Stewart Castle
on the North West Trail
Stewart Castle in Newtownstewart was built in 1619 by Sir Robert Newcomen and is a fine example of a plantation building. It was described in the 1622 survey as "a castle of lyme & stone of good strength,4 stories high... about it is a Bawne of lyme & stone, 81ft long, 66ft broad & 9ft high, with 2 Flankers...".
The building is of the type of contemporary English Manor houses, with little defensive equipment and has suffered extensive damage on two occasions. Firstlly during the 1641 insurrection and its subsequent capture by Sir Phelim O' Neill, and in 1689 on King James' return from the siege of Derry. The castle has remained a ruin ever since and maintains the status of a state care monument.
Stewart Castle has the distinction of being the site of a significant Bronze Age discovery: an intact double cist grave and capstone.
