Quoile Castle

Quoile Castle is located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east from the town of Downpatrick, County Down, in the north of Ireland (Irish: Dún Pádraig, Contae an Dúin, Tuaisceart Éireann). It is on the east bank of the River Quoile (Irish An Caol) and quite close to the A25 road that goes from Downpatrick towards the village of Strangford (Irish Baile Loch Cuan). Quoile Castle is a three storey tower house constructed by Captain West in the 16th-century tower house. It was inhabited by the West family into the 18th century. 

On the ground floor there is an inner doorway opening into a chamber with a stone vault and a number of gun-loops. Further in there is a another chamber. Access to the first and second floors is via straight stairways. On the first floor are two rooms one of which contains a fireplace. The building is made from split stone rubble and sandstone. Although it is not possible to enter the building, a cross section of the castle can be seen, as the south corner of the castle has fallen down. There is a visitor centre at the site along with picnic tables. There are also pleasant walks along the River Quoile close to the castle and part of Quoile Countryside Centre

Links: Experience Northern Ireland also further information from Outdoor Northern Ireland Quoile Countryside Centre.