Castle Balfour is a ‘striking example of the Plantation strong house of direct Scottish inspiration’. Described as ‘a conspicuous affair’, it was built on the site of a former Maguire stronghold, Castle Skeagh, used until 1610. The present Castle dating to 1618-1622 was built for Planter Sir James Balfour by Lowland Scots masons.

Architecturally, all Plantation Castles differ, but Balfour is unique in Ulster, possessing a bay window or entrance bay not normally associated with Scottish castle architecture, but more a feature of traditional English domestic architecture.  English Planters often borrowed from the building tradition of the Scots such as at "Old" Castle Archdale.  Here at Balfour Castle, an English feature was borrowed by the Scots. 

The Castle was damaged in 1689 but after repair it continued to be occupied into the 18^th century. By the end of the late 18^th century, it had gradually fallen into decay, culminating in a fire in 1803. In 1821, the Castle and the Estate were sold to the 1st Earl of Erne. By 1960, parts of the Castle were in danger of collapse and it was placed in the hands of the Ministry of Finance.  Since then, the Castle has witnessed several extensive periods of clearance work, reconstruction, repair and conservation.

Infra-red image of Balfour Castle by David Robertson

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Ulster-Scots Virtual Visits: Castle Balfour