Killyleagh Castle's £430,000 restoration earns prestigious RSUA Award nomination

Centuries of history meet modern craftsmanship in this painstaking revival. Discover how a medieval gem was saved with lime mortar, breathable paint—and respect for its past.

, and Administrator

2026 March 27 . 10:03 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old photo of the ruins of a castle in Ireland, framed in a photo frame. The... — The image shows an old photo of the ruins of a castle in Ireland, framed in a photo frame. The castle is surrounded by lush green grass and rocks, with a body of water in the background and a clear blue sky above.

Killyleagh Castle's £430,000 restoration earns prestigious RSUA Award nomination

Killyleagh Castle, one of Ireland's most distinctive historic houses, has undergone a major restoration project. The 12th-century building, still privately owned by the Rowan Hamilton family, recently completed a £430,000 repair programme. The work has now earned a nomination for an RSUA Award, recognising its careful conservation approach. The castle's long history and national importance were key considerations during the repairs. A 1984 condition report by Alastair Coey Architects, funded by the Environment and Heritage Service, guided the restoration. The team followed a 'minimum intervention' strategy to protect the building's heritage.

Repairs addressed dry rot, roofing, and external stonework, with the flanker towers reharled using traditional lime mortar. Specialist Keim breathable paint was applied to maintain the castle's original appearance. The project also included restoring timber sliding sash windows and the intricately carved front door. Completed in June 2018, the work aimed to stabilise the structure while keeping changes as subtle as possible. The castle remains a grade A Listed Building, reflecting its significance in Northern Ireland's architectural heritage.

The latest phase of repairs cost £430,000 and has drawn attention for its sensitive approach. The RSUA Award nomination highlights the project's success in balancing modern techniques with historic preservation. Killyleagh Castle continues to stand as a well-maintained example of Ireland's medieval architecture.