Shankill Castle
Shankill Castle offers a unique glimpse into both its grand history and present-day life through its 'Upstairs/Downstairs' tours, guided by the Cope family, who currently reside there. Visitors explore the opulent 'upstairs' rooms where the Aylward family, the original builders, entertained guests, alongside a peek into the 'downstairs' areas that reveal the castle's operational past. The experience is enriched with stories and the artwork of Elizabeth Cope, showcasing how the castle remains a vibrant, lived-in home.
The estate extends its welcome outdoors into expansive gardens, featuring a Victorian walled garden, sprawling lawns, and woodland walks dotted with contemporary sculptures and historical ruins. Shankill is also a hub of creativity and sustainability, housing Elizabeth Cope’s studio and operating an organic farm that supports the Coach House Café. This café emphasizes seasonal, organic produce, much of it grown on-site, reflecting Shankill’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement through art, history, and agriculture.
