ARDGLASS

In 1868, the parish of Ardglass contained the following places:

"ARDGLASS, a parish and seaport in the barony of Lecale, in the county of Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 6 miles to the S.E. of Downpatrick, the terminus of the Belfast and County Down railway, and 103 miles from Dublin. It is pleasantly situated on the coast of the Irish Channel, near a conical hill called the Ward of Ardglass, which rises to the west of the town. This hill and the Ward of Ardtole on the opposite side of the town are well-known sea-marks. It was formerly a place of importance, and had several castles. In the reign of Henry IV. a London trading company was established here; and in the reign of Henry VI. the town was governed by a mayor, and had a port-admiral. It is now one of the most frequented watering-places in the north of Ireland. It is also an important fishing-place, and centre of the fisheries on this part of the coast. The port is subordinate to that of Newry. There is an excellent harbour, with a pier, and storehouses for corn, &c. A lighthouse, erected on the pier, has been washed away by the sea, and the pier is in a dilapidated condition. From three to four hundred vessels may be seen in the harbour during the fishing season. It is capable of admitting vessels of 600 tons at all times. A coastguard station is fixed here, and also a police station. The living is an impropriate rectory The several castles of which there are remains, are called Jordan's Castle, Cow'd, Margaret's, John's, and King's castles, and the Tower. Jordan's Castle is in the centre of the town, and takes its name from its heroic owner and defender, Simon Jordan, who held out for three years, during the insurrection of Tyrone, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Near the town, on the north-east, are remains of the old church of Ardtole. The walls are of great thickness. There is a cavern on the north-east side of the bay. The view from Ardglass Ward hill embraces Dundrum Bay, and the Mourne hills beyond it, the Isle of Man, and the coast of Ayrshire. An octagon tower is erected on this hill, which serves as a look-out for the coastguard. The principal seat is Ardglass Castle, the residence of A. De Vere Beauclerk, Esq. It comprises part of a range of buildings called the New Works, which are of unknown age, adjoining the harbour, and extending in length 250 feet. It is in the castellated style, and was built by Lord Lecale. King's Castle is converted into a mansion, and is the residence of G. G. Beauclerk, Esq. Good rubble-stone is quarried near the shore. Ardglass gave the title of earl to the Cromwells, and subsequently that of viscount to the Barringtons."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018