Ramble Round Sketrick Island Co Down Nov 2020

Описание: We have travelled out to enjoy a pleasant walk and the magnificent views of Strangford Lough from Sketrick Island Co Down.
Cross over the narrow causeway from, the Ballydorn road that winds round the bay and you are on immediately on Sketrick Island. Immediately before you guarding the entrance to the island sits Sketrick Castle ( a tower-house or fortified house ). The castle ruins dates back to the mid 15th century.
This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and a subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury.
The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
TBearing left the island has a muddy walkway up to a look out point. It is well worth making the effort to get there. The island is largely used by farmers for cattle and sheep grazing. A private road runs off to the right of the castle and this is dotted with private homes. Many have their own slip ways. This is very much a hidden exclusive world. It must be a real treat to waken up each morning to the fabulous views out of each front facing window. Strtching out from the inner bay are a number of drowned drumlins or pladdies. I'm not sure but Sketrick itself may be a large pladdy. Anyone?