subject: Hotels In Newry And Bagenals Castle [print this page] Bagenals Castle, which was "hidden" by a bakery for more than 150 years.
The Castle is located in the historic area of Newry, between the outstandingly beautiful Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion. It was constructed by man named Nicholas Bagenal, who was English and originally hailed from Staffordshire. He was granted the rights to the estates of the Cistercian Abbey in 1552 which had been confiscated by King Edward VI.
Bagenals Castle was mentioned throughout history, but the actual location was unknown. The original plans and elevations of the castle survived in the Public Records Office in London for centuries. However, in 1996 renovations were being done on the McCanns bakery in Abby Way and the original walls of the castle were discovered!
The castle had survived ever since the bakery was built in 1837, enveloped in the premises. In fact, the warm air from the ovens of the bakery had kept the original plaster walls intact and many original architectural features from the 16th century were clearly visible. This discovery was an excellent opportunity for the city of Newry to restore a very important local heritage building. Bagenals Castle is the oldest surviving building in the city, and finding it hidden within the bakery is considered one of the most significant discoveries in Ireland for a long time.
The castle itself was originally built on the foundations of the Newry Cistern Abbey, which is a religious structure dating back to the 12th century. This links this important historical site back even further to the time of the Cistern Monks in Ireland!
The city has rebuilt the castle as a Museum and Visitor Centre and has made it one of the flagship tourist attractions of Newry. While you are here you can see the original large fireplace which would have been part of a main banqueting hall, and outlines of the castle windows, as well as many other architectural features of the castle.
While you are visiting the castle and museum, why not stay over in Newry so that you will have time to enjoy the other attractions of this city?
Bagenals Castle is not the only fascinating historical building in the city and there is plenty more to keep a keen history buff interested. There are many hotels in Newry to choose from during your stay, and since Newry is not a large city most hotels in Newry will be within a short distance from the Castle. You will also be able to enjoy the excellent hiking, shopping, dining, and pubs that this friendly city in Northern Ireland has to offer.
The Castle is open every day except Sunday, and hours vary depending on the season. During October to March the Castle is not open on Saturdays. It is also open all bank holidays except for Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Years Day. Entry to this museum is free of charge.
While you are staying in hotels in Newry, be sure to visit Bagenals Castle, a fascinating historical structure.
