Heritage Trail
Heritage Trail At Ardgillan Castle
The spectacular hillside on which Ardgillan is built is called Prospect, which is most likely because of the view the tranquil setting commands over the Irish Sea. For centuries the Taylor family enjoyed this fabulous vista, and it is only in the last 50 years or so that the general public have been free to roam around Taylor lands. During their time the family left many traces of their lives here on the undulating landscape, many of which are encapsulated in the fascinating information displayed on the many Heritage Trail plinths dotted around the demesne.
The Ice House
While site works were proceeding in 1985, an underground passage was discovered, which turned out to be the long-lost Ice House, the precursor of the modern day refrigerator. In winter ice would have been collected from frozen lakes and rivers and packed into the chamber so as to provide a cold store for meat, dairy products, wine plus other perishable commodities to be used later in the year.
The wild flower meadow comprising of the 26 acres on the far western side of the demesne has matured significantly in the last 20 years and is a haven for wildlife activity.
Come and Visit! We would love to see you.
The Lady’s Stairs
This is a pedestrian footbridge which crosses the Balbriggan/Skerries Road and the Dublin – Belfast Railway Line, which runs along the north-eastern boundary of the demesne. It was constructed by the Dublin and Drogheda Railway Company and it links the demesne to the beach at Barnageera. It is believed that the name derives from “Lady Langford” who visited Ardgillan Castle and accidentally drowned while bathing on 3rd November 1853 at Barnageeragh Beach. There are reports that the ghostly figure of a “Lady” is seen here from time to time. Below is a link to the coroners report and the sequence of events that led to her untimely death.
Visit Us
Ardgillan Castle Offers an unforgettable day out for visitors young and old alike. Discover a wonderful range of amenities which include Castle Tours, Spectacular Gardens, an Art Gallery, Open Art Studios, a Craft Shop, a Walking & Heritage Trail and Castle Tearooms.
