A Mini Adventure

Today the sun was shining, but don't be fooled, it was freezing outside!! We visited Donegore Motte, which some of you might remember from the post about St. John's Parish. Donegore Motte dates back from pre Anglo-Norman times and it is situated in a private farmer's field, but no gates or fences ever kept us out! It was a bit of a struggle climbing through the wired fence and nettles but once we got there it was pretty much plain sailing. The land is all rocky and uneven, and some horses were grazing close by. This itself didn't make me feel very confident, but luckily we were quiet and they didn't notice us. Mark practically pulled me onto the motte, which is quite tall despite how small it looks in photographs. From the top of the motte you can see all six Ulster counties, and it had a lovely view of the Lough Neagh.

St. John's Parish

The Moat Inn, an old pub which is now a house

We've been to St. John's Parish before so we decided to head down the hill into Templepatrick to visit an old graveyard which I always drive past but never explore. Castle Upton is opposite, and on our way back to the car we decided to call in and visit the Mausoleum, which we've also visited it before. We really need to branch out of Antrim!!

View of Lough Neagh

Approaching the moat

A pretty gravestone

The old gate into Castle Upton

Approaching the mausoleum

Castle Upton

Inside the mausoleum

A specter

We began our journey on that hill

Castle Upton & Templeton Mausoleum

Yes! We actually managed to visit three historic places today, next on our stop after Donegore was Castle Upton in Templepatrick. First of all, I have traveled past the stone walls of Castle Upton more times than I can remember and I've often wondered what was inside, I've been told various things ranging from 'A castle' (obviously) to 'apartments' only half true. You can read more about Castle Upton here.

First of all the castle is private property which houses an art gallery and an antique store, so I believe visits to the actual building are only for this purpose. The original castle, complete with a tower was constructed in 1611 with the building being extended in 1783. The Kinahan family currently live in the castle and it is only open for special functions. Do contact the owners before you make an improptu visit as I noticed there is a sign 'No Trespassers.' 

Sadly we could only see the roof of the castle but our main point of visiting the grounds was to venture into the historic graveyard which houses the Templeton mausoleum, this is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public. The gate remains shut, so remember to close it on your way out. Read more about the Mausoleum here.

Although over three hundred years old the graveyard is easy to maneuver around, some headstones have fallen down but all in all they are in very good condition. The large tombs and statues are interesting and I noticed a grave from 1734. The Mausoleum's doors were open, so we had a look inside, I snapped some photos of the Viscount's headstones to give you an idea of who lived at Castle Upton a few centuries ago!

Take a look at the photos and click to enlarge, the writing on the headstones is very clear.

Inside the Mausoleum

A wagon wheel on the gate

Pathway leading to and from the graveyard