Antiquities
View Document (PDF)
Antiquities in Ballycastle parish, from Irish Tourist Association Survey, 1943
Quite a substantial list of antiquities is provided in the survey for Ballycastle parish:
- Dúnbriste: the most outstanding landmark in the area. In addition to a physical description there is an acount of a legend associating it with St. Patrick
- Ballinglen Castle: ruin of a Norman castle associated with the Barrett and Burke families.
- St. Patrick's Church, Downpatrick: only traces remain and it is impossible to date the structure. An account is given of the legendary associations between the church and Dúnbriste.
- Ancient church at Killeen: also known as Teampall na gCailleachadh Dubha or Temple of the Nuns.
- Portnahally Castle: supposedly built by the Barrett family around the 16th century.
- Stone circles within a mile of Ballycastle village on the Downpatrick road and the Ballina road.
- Raths and souterrains: many earthen forts in the area but no traditions or legends associated with them. Also, what appear to be the entrances to artificial caves or souterrains at Ballyglass and at the back of Ballinglen Castle.
- Crannóg at Glencalry: the discovery of what appears to be a very early foundation was made just two years prior to the survey on boggy land about 14 miles southwest of Ballycastle.
- Doonfeeny Church and Churchyard: in a very bad state of preservation. the date of construction is not known. There is a standing stone nearly 20 ft high situated in the churchyard.
- Kilbride Ancient Church: 2 miles north of Ballycastle. Again in a bad state of preservation. Possibly dates from the 16th century. There is also a standing stone close to the church with traces of another church said to have been used in 1798 and the site of an ancient castle said to have been built by the Barrett family.
The headings for the survey are listed below. Clicking on the heading will open the relevant section in the survey.
Amenities and general information