Mountjoy Castle

Mountjoy Castle is a ruined fortified house in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, standing on a hill above the western shore of Lough Neagh. It lies near the village of Brockagh, in the townland of Magheralamfield, and belongs to the Mid-Ulster District Council area. It is a small but atmospheric stop for anyone interested in the turbulent decades when Ulster passed from Gaelic lordship to English rule.

What is Mountjoy Castle?

The castle is a fortified house from the early 17th century, built in the aftermath of the Nine Years War. It takes its name from Charles Blount, Lord Mountjoy, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, whose campaign in Ulster led the English to build a fort in this area in 1602. That earlier earthwork is a separate structure: it straddles the modern Mountjoy Road (B161) and the lane leading up to the surviving castle. The stone building that visitors see today is generally dated to shortly after 1605, and is thought to be the fortification reported in 1611 as built beside the old fort.

What does it look like?

The lower walls are of stone with dressed corner blocks, while the upper parts are of brick, a mix that was fashionable for plantation-era buildings. The central block is flanked by four angle towers with gun-loops, which show that it was designed to be defended as well as lived in. Only three of the four towers can currently be entered by visitors.

Why is it historically important?

The castle sits in a strategic position overlooking Lough Neagh, a major route and landmark in Ulster. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 it was captured by forces loyal to Felim O'Neill of Kinard, under the command of Turlough Gruama O'Quinn. It was held by Gaelic forces until the defeat of Turlough O'Neill by General Monro in 1643. One account says it was dismantled on parliamentary orders in 1648, and it has stood as a ruin ever since.

Can I visit?

Mountjoy Castle is a State Care Historic Monument. Entry is free, although access can be restricted when conservation work is under way, so it is worth checking before you travel. Archaeologists from Queen's University Belfast have also carried out community excavations in the Brockagh area, focused on the earlier fort.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mountjoy Castle? Near Brockagh in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, on a hill overlooking Lough Neagh.

Who built it? It was built by the English administration in the years after 1602, and is named after Lord Mountjoy, Lord Deputy of Ireland.

Is the castle free to enter? Yes, entry is free, but access is sometimes restricted for works.

Can I go inside the towers? Three of the four angle towers are currently accessible.

What happened here in 1641? Rebel forces under Turlough Gruama O'Quinn captured the castle for Felim O'Neill of Kinard during the Irish Rebellion.