Even the best laid plans can come up with a hitch. And so it was went I set out to visit Ardgillan castle.
Located just outside Skerries the castle/manor house is located among nearly 200 acres of beautiful parks, gardens, and woodlands. It also has its own private beach on the Irish Sea.
As I went to inquire about a tour, I discovered the castle was closed for tours due to preparations for spooky Halloween tours that would start the following day. Another castle I’ll have to go back and visit when I can see the inside. I did catch one odd hallway that didn’t appear to lead anywhere – there were no doorways or stairways at the end. Maybe there had been a room and it was walled up? Let your imagination wander…
Stairway to hallway to nowhere?
The main house was built in 1738 by Reverend Robert Taylor and the east and west wings were added in the late 1800’s. That’s about all the history I could get off the website. When I return I can get the guide to see if I can find out more.
I did have a walk around the building and into the rose garden. Despite being late October, there was still a selection of roses blooming. I’m sure it’s even more spectacular in summer when the whole garden is in full bloom. There’s also a walled garden, but it looked like they were doing quite a bit clearing out in preparation for new plantings.
The grounds are lovely and there are lots of walking trails. I saw quite a few groups out for either a leisurely stroll or a more focused workout. They are just starting a Fairy Tree Trail complete with maps and guides and more than a few fairy houses. If the children tire of running around on the lawns and trails, there’s also a playground.
It appears that they have lots of different events besides the Spooky Halloween tour. There’s a Santa’s Grotto, Fairy Parties, Afternoon Teas, and you can even book your own special event.
So enjoy the photos for now and I’ll try and get back in spring when I can get a proper tour and find out more.
Mdmusings Ireland Blog 
[…] first visit to Ardgillan Castle October 2016 had me restricted to the outside. I finally made it back to get a view of the […]
By: Ardgillan Castle – Revisited | Mdmusings Ireland Blog on July 29, 2018
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