfect as a lookout over Carlingford Lough. I have been told that soldiers would use the castle as a hideout point during The Troubles.
The only other clue would be the castle's fairly close proximity to the more contemporary Halls Castle (about 500m away). I am fairly new to the area but my wife is a local and she tells me that the Hall family own most of the land here, and that probably includes the hidden castles site as well.
The castle has definately not been preserved in it's original condition. In one area, there is evidence that red brick was used to form some arched windows/doors. There is no original timbers left but the floor joist line is visible in the stone walls indicating very low floor-to-ceiling heights (5.5 feet).
I must borrow a digital camera and get some photos ASAP.

[This message has been edited by wombat (edited 05-26-2003).]
[This message has been edited by wombat (edited 05-26-2003).]
Peter Hm!
So what county would it be in;
Armagh or Louth ?
wombat It's in Co Down, just over the border from Co Louth (Carlingford Lough separates the two counties)
Peter Sorry Wombat, been busy last few days.
Not found anything yet, but will keep my eyes peeled as normal.
wombat Finally got a chance to take some photos.
I have emailed them directly to you.
You make pick up some hints from them.