The estates of the sept were forfeited in 1641, and the island fortress now belongs to St. George Robert Johnston, Esq., of Kinlough House, the village of Kinlough being near the ruins.
Upon approaching Lough Melvin from one direction at about a mile distant the castle of Rossclogher bears a most remarkable resemblance to a ship in full sail upon the lake.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| H. Allingham, “Captain Cuellar’s Adventures in Connaught and Ulster,” with Translation of Narrative, by R. Crawford. |
| Donovan, “Annals of the Four Masters.” |
| O’Reilly, “Remarks on Captain Cuellar’s Narrative,” in Proceedings of Royal Irish Academy. |
SHANE’S CASTLE
“In th’ historic pages of Erin’s green isle
How bright shines the name of old Phelim the brave,
Who lived where the groves of Shane’s Castle now smile,
And Neagh’s crystal waters the green meadows lave.”
J. S. M. C.
The ancient name of this fortress was Edan-dubh-Cairrge, meaning “the front or brow of the black rock.”
It is situated near the village of Randalstown, about two miles and a quarter north-west of Antrim. The present demesne, which extends for two miles along the northern shore of Lough Neagh, is bisected by the river Main.
The castle has not been inhabited since it was burnt down on the 15th of May, 1816. A large addition was being erected at the time, and it as well as the older buildings were all consumed. Only the beautiful conservatory and the fortified terrace escaped uninjured. Several turrets and towers still stand to indicate its former extent and grandeur.
A passage about a hundred yards in length runs underground from the castle to the adjacent graveyard, and was the servants’ entrance to the mansion. Connected with this are great vaults which were built at the same time as the conservatory and the rooms near, so as to raise the addition above the level of the Lough, and give the building a better frontage.