Although referred to as a Castle, the residence at Ardgillan is a large country-styled house with castellated embellishments. Originally named “Prospect House”, the central section was built in 1738 by Robert Taylor, with the west and east wings added in the late 1800s. Initially, the site was heavily wooded, the name Ardgillan being derived from the Irish “Ard Choill” meaning High Wood. It was cleared out by service soldiers and itinerant workers in return for one penny a day, sleeping accommodation, and one meal.

The house consists of two storeys over a basement which extends out under the lawns on the southern side of the building. When occupied, the ground and first floors were the living accommodations while the west and east wings were servants’ quarters and estate offices. The basement comprised of the service floor, the kitchen, and stores. The Castle has been in the ownership of Fingal Co Co for over 40 years.

The castle is restored and the ground floor rooms and kitchens are open to visitors for guided tours. The tour will focus on the interior spaces.

Tour starts at main entrance to Castle. This tour is pre-book only and booking opens 14 September.

The historic building and the tour route is not universally accessible. There are steps at entry and throughout tour and no passenger lift within the building requiring use of stairs between floors.

Accessible Toilets