1667 – Waringstown House, Waringstown, Co. Down

One of the oldest unfortified mansion houses in Ireland, it was built by William Waring, who founded the village, and still remains the home of the his descendants.

Mud built over rubble masonry with two projecting towers to defend the front door, the building was constructed to withstand attack from enemies. The house was considerably extended in the 18th century when the east front was enlarged. Dutch gables and wonderful Tudor-Revival chimneys are to be seen to the side. The east front is elongated by two short sweeps, ending in piers with finials.

Among the house’s most notable guests was Frederick Schomberg, 1st Duke of Schomberg, and his troops before the Battle of the Boyne. Schomberg was King William’s most trusted general, who was sent to Ireland to confront the troops of King James II in 1689.