Mountjoy Castle

　　If you haven’t visited Mountjoy Castle, you haven’t truly visited the west shore of Lough Neagh. Though it may not rival the stunning landscape of Lough Neagh for most tourists, Mountjoy Castle is easy to miss when traveling through the village of Brockagh in County Tyrone. This long-abandoned castle sits atop a hill overlooking the lake, with its edges visible from nearby fields as you gaze out over the countryside.

　　Built between 1602 and 1605, Mountjoy Castle is a product of a turbulent period in Irish history. It was constructed on the lands of the O’Neill clan, but local Irish leaders and rebels were resisting Queen Elizabeth I. The strongly English-style castle was built in this context, intended to assert dominance and encourage the withdrawal of the O’Neills.

　　Today, the ruins still convey a sense of the grandeur that once stood here, and it’s not hard to imagine the splendor that took place four hundred years ago. One of the castle’s most distinctive features is the red clay bricks used in its construction—each was handmade locally. Thanks to a recent restoration project, these bricks are being professionally polished to restore their former glory.

　　Mountjoy Castle Reason to visit: The most worthwhile ancient castle to see on the west shore of Lough Neagh Continent: Europe Country/Region: Britain Province/State: Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough