General information
Thought to have been built around 1320 by a local chieftain of the O’Neill clan, but named after Harry Avery (Henry Aimbreidh) O’Neill, a local chief who died in 1392, this structure is considered unusual in that Irish chieftains of the time rarely built stone castles.
Its design is also unusual. Its two towers look like a gatehouse, similar to that of Carrickfergus Castle, but in reality it served a similar function to a medieval towerhouse. Getting to the courtyard behind would thus have involved climbing a flight of stairs. Behind the towers a large mound forms the courtyard. This was surrounded by a curtain wall, of which only the foundations remain today. Other surviving structures include: a draw bar slot for the main door and a latrine chute.
There would have been many wooden buildings such as kitchens and stables in the courtyard but no evidence of these survives.
Features in "The Journey In Time " Archaelogical Tour.
Opening times
Accessible all year round.
Price list
Access is free.
Facilities
Facilities
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Things nearby
Gallery
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Harry Avery's Castle
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Harry Avery's Castle
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Harry Avery's Castle
Contact Information
Attraction / Heritage/History
Harry Avery's Castle
- Address
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Old Castle Road
Newtownstewart
County Tyrone
BT82 8DY
- Phone number
- T: (028) 9082 3207
- scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk
- Web Address
- www.communities-ni.gov.uk/topics/historic-environment
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