All You Need to Know About Inspiring Lisburn Castle Gardens – Northern Ireland

CASTLE GARDENS LISBURN

Updated On: March 04, 2024 by   ConnollyCoveConnollyCove

The Beautiful Castle Gardens Lisburn

The 400-year-old Lisburn Castle Gardens is the most historically significant landscape in Lisburn. They are located on Castle Street, Lisburn, County Antrim. Long ago, this site held Lisburn Castle, a 17th-century fortified manor house built by the Conway Family, the landlords of Lisburn in the 1620s. The gardens’ setting represents the town’s memorial to WWI and WWII.

Lisburn Castle Gardens is a green haven in the middle of the city. The formal gardens are perfect for relaxing, walking, having a picnic, or connecting with nature, especially in the summer when the Castle Gardens Lisburn burst into life. You will find a beautiful picturesque scene of trees holding bird nests there

It’s not only birds like Blue Tits, Goldcrests, Treecreepers, Rooks, Robins, and Dunnock that depend on these trees in the summer; they’re also bats like Common Pipistrelles and Leisler’s Bats. During the autumn and winter, birds such as resident Woodpigeon and Blackbird, as well as Redwing and Fieldfare, find in the berries of Ivy, Rowan, Dogwood, Hawthorn and Cotoneaster an essential source of food.

Among the things to ponder on at the Gardens, along with the old stone and brick walls of the terraced gardens, you will find the lime-loving Hart’s-tongue Fern and the creeping Ivy-leaved Toadflax growing from small gaps in the mortar.

Strolling around the Castle Gardens, you will come across popular sections, including the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and the Yew Tree Pond. At the centre of the gardens lies the Clotworthy House, and the Garden Heritage Exhibition is held there.

History of Lisburn Castle Gardens

By the end of the 16th century, Shane O’Neill, an Irish king of the O’Neill dynasty of Ulster in the mid-16th century, owned much of the land and three castles, including a castle in the Castle Gardens site. The Castle Gardens site represented a strategic defence against any enemy due to its advantageous geographical location.

By 1585, Queen Elizabeth sent forces to Ulster to fight Hugh O’Neill. He triumphed in 1602. In 1603, when James I ascended the throne, he pardoned the O’Neills. However, he confiscated their land and its property was transferred to the Conways, particularly to Sir Fulke Conway, a commander in the English army and owner of Conway Castle in North Wales. The town of Lisburn grew around the Castle.

In 1623, the Church of St. Thomas was established as a private chapel to the Lisburn Castle. After Sir Fulke Conway’s death, the property was passed on to his brother, Edward Conway. He was titled the First Viscount Conway and Killutagh. He started building a new estate on the original site. Later in 1662, George II, King of Great Britain and Ireland, granted the Church Cathedral status as a reward to the people of Lisburn for their loyalty to the crown during the Civil War.

During the Civil War in England, Irish leaders considered seizing the opportunity to rebel against the English settlers. Accordingly, Sir Phelim O’Neill led the Irish attack on Lisburn, where Lord Conway’s garrison was. The fight took place mainly around what is currently known as Castle Street and Bridge Street, resulting in 300-600 casualties and the Irish defeat.

More Interesting History Surrounding Lisburn Castle Gardens

In 1707, the Castle and the Cathedral were destroyed by the great fire of Lisburn, which was accidental. The Cathedral was rebuilt, but the Castle was not. After the fire, Francis, who had inherited the Estate by then, sought to help the town of Lisburn by renewing his tenants’ leases for a longer rent-free duration. He also provided them with the wood they needed. So, the former Castle grounds were landscaped and served as a recreation area.

During the time of Sir Richard Wallace, who was the last landlord of the estate, the town of Lisburn witnessed great prosperity. He established a house for himself in Castle Street and offered 25 acres of land to the town, which is currently Wallace Park. However, he never lived in that house.

Among his achievements was the renovation of the Market House. He had the roof replaced and its dome re-coppered. In 1883, the courthouse, which held the Wallace coat of arms until it was destroyed in 1971, was built. Moreover, the Union Bridge was improved and widened. Sir Wallace also built what is now known as Wallace High School.

