As you make your way through Carrickfergus, on a drive towards the coast, a beautiful building comes into view on your left. Set back from the road and partly secluded by trees, you glance views of a clock tower and cheerful red doors as you drive by. I have often wondered how this building came to be here. It looks so charming and quaint, and have often imagined it would be rather lovely to live there. It is called Sheils Houses.
On Saturday I decided to stop on a side road and investigate a bit more. As I reached the entrance and noticed the ‘Private’ sign, I hesitated. I was unsure as to whether it was appropriate to take some photographs.
The entrance to Sheils Houses
Thankfully, some one was leaving and as they reached the entrance where I stood, and no doubt sensed my hesitation, they stopped and I then asked if it was ok to walk into the grounds. They smiled and said yes, not a problem. They suggested I knock on the door of the wardens house (Bob and Christine) and just let them know I was there. I made my way up the driveway and knocked on the large red door. Christine promptly appeared. And as it turned out, yes, of course, it was totally fine to have a wander around and take some photographs.
Some info
Sheils Houses is one of five institutes built in Ireland at the bequest of Charles Sheils. He was a local philanthropist born in 1782 who created alms houses for those who had fallen on hard times, particularly after the Great Famine. The houses at Carrickfergus were designed by architect Charles Lanyon (who also designed Queen’s University in Belfast). They consist of a beautifully crafted, horse-shoe shaped terrace of houses, each one unique, with a clock tower at the warden’s house.
The Grounds
I wandered around the grounds. There is a small woodland area at the entrance. I also discovered a small allotment, a pond and a mixture of fading flowers and flowers in bloom.
I wandered across to the far side of the grounds, to discover more houses which were built later in 1918.
Although there is a busy road nearby, it was a lovely, tranquil space to walk through. You could see glimpses of the pretty houses in one direction, and glimpses of the sea in the other. As I made my way back to the entrance, I spotted this amongst the leaves…isn’t that lovely ?
A hidden gem
The man I had met at the entrance had told me his heartbeat slows down a little when he drives home through the gates after a busy day at work. After spending a short time here I can so understand why.
Although it’s not on the main tourist trail, if you happen to be in the area, it’s definitely worth stopping for a time. If only to admire the lovely architecture and learn a little of our local history. I often find it’s hidden gems like these that reveal more about our past. And I would hope to stop again there in summer (when hopefully it will be a little warmer).
What about you? Are there places where you live that are hidden gems ? I’d love to know !
Thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely Sunday x
Paula
For more information, you can visit the Charles Sheils charity website
Useful Links
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Explore Belfast’s Linen Heritage on the ‘Linenopolis’ Walking Tour
Just gorgeous 💕💕so interesting as I live near by and never New the details .
I fell in love with a place down quay lane on the way to whitehead on the right hand side from Carrickfergus- there was a house which used to be owned by an admiral I believe – there is a gorgeous harbour too
I must go again soon x
Oh I think I might have driven by Quay Lane. I’ve often wondered where the roads down that way lead. I must check it out. So you never know…it might be on the blog soon 😊
That is definitely a hidden gem. I enjoy the historic buildings. Thanks for the idea of hidden gems. I will have to think about some in my area 🙂
Yes..it will surprise you what comes to mind when you think about it. Look forward to seeing them on your blog 😊
What a gem!!!! So happy that you asked, and found out that it is fine, to look and take some pictures. You could share them here, with we, who can’t visit.
Now, I will do a search on this wonderful place.
Thank you!!!!!
Thank you. I will try and share more hidden gems as I find them. Hope you enjoy 😊
It is so gorgeous, I love it. What an absolute find.
I know…so lovely. I’ve been so curious about it for so long I’m glad I finally stopped 😊
How lovely. And what a beautiful place.
Oh thank you. Yes it was lovely to walk around 😊
Ah I want to live here… Is it now divided into private apartments and houses that can be bought or rented (I wonder)? It’s so quaint; looks like a little Utopian community-type place. How gorgeous, I’m glad you went exploring… I envy that man who loves returning home there.
I envied him too. It’s a form of charitable housing now trying to maintain its original aims of helping those who have fallen on tougher times.