Shanes Castle Steam Rally Public Campsite
Bookings Open
Please do not arrive at the campsite unless you have pre booked and paid in advance
Make this visit special and stay at the beautiful Shanes Castle
The Campsite will open
3.00 pm on Friday 2nd May
and will officially close at 8.00 pm
on
Monday 5th May
All campers must vacate site by the latest
12 noon Tuesday 6th May
Pre Booking Essential
Why not take time to explore more in #AntrimNewtownabbey
Bookings Open
Make this visit special and stay at the beautiful Shanes Castle
The Campsite will open
3.00 pm on Friday 2nd May
and will officially close at 8.00 pm
on
Monday 5th May
All campers must vacate site by the latest
12 noon Tuesday 6th May
Pre Booking Essential
Why not take time to explore more in #AntrimNewtownabbey
Please do not arrive at the campsite unless
you have pre booked and paid in advance
Why stay in the Public Campsite?
The Steam Rally is situated in the beautiful Shanes Castle Estate
Access to Lord O’Neill’s Shanes Castle Estate is limited to a few special events each year and the Steam Rally is an opportunity to see the beautiful Castle Ruins and Grave Yard on the edge of Lough Neagh and the picturesque parkland where film crews have created scenes for Game of Thrones.
The view of the Castle Ruins as the sun sets, the sound of steam engines bubbling and spitting and the fairground lights will leave lasting memories that are unique to the event and the location.
While the Steam Rally is a huge attraction during the day, the nightlife at Shanes Castle is lively and welcoming. Steam engines generate lights and the bars draw crowds of friendly people to enjoy good company and great music and dancing.
It's impossible to trace the centuries, the date or manner of edifice first built on this dramatic site. Probably the present ruins replaced an earlier stronghold built in the 16th century and originally called Edenduffcarrick.
Castle Ruins
Showman Engines
As darkness falls the Showman Engines generate electricity and light up the area with their coloured lamps
Steam Engines
Long after dark the engines are simmering away and radiating warmth to the rally field
The atmosphere of a Steam Rally Field at night is unique as engines let off steam and occasional whistles and steam sirens penetrate the night
Fun Time Engines
The Bars are situated beside the Old Station Building close to the music and steam engines
The atmosphere is a happy buzzing scene of people across the generations enjoying good entertainment and good company
The Cannons
These came from a British Man-of-war which sank in Lough Foyle. Earl O’Neill obtained permission to move them to Shane’s provided he did so at his expense. In 1848, the Government required more cannons at the time of Smith O’Brian’s rebellion and asked for the loan of them. Lord O’Neill agreed on condition that they moved them. However, as the Government did not wish to go to this expense, they were spiked, and have remained in this condition ever since.
The Burial Chamber
This was built in the adjoining graveyard in 1722 by “French” John O’Neill. It bears the inscription “this vault was built by Shane McBrien McPelim O’Neill Esq. in the year 1722 for a burial place to himself and family of Clanaboy”. the coffins were removed to the family vault at Drummaul Parish Church in the second half of the 19th century.