- Antrim Castle
Antrim Castle or Massereene Castle was erected in stages between 1610 and 1666. It was destroyed in 1922 and finally demolished in the 1970s.
History of the Castle
According to The Illustrated Dublin Journal of 1861, the castle was built by Sir John Clotworthy, later created
Viscount Massereene . It was through his daughter and heiress, Mary, and her marriage to Sir John Skeffington, 4th Baronet (by special remainder he would become the 2nd Viscount Massereene), that the estate and title came to the latter family.During a grand ball on 28th October 1922 the castle caught fire and was destroyed. Although much of the evidence pointed to
arson by the IRA the official verdict was not conclusive, thus no insurance claim was paid out. The castle remained as a ruin until its demolition in 1970. The only evidence of the castle is a slightly raised grassed platform as well as a freestanding Italian tower which was built in 1887 and agatehouse .The gardens are a popular tourist attraction, open yearly, located on the Randalstown Road, Antrim, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Reputed Hauntings
One servant, a young local named Ethel Gilligan, although rescued from the flames later died as a result of her injuries, her ghost has been seen walking in Castle Gardens, and amidst the ruins of the castle before its demolition, the locals refer to her as 'The White Lady'.
References
*The Illustrated Dublin Journal, Volume 1, Number 14, December 7, 1861.
*Discover Northern Ireland Office.External links
* [http://www.libraryireland.com/articles/AntrimCastleIDJ/index.php Antrim Castle at Library Ireland]
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