Castles and the like

A contrasty view of this little castle here at Lochranza on the Isle of Arran. It was actually a Tower house house dating back to the 16th century, although the original castle was built by the MacSweens in the 13th century.

A striking view of this magnificent ancient ruin. It is hard to believe that it was once a bustling hive of activity. It is picturesquely perched on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the Irish Sea and I must admit that it really comes into its own at sunsets. (When I was not here!) Dunskey Castle is a ruined, 12th century tower house or castle, near Port Patrick on the Rhins of Galloway, Scotland. "The massive towerhouse was built in the mid-16th century for the Adairs of Kinhilt - the same family that owned the Castle of St John in Stranraer - and the long wing to the north was added in the 1620's. By 1700 the whole building was derelict.The defensive ditch on the landward side is all that survives of an earlier Adair Castle. First recorded in the 14th century, this castle was destroyed around 1500 by the McCullochs of Myrton and Cardoness." www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/dunskey-castle-p255821

A trip to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland has many surprises for the visitor. As far as great buildings this takes some beating. Here we see the Parliament Building with the old Stormont Castle hidden in the trees to our right. "Stormont Castle is a mansion on the Stormont Estate in east Belfast which is used as the main meeting place of the Northern Ireland Executive. It was never a castle as such: the original building was reworked in the nineteenth century in the Scottish baronial style with features such as bartizans used for decorative purposes. Between 1921 and 1972, it served as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. However, a number of prime ministers chose to live at Stormont House, the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons of Northern Ireland, which was empty as a number of speakers had chosen to live in their own homes. It also served as the location of the Cabinet Room of the Government of Northern Ireland from 1921 to 1972. Before devolution it served as the Belfast headquarters of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Office Ministers and supporting officials. During the Troubles, it was also used by MI5 officers." Wiki

Here we see Castle Stalker, standing on a small Island in Loch Laich off Loch Linnhe between Oban and Fort William inScotland. Built around 1320 this is one of Scotland's most scenic castles and indeed historical small castles being held by both the Stewarts and the Campbells.Certainly a great place to explore and one can even do a tour inside at times. Enjoy

Sitting at the end of Loch Moidart and dating from 1290 this is now a deserted ruin. Reached by a causeway it is still impressive especially when viewed from this position. More info: www.moidart.org.uk/datasets/tioram.htm

A very long view of this famous castle with its hinterland of Snowdonia mountains.

Set on the coast of North Wales is this medieval fortification of Harlech castle in its broody glory fronting the old town. One of King Edwards line of fortifications here in Wales. Constructed between 1282-1289 now an empty ruin that is a joy to explore. It is amazing that the sea seen about 2km in the distance here once lapped the base of the rock that castle sits upon.

The Rhein shows off one its iconic castles and also the advent of an early Autumn. Taken from the village of St Goar, about 26km south of Koblenz. The village shown here is opposite St Goar and is called St Goarhausen.

Along the town walls of Oberwesel on the Rhein are many fine views. Enjoy with me this one looking at one of the old towers.

A beautiful little castle mid-stream of the river Rhein. Maybe the weather could have been better for this snap but one has to work with what one gets.

I first visited this place in 1979, and so it was in some trepidation that it might have lost some of its charm some 35 years later but no, it is still charming and a must visit place for anybody visiting the Moselle See PiP

This castle was built by ' Roger Mortimer de Chirk' between 1295 and 1310 to guard the Dee and Ceiriog valleys in the days of Edward the First. A castle with real history as five of its owners were executed for treason. Now owned by our National Trust we can walk its grounds for free and gain entry for a small fee. My photo here dose not in fact convey how mighty the walls are at close quarters but it does show its high position and splendid parkland.

Only another 600? steps to go out of the 1350 altogether from the town far below to the top of the ruined castle where the flag beckons. This castle also called St Johns was built on and off between the ninth and nineteenth centuries. Fortunately a prayer in the passed 'Health Church' gives one safe deliverance to the top and then down again.

Another view from my 2015 trip to the Mosel. Too good to lie languishing in my 'never published box'. See PiP Eltz Castle is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier, Germany. It is still owned by a branch of the same family that lived there in the 12th century, 33 generations ago. WiKi

A view from the River Swale. Built in 1086 by Duke Conan of Brittany in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. It stands in a commanding position over this river with the town surrounding its other three sides. It was originally called Riche Mount, 'the strong hill'..

A view of this fine castle from the Vistula River in Krakow, Poland. See PiP for inside view More info: www.inyourpocket.com/krakow/Wawel_73574f

An early morning look at this splendid castle in Portsmouth from across the water near Port Solent. A pleasant walk to catch the reflections was what I came for but it seems that a visit to the actual castle with its very interesting history is also a must. Best viewed full screen. More historical info: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/portchester-castle/history-and-stories/history

Just part of this impressive castle series of buildings as seen from the inner courtyard.