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Lough Neagh 호숫가 Brockagh 마을 근처에는 인상적인 Mountjoy Castle의 폐허가 있습니다. 이 성은 1602년에서 1605년 사이에 Mountjoy 경이 건설했으며, 9년 전쟁의 격동기에 중요한 군사 거점 역할을 했습니다. 독특한 점은 건축 자재의 특별한 조합입니다. 아래층은 거친 자연석으로 쌓았고, 위층은 현지에서 구운 붉은 벽돌로 이루어져 있습니다. 성은 1648년부터 폐허 상태였지만, 중앙 부분과 특징적인 화살촉 모양의 모퉁이 탑은 여전히 풍경 속에서 명확하게 알아볼 수 있습니다.

A row of terraced houses just outside the town of Randalstown. An important military location, these houses could've been used as barracks or staff housing. The symmetry of these houses is very pleasing as you ride past.

In the shadow of Northern Ireland's vast skies, the mysterious Mountjoy Castle rises on a hill above Lough Neagh. This ruined castle, whose Irish name "Caisleán Mhuinseo" whispers into the wind, stands like a proud sentinel in the village of Mountjoy, County Tyrone. The castle was built in 1602 by order of Charles Blount, 1st Earl of Devonshire and 8th Baron Mountjoy. But times have not always been kind to this building: as early as 1643, a devastating fire left scars on the walls of the castle. What remained is a two-story brick building with the ground floor clad in stone. The architecture speaks of a time of defense and vigilance - a central rectangular block protected by four spear-shaped towers, crisscrossed by embrasures. The north-western tower testifies to the fragility of time - partially collapsed, while the western curtain wall has lost its presence. The entrance, once on the south side of the eastern curtain wall, seems to whisper stories of days gone by, while wide windows on the upper floor capture the eyes of visitors. Unfortunately, an extension at the back keeps some of the castle's secrets hidden, and the interior area is closed to visitors' eyes. But even in its ruined state, Mountjoy Castle embodies the soul and history of Northern Ireland. Not only is it a State Care Historic Monument in the townland of Magheralamfield in the Mid Ulster District, but it is also a silent testament to time, inviting every walker to pause for a moment and listen to the whispers of history.

Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. St Lurach founded an important church here in the 6th century. It was plundered by Vikings in 832 and burned in 1135. Following the 12th-century ecclesiastical reforms this was the seat of a bishop from the mid 12th to the mid 13th century, then served as parish church until the new church across the road was built in the early 19th century. This long history is reflected in the much patched and altered fabric, and the big uneven graveyard.

Nice view of Randalstown

Nice small town to walk around and some great history of Randalstown

The church ruins date from the early 16th century but include stones from a much earlier pre 11th century church. After a new church was built, this one fell into disrepair, but the graveyard remains in use.

Also known as Black Lough, it's unique habitat means it is a great place for bird watching with a number of rare species being seen. You're also likely to spot people course fishing for pike and perch. There are even eels in the water.