Block house on Island to south of Soldiers Point

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A partial gable and foundation walling is all that survives of a rubble stone building on the ‘summit’ of this exposed wave-washed rocky outcrop. No landing place now in evidence.

Historical information

No building shown on 1835 OS 6” map, but this may not be entirely accurate as second edition of 1859 notes “Block House – in ruins” which implies it had been in existence for some time. This is supported by 16th and early 17th century documents (up to 1625) which note the name of the island on which it stands as Great Island. It is first cited as Block-house Island by Harris in his 1744 map of Co Down. He notes it as having been erected for the defence of Newry and Carlingford. The circa 1655 Civil Survey states that “there was a stone fort or castle built by the Marquis of Ormond upon a rock in the midle of the said entrance…” which probably refers to this structure. Cited as “Ruins of Artillery Fort” on current OS map.

SMR No. DOW 057:010

Secondary Sources:
1. M. O’ Mainnin, Place-Names of Northern Ireland, vol. 3: The Mournes (QUB, 1993), pp 56-57.
2. Sites & Monuments Record, 5 - 33 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Although little now remains, this structure is of some local historical interest in terms of its defensive function and strategic location at the entrance to Carlingford Lough.