- Ardglass is in County Down, Northern Ireland.
- Historically NI's most important fishing harbour
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Ardglass
Ardglass is a fishing village on the County Down coast that was historically the most important fishing harbour in Northern Ireland. Its harbour still lands herring, prawn and lobster, and the village is unusual for the number of medieval tower houses that survive among its streets.
The story of Ardglass
Ardglass was a major port of medieval Ireland, and in the 15th and 16th centuries was the chief fishing and trading town of the east Ulster coast, exporting herring and importing wine and goods from Britain and the Continent; at its peak it was said to have more than a dozen castles and tower houses. The surviving tower houses include Ardglass Castle, Margaret's Castle, Jordan's Castle and Cowd Castle, built by local lords such as the Savage, Fitzgerald and Courcy families to protect the port. The harbour was rebuilt and enlarged in the 19th century to serve the herring and oyster fleets that supported the town, and Ardglass remained Northern Ireland's most important fishing port into the 20th century. The modern harbour continues to land shellfish and white fish, and Ardglass Golf Club, founded in 1893, runs along the clifftops beside the village.
Visiting with care
Follow the coastal drive from Strangford along the Lecale coast to Ardglass to see the tower houses and the harbour, then walk the cliff-top golf course. The harbour and the castle ruins can be toured on foot in an hour.
Interesting facts
- Ardglass was a major medieval port with over a dozen castles and tower houses at its peak.
- Surviving tower houses include Ardglass Castle, Margaret's Castle, Jordan's Castle and Cowd Castle.
- The harbour was rebuilt in the 19th century for the herring and oyster fleets.
- Ardglass Golf Club, founded in 1893, runs along the clifftops beside the harbour.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.