Burial Grounds

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A small burial ground near cliff edge adjacent to Clare Park (now demolished) and off Clare Road.

A free interpretation of Celtic cross marking the grave of Hugh McGildowney. On the stone cross an emblem presumably taken from the Arms of the Gildowney family. A rampant lion carrying a pennant and below a scroll with short inscription. The inscription below the cross reads :

“To the Beloved Memory / of / Hugh McCalmont McGildowney, Esq./
Of Clare Park / who lost his life through an accident / on the cliffs 25th May 1923.”

The grave is surrounded by a stone kerb and further out by an iron railing enclosing a rectangular plot. Adjoining it is a low mound and some kerbing.

The grave plot is sited in open ground and near the cliff edge.

Historical information

Hugh McGildowney is said to have been killed falling from a horse near the cliff edge. Nearby are the demolished remains of Clare Park almost totally gone except for a 3 storey brick tower. Clare Park was the home of the McGildowneys and a former house of the McDonnells. McGildowney is of Scots origin though also of Irish origin.

References

Primary Sources
1. O.S. Map 1904 Rev. 1972 Antrim sh. 8.
2. O.S. Memoirs of Ireland, Parishes of Co Antrim IX 1830-2, 1835, 1838-9
Ed by Angelique Day, Patrick McWilliams and Noirin Dobson p. 90.
3. Brett, Buildings of Antrim p. 71, 300 (ill.)
4. Bell, Ulster Surnames p. 57, 58

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An 1920s memorial in a small graveyard commemorating the death of Hugh McGildowney, a member of a family of longstanding in Ballycastle and resided at Clare Park. An interesting memorial because of its location near the cliff edge.