homes historical derry

Dungiven Priory is one the oldest churches in Co. Derry. The earliest part is believed to be the nave erected in the12th century. It was reinforced in the 14th century with a highly decorated tomb, insertedin the wall. The tomb contains six stone Gallowglasses (Scottish mercenaries). There is an effigy of a knight, who is traditionally believed to be Cooey na nGall O'Cahan, a member of the O'Cahan's, a local ruling family in the Middle Ages. The chancel arch and the north door of the nave w...

Among treasures in the chapterhouse are the seventeenth century locks and keys of the city gates, Lord Macaulay's manuscript account of the siege, interesting paintings, and a pair of duelling pistols belonging to Frederick Hervey, fourth Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry (1730-1803). This Byronic nobleman, a flamboyant character whose name is preserved in all the Bristol Hotels in Europe, acquired the rich bishopric of Derry in 1768 and immediately began building churches and improving old o...

Downhill

The landscaped estate, gardens and buildings at Downhill near Castlerock reflect the vivid personality of their creator - the flamboyant Earl Bishop, Frederick Hervey.

The house which was designed by Michael Shanahan was one of the most renowned in Ireland and it contained treasures from throughout Europe. It suffered a disastrous fire in 1851 which destroyed most of the contents. It was rebuilt and lived in until shortly after World War 2 when the roof was...

Hezlett House

The house was built around 1691 as the rectory for the Archdeacon of Derry, the Vuenerable Roger Forde. Over the next 70 years it was the home of the four rectors who succeeded him. It was then purchased by Isaac Hezlett and subsequent generations of the family lived in the house for 215 years.

The house is best known for its important cruck truss construction which can be seen from a viewing gallery where additional interpretive material is provided.<...

This attraction depicts the buildings and life in Moneymore a the time of 17th century Plantation and in in the 19th century. Between the two model villages, a 17th century plantation garden will be created to show visitors an example of landscaping and horticulture from that era. Call in advance for further information....

At the salmon fishery at the gateway to Rockcastle. Ice Houses appear as stone built sheds with an arched roof built of earth. They were used to preserve salmon by the big landowners who owned the fishing rights. Ice was collected from pools in winter and kept frozen by the insulation of the roof....

A sweathouse was a type of early sauna, used in Ireland in 18th and 19th centuries, but its origins may date back much further. Tirkane sweathouse is in a secluded area and is set into the side of a small leafy valley. Sweathouses were largely abandoned after 1851, although some are said to have been used up to 1936. There are only a few such sweathouses remaining in Northern Ireland....

Springhill, the late 17th century Plantation House built and lived in for 300 years by the Lenox-Conyngham family was given to the National Trust in 1957. It is still a family home in feeling, with portraits, furniture and decorative arts filling the rooms. It also reflects the distinguished military careers of many of its former occupants.

Springhill is also noted for its friendly ghost who is believed to be Olivia, whose husband George Lenox-Conyngham, committed suicide in 1816.