Castle Upton

Castle Upton is a historic plantation castle and country house located in the village of Templepatrick, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, approximately twelve miles northwest of Belfast. While the site was traditionally believed to hold a 13th-century fortified priory of the Knights of St John, modern historical analysis suggests no part of the current structure predates the late 16th century. The existing building was primarily constructed around 1610 by the Norton family during the Plantation of Ulster, featuring an east wing started by Sir Robert Norton and completed by Sir Humphrey Norton. Like many fortifications of this era, it was originally enclosed by a defensive bawn wall.

The property acquired its current name after being purchased in 1625 by Captain Henry Upton, whose family retained ownership for centuries and eventually became the Viscounts Templetown. In the 1780s, the castle underwent significant remodeling under the direction of the renowned Scottish neoclassical architect Robert Adam, who also designed the adjacent stable block known as Adam Yard. The Upton family played a notable role in local politics and supported William III during the Williamite War, with several members serving as Members of Parliament for Carrickfergus and County Antrim.

By 1963, the estate had fallen into poor repair before being acquired by Sir Robin Kinahan and Coralie de Burgh. Following extensive restoration efforts, the Adam Yard stable block was converted into residential housing, while the main castle was repurposed as a popular wedding venue. The adjacent Templetown Old Burial Ground remains accessible to the public and contains the family mausoleum of the Viscounts Templetown, preserving the site's deep connection to its aristocratic past.