A Legacy Carved in Stone: The Story of Brownlow Castle

Built in 1833 for Charles Brownlow, 1st Baron Lurgan, Brownlow Castle (also known as Brownlow House) stands as a striking example of Elizabethan Revival architecture in the heart of Northern Ireland. Designed by renowned Scottish architect William Henry Playfair and constructed from distinctive Scottish sandstone, the house reflects the wealth, status, and ambition of a man deeply embedded in the political and social fabric of 19th-century Ireland.

Charles Brownlow was more than a landowner—he was a reformist MP and an influential figure who helped shape the civic life of Portadown and Lurgan. His vision for the estate was both practical and symbolic: a grand residence that would anchor the community and reflect progress during a time of transformation. Today, Brownlow Castle preserves this vision, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Ulster’s most significant historical figures.