Home | Heritage at Risk in Northern Ireland

Heritage at Risk(v1.0)

C Gerrow 20/04/2017 00:00:00

HB Ref No:
HB06/07/003

Address
Kilwaughter Castle Kilwaughter Larne Co Antrim

Townland:
Demesne

Status:
Currently at Risk

Listing Grade:
B1

HARNI Number:
HARNI 06/07/002

Conservation Area:
No

Condition:
Ruinous Grade 1

Industrial Archeology:
No

Occupancy:
Vacant

Vernacular:
No

Degree of Risk:
Critical

Thatched:
No

Availability:
Unavailable

Monument:
Yes

Current Building Use:
Country House

Derelict:
Yes

Description

An early 19th century John Nash creation, Kilwaughter was an inspiring sight before its untimely descent. The castle was a fine family home and well maintained until the Second World War, when it was requisitioned for military use as an American Army Transit Camp. After the war the building was stripped, sold off and left a roofless shell. Over 50 years after it was last inhabited, its gaunt shell is just as impressive. Placed on the Built Heritage at Risk register in 2003, the castle has remained out of use and in a ruinous state. Kilwaughter is one of a number of large houses to have fallen out of use, become derelict and been placed on the BHARNI register. Their larger scale leads to an increase in associated costs of restoration, maintenance and running costs. However, these significant and impressive buildings are not beyond saving. With a creative approach, a long view and enthusiasm, there is potential for this structure to be carefully consolidated. When reviewed in 2022 there had been no change to the overall structure of the building. However, there are exciting plans that could bring around change to this significant structure