バリーデスランドの洞窟・トップ6

この魅力的な港町は、北アイルランドの海岸線に沿ってそびえ立つモーリン山脈のシルエットを望んでいます。カーリングフォードは、週末には多くのパブやレストランのおかげで非常に活気があり、北部からの訪問者を引き付け、牡蠣で有名です。 この村には、海を見下ろすロマンチックなシルエットを持つ小さなキング・ジョンズ・キャッスルや、埠頭から少し離れた場所にある16世紀の元商人宅であるタフィーズ・キャッスルなど、いくつかの史跡があります。

カーリングフォードのシルエットを支配する中世の街並みの上に、キング・ジョンズ・キャッスルとしても知られるカーリングフォード・キャッスルのそびえ立つ遺跡があります。この城は1190年頃、ノルマンディーの騎士ヒュー・ド・レイシーによって建設され、何世紀にもわたってカーリングフォード・ラフへのアクセスにおける戦略的な鍵となりました。

Taaffe's Castle is a fortified merchant's house dating from the early 16th century, built by the wealthy Taaffe family, who later became the Earls of Carlingford. Situated near the old harbour, the building originally served as a trading post on the ground floor with residential floors above. The architecture displays typical defensive features such as machicolations, narrow loopholes, spiral staircases, and multi-level garderobes. [curiousireland.ie], [castles.nl], [carlingfor...centre.com] The main structure is a four-storey rectangular tower, later extended with a 16th-century northern extension. Its location and construction clearly demonstrate Carlingford's importance as a thriving trading town during that period. After the 17th century, it fell into disuse, and eventually fell into disuse. Today, it forms part of a pub complex and remains a striking example of medieval urban defensive architecture in Carlingford.

Carlingford Castle, also known as King John’s Castle, is a striking 12th-century fortress overlooking the charming medieval town of Carlingford and its scenic harbour. Built by Hugh de Lacy to guard the strategic Lough, the castle has a commanding presence with its weathered stone walls and rugged silhouette against the water. Though partially in ruins, it still captures the atmosphere of Ireland’s Norman past, and its elevated position offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

On my way through County Armagh, I came across Moyry Castle, a ruined castle perched on a small hill overlooking the historic Moyry Pass - the so-called 'Gap of the North'. It is fascinating to think of how this strategic route was once crucial in securing control of the region. The castle's massive, weathered walls still speak of the turbulent times of the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Earl of Devonshire, Charles Blount. What struck me most was the atmosphere up here: a mixture of isolation and history. The small rectangular structure with its distinctive curves just has a different feel - not ostentatious or over-the-top, but rather functional and robust. The location offers sweeping views over the rolling hills and the Belfast-Dublin railway line that winds through the landscape. It's quiet up here, with only the gentle sound of the wind and the occasional train passing by in the distance. It's definitely worth a quick stop if you're looking for a place steeped in history that's not too crowded. The site is easily accessible and is well worth a detour from the main route. The surrounding meadows also offer a lovely spot for a little break - perfect for taking in the surroundings.

Moyry Castle stands over the Moyry Pass, also known as "The Gap of the North" - a strategically important crossing that has played an important role for centuries. The small, rectangular castle with its three floors and thick stone walls gives you an idea of the challenges that the defenders once had to overcome. It was built in 1601 by Charles Blount, 1st Earl of Devonshire, to secure the pass and control access to Ulster. As you explore the old fortress, you can see the surrounding landscape, which alternates between rolling hills and forests. It feels like you have been transported back in time, as the walls silently tell of long-ago conflicts. Just a short distance away is the Belfast-Dublin railway line, which shows you how this place has changed over time without losing its historical character. A visit to the castle not only gives you a sense of the country's history, but also of the strategic importance of the Moyry Pass, which has been the link between the north and south of Ireland for centuries.

Beautiful spot for photos at sunrise or sunset.

A picturesque historic town on the edge of Carlingford Lough. The small town are the gateway for adventures in and around the Cooley Mountains.