Ulster-Scots in Cloughey and Kirkistown

From ‘cauld hames’ to a grand castle – and golf

Kirkistown Castle is an impressive tower house said to have been built by Roland Savage in 1622. It was located near the other Savage castles at Ballygalget and Ardkeen, each visible from the others. The castle was later acquired by James McGill and in 1683 it was said that he had ‘improved this place very much, by building garden walls, and houses, and repairing 'in and about'.

The local name ‘Calhame’ comes from a Scots term meaning ‘cold home’, a name which can befound allover Scotland as well as in counties Antrim and Donegal.

The golf courses nearby bring that most Scottish of sports to the area. Ardkeen
Church of Ireland includes a memorial to George Francis Savage-Armstrong,
the renowned Ulster-Scots poet. New boardwalks through the sandy ‘knowes’ (knolls) provide access to the beach.