Portaferry Castle, Co.

Down
Originally posted online on 2 November 2014 at rmchapple.blogspot.com
(http://rmchapple.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/portaferry-castle-co-down.html)
3D images >

Having finally concluded my accounts of the Chapple Familys jaunts about the
countryside in 2013 (here | here | here), I thought it was time to relate some of our
more recent adventures. In May of this year we drove down to the small town of
Strangford, Co. Down, to take the short ferry crossing to Portaferry. This is a relatively
frequent excursion for us, as the Chapples Minors are both big fans of the Exploris
Aquarium in the town [Website | Facebook]. On this particular day we were in town to
experience the Strangford Lough Maritime Festival. In particular, we were keen to see
inside the Queen's University Marine Laboratory. We got a fantastic tour about their
facility and gained some really interesting insights into their ongoing research work
in both biology and engineering from their fantastically enthusiastic (and patient)
staff and students. If you ever get the chance to visit there, do not squander the
opportunity if only to see their amazing indoor wave tank! In amongst all the things
to see in Portaferry, its easy to overlook Portaferry Castle.

Portaferry Castle, from the south-west

The castle is in State Care and is a relatively small tower house of 16th century date. It
was built by a member of the Savage family, probably William Le Savage. The castle
was reroofed and repaired in 1635 by Sir James Montgomery of Rosemount
(Greyabbey) for the benefit of his sister, married to Patrick Savage. The building is
square in plan, with a projecting turret on the southern corner. The entrance is
protected by a machicolation above, with a murder hole in the ceiling of the entrance
chamber, for added protection (via Wikipedia). These days, the ivy and weed strewn
battlements make excellent perches for gulls looking stoically out to sea, while the
simple ruins can still hold the fascination of children and adults, imagining imminent
attack by land and sea.
Ground floor entrance

Interior
Vertical panorama of the interior
 View from the north-east, near the entrance to the Exploris Aquarium
I hope you enjoy these few simple images, but I also hope that this (and other posts
here) inspire you to get up and get out and come see some of our ancient treasures!

For those who care for such things, Ive added a selection of 3D images of Portaferry
Castle here and where to find your viewing glasses (and an index to 3D stuff on the
blog) here. Enjoy!

See also:
The Northern Ireland Sites & Monuments Record for Portaferry Castle.

3D images >