Ardglass was an important port and town in Anglo Norman times and is home to an impressive group of tower-house style Castles, out of six only four remain today Cowd Castle, Margaret’s Castle, Ardglass Castle and the most impressive Jordan’s Castle. Unfortunately, the history of Jordan’s Castle is a bit obscure, the first historic reference of the castle is in the early 1600 when it was recorded how Simon Jordan defended the castle for three years against the O’Neill Clan in the Tyrone rebellion.

It is a four storey rectangular Tower house built of blue stone rubble with a little freestone in quoins and window jambs, some of the windows have details remaining suggesting the 15^th century however due to reconstruction exact dating is difficult. The ground floor chamber is not floored and the irregular surface of the outcropping rock that is visible suggests that this area might have been used as a storehouse. The 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd floors are single chambers each about 20 by 13 feet (6 by 4 meters) in area and are accessed by stone staircase’s one of which is spiral.

Unfortunately, the Castle is closed to the public but worth a stroll around to admire the fine structure that stands strong and proud over the passing of hundreds of years.

Experience Northern Ireland

Finding Treasure in NI

Jordan’s Castle – Ardglass

Jordan’s Castle – Ardglass

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