Olderfleet Castle, Larne, United Kingdom

Olderfleet Castle is a four-storey towerhouse, the remains of which stand on Curran Point to the south of Larne Harbour.

The original towerhouse was possibly built by the Scoto-Irish Bissett family of Glenarm around 1250, although these remains are actually thought to be those of Curran Castle, a towerhouse built in the sixteenth-century. On a 1610 map it was called Coraine Castle.

In 1315 Edward Bruce landed here with his 6000 strong army en route to conquer Ireland, with a welcome from the Bissetts. Queen Elizabeth I considered the castle of such strategic importance that it was seized for the crown and Sir Moyses Hill appointed its governor in 1569. In 1597 the castle was claimed by the MacDonnells and in 1598 it was dismantled.

The present castle was probably built about 1612. In 1621 it was granted to Sir Arthur Chichester and remained in that family until leased to William Agnew in 1823. James Chaine purchased the lease in 1865. In 1938 it was taken into State Care.

What remains of the four-storey towerhouse is part of the tower with pairs of gun loops in the basement. The square remains show that it only had 1 metre thick walls and it is without visible domestic features, which means that it could have been built as a fortified warehouse and watchtower.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Daniel A Mcintosh (17 months ago)
A small ruined tower, set sadly in a rather unremarkable mixed use area near the Port… while it played a part in the events that sharped theses lands, it’s in a very ruined state. A 10 min walk from the Terminal… worth a look, but don’t go out of your way to see it. Free entry!

David Smyth (3 years ago)
Pity this monument is slap bang in the middle of other development, but then thats likely how it was when built to protect against viking raiders!

Mary McCloskey (3 years ago)
Nice views of the harbour . The castle doesn't have much left of it. Still nice to see though

Joanne Haggan (3 years ago)
Nice wee place to stop off and stretch your legs. Not much of it left to see but it's a nice spot all the same.

Ragi Rajan (3 years ago)
Amazing experience

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