Coleraine Castle facts for kids
Coleraine Castle was an old castle located in Coleraine, which is in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Castles like this were important buildings long ago, often used for protection and as homes for powerful people.
What Was Coleraine Castle?
Coleraine Castle was a medieval castle. It stood in the town of Coleraine. This area is now part of Northern Ireland.
Who Built the Castle?
Records from a historical book called the Annals of Ulster tell us about the castle. They say that a man named Thomas fitz Roland built Coleraine Castle. He was the Earl of Atholl, a powerful leader. Thomas built the castle in the year 1214.
When Was It Destroyed?
The castle did not stand for very long. The same Annals of Ulster reports that it was destroyed just a few years later. In 1223, Hugh de Lacy helped destroy the castle. He was the Earl of Ulster. Aodh Méith Ó Néill, who was the King of Tír Eoghain, also helped.
Was It Rebuilt?
The Annals of Ulster also mentions that Thomas fitz Roland rebuilt the castle. This was said to happen in 1228. However, some historians are not sure if Thomas really rebuilt it. He had faced many challenges. He had lost money while working for the English Crown in Ireland. This made it hard for him to pay for big projects. It is possible someone else rebuilt it. But there are no clear records to say who.
