Education at Dundrum Castle
Site description
This medieval coastal castle with circular keep and massive walls is set high on a hill overlooking the sea at Dundrum, Co Down. It was built shortly before 1210, on an earlier fortified earthwork, from which the placename element “dun” derives. It was begun by John de Courcy, who led the 1177 Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster. Its purpose was to guard the land routes from Drogheda via Greencastle to Downpatrick. It was visited by King John in 1210, who spent money for minor works to the castle and paid for a garrison there. Subsequently the castle was held by the Earls of Ulster and, from the middle of the 14th century, by the Magennises of Mourne.
Curriculum Topic Links
This site provides an excellent example of Norman medieval architecture. It would be ideal for Key Stage 3 pupils studying the Normans. It is also popular with schools completing a local study for GCSE students.
