Deep in the Irish countryside, nestled near the ruins of an old church, stands Shankill Castle. It whispers tales of centuries past. Shankill Castle began as a medieval tower house, a stronghold of the powerful Butler family. In 1708, Peter Aylward, having acquired the land through his wife’s family, transformed the tower house. He rebuilt it into a Queen Anne style home, setting it within a formal landscape. A vista stretched out in front, and a canal flowed peacefully to the rear. Shankill Castle wasn’t static. It evolved with time, reflecting the changing tastes of its inhabitants. The 1820s saw the house expand and take on a castellated form, adding serpentine bays to the canal and a unique polyhedral sundial to a sunken lawn. A Gothic porch, proudly displaying the Aylward crest, and a conservatory were also added. Later, in 1850, the stable yard and a castellated entrance to the demesne were constructed, attributed to the architect Daniel Robertson. Today, when you tour Shankill Castle, you’re not just walking through rooms. You’re stepping back in time. You can explore both the “upstairs” and “downstairs,” experiencing life as both the Aylward family and their servants would have. The public rooms, like the dining room, ante room, and drawing room, showcase where the family entertained. A peek “downstairs” reveals the servants’ stairs and basement, offering insights into the workings of the house. The Cope family, the current residents, have opened their home to share its story. As you walk through the castle, you’ll also encounter the artwork of Elizabeth Cope, displayed throughout the house, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of Shankill Castle.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to