Bellaghy Bawn, 17th century fortified museum in Bellaghy, Northern Ireland.
Bellaghy Bawn is a fortified residence from the 17th century featuring a central tower house with preserved sections of defensive walls and a southeastern circular tower. The structure now serves as a museum displaying exhibits about the region's past and local heritage.
Sir Baptist Jones built this fortified residence in 1619 on land leased from the Vintners Company of London during the Ulster Plantation period. The structure survived attacks during the 1641 rebellion while many surrounding buildings in the area were destroyed.
The museum displays local heritage through exhibitions about the Ulster Plantation period and collections focused on Northern Irish literature and poetry. Visitors encounter the region's cultural identity reflected in these collections.
The site is accessible on weekdays and weekends, with extended opening hours during the warmer months and reduced hours at other times. Visitors should check specific opening times in advance, as these vary by season.
The site also houses works and information about local writers and poets who shaped the region's literary history. This literary collection sets the museum apart from other historical fortifications in the area.
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