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Upon the death of Sir Richard Wallace, the Gardens, which continued in the hands of descendants of the Conways, and later his wife, Lady Wallace, were gifted in 1903 by Lady Wallace’s heir, Sir John Murray Scott, to the people of Lisburn. The Gardens became a public park.

Archaeological Excavations

Archaeological excavations were conducted at the Gardens site during the preliminary renovations. The excavations revealed several artefacts, which are now displayed at Lisburn Museum with information on their historical significance. Important facilities were uncovered as well from the 17th century, including a gazebo and a double-flight staircase. Several historic monuments dating back to the late Victorian Era were also found. These monuments include the Wallace drinking fountain, the 1677 red sandstone gateway and the memorial erected in 1891 to commemorate Sir Richard Wallace (1818–1890), Lisburn’s last landlord and great benefactor.

Recent investigations (2003–2004) at Lisburn Castle Gardens revealed a C17 four-terrace (three of brick) garden with double-flight perron (i.e. an outdoor stairway), bowling green, and banquet house. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland.

Restoration & Refurbishments

Recently, Lisburn City Council has restored the upper 19th-century gardens and the 17th-century terraces, with grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund worth £6 million. This refurbishment preserved the gardens for future generations. A WWII Air Raid shelter was converted into an education centre for school and community use.

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In 2010, Lisburn Castle Gardens was awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for the third time in a row. As one of the UK’s best green spaces. This award is granted to the best parks and public open spaces in the UK. The Gardens stood out for its excellent use of open space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.

In this regard, Councillor Allan Ewart, Chairman of Lisburn Historic Quarter Partnership, spoke of this achievement and how this place is manifesting Irish history. He said:

“It is a privilege to have this wonderful space right in the heart of our City. As part of the Lisburn Historic Quarter Strategy, we aim to encourage more visitors and add vibrancy to the Historic Quarter, with Castle Gardens as the jewel in the crown. Continuing to achieve the Green Flag Award status secures the park’s status as a quality attraction for all to enjoy.”

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Councillor Palmer added:

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff involved in Castle Gardens for their continued hard work in ensuring this facility is maintained to a high standard for enjoyment by the Lisburn community as part of our heritage and those who visit the City.”

Activities & Programs

The Castle Gardens organises year-round events and activities. A complete educational program for schools is held at Lisburn Castle Gardens. As well as seasonal and community events throughout the year. Free tours and interactive workshops are also conducted. The Oriel Gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.

Facilities

  • Free (parking charges may apply)
  • Guided Tours Available
  • Coffee shop
  • Visitor shop
  • Toilets including disabled toilet
  • Full disabled access with street parking nearby

Opening times

  • 1 April to 30 September 08:00–20:00.
  • 1 October to 31 March 08:00–17:00.
  • Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Price list

  • Free garden access.
  • Free guided tour [must be booked in advance (minimum numbers apply)] with staff from the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum.

All bookings and enquiries should be made to: Bookings, Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, Market Square, Lisburn, BT28 1AG, or telephone (028) 9266 3377.

Castle Gardens official website: www.castlegardenslisburn.com

Other Similar Attractions

Botanic gardens in Belfast offer you a chance to explore one of the most important parts of the city’s Victorian heritage. The gardens were first established in 1828 in response to the public’s interest in horticulture and botany. It is one of the most popular areas in Belfast, a place where you will find residents, students and tourists enjoying their leisure time.

A second attraction worth visiting is the Ballywalter Park which is a great example of an early Victorian Country House. It is classed as a Grade A-listed historic house and has been nicely restored as a conference venue. It is a very important historical Irish house that is over 150 years old. Group tours are available to explore the house and its gardens, that is not to be missed.

A final impressive attraction to check out is the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which was built in the 1770s by Willis Hill. Hillsborough Castle has welcomed many famous faces to its grounds over the years, including the royal family. It is also set in over 100 acres of stunning gardens, woodlands, waterways and more.

Have you ever been to Castle Gardens in Lisburn? We would love to know what you thought of it, please share with us:)

Also, don’t forget to check out other attractions and places around Northern Ireland and Ireland: Lisburn City| Irish Linen Centre and Museum| Lisburn Cathedral| Belfast Castle| Ulster Museum| Legendary Castles in Ireland|

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