Some of the most beautiful historic houses can be found throughout the UK and Ireland. With so much rich history in these areas, that likely isn’t surprising. In fact, some of these historic properties in the UK and Ireland date as far back as 1222. If you have British or Irish heritage, sifting through historical property records is one way to learn about your family history.

Tracing the historical ownership of property can help you discover how your ancestors lived. It may even uncover ancestors you didn’t know about. Learn more about historic properties in Ireland and the UK and how they can help you build a family tree. 

Discovering Historic Properties in the UK and Ireland

Learning about your family history can provide a sense of belonging and uncover the origins of traditions you may still practice today. Identifying historical property records is one way to understand where your family came from and why some of these traditions and customs were so important to them. 

Ancestry® genealogy records may lead you to discover many things about your ancestors, like where they lived and what properties they owned. You can start by entering names from your family tree or just your surname to find more ancestors and trace where they came from.

Ancestry also has several record collections, including census records, voter lists, and information on land and wills. You can navigate these collections by entering a family member’s name, property address, or date of residence to find more information about your family’s properties. 

List of Historic Houses in the UK and Ireland

Once you start researching your heritage, you may discover that your family has links to British or Irish royalty. From royal estates to English castles, there are several notable historic homes in Ireland and the UK with fascinating pasts. Perhaps one of them is part of your story.

Thornbury Castle

Situated on 15 acres, Thornbury Castle was built in 1511 by Edward Stafford, the second richest man in England at the time. After Stafford was executed for treason by King Henry VIII, the king and Anne Boleyn moved into the castle. In the 1650s, the castle fell into disrepair from the English Civil War but was restored in 1824 by the Howard family. 

Today, Thornbury Castle is the only luxury Tudor castle hotel in England and has hosted many weddings and private events. You can book a room, attend an upcoming event, or enjoy a meal at the castle’s restaurant. 

Dunskey Estate

Originally owned by the Hunter-Blair family, Dunskey Estate is an Edwardian Scottish castle located in a secluded area on the coast of Scotland’s lowlands. The estate was passed on to multiple families before being acquired by the Orr Ewing family in 1900, who constructed the house that exists now. Resting on 2,000 acres of private beaches and glens, the castle still maintains many of its original features and furniture. 

Dunskey Estate opened in 2017 to guests for the first time for overnight stays, weddings, private events, and corporate meetings. You can book a room to access the estate’s amenities and tour the grounds and gardens. 

Ballygally Castle

Built in 1625 on the Antrim, Ballygally Castle is the only 17th-century Northern Ireland castle still used as a residence today. It was constructed by Scottish native James Shaw after he received a sub-grant of land from the Earl of Antrim in 1613. Originally, the castle served as a Protestant refuge during the Civil War, but it later became the home of Reverend Classon Porter and his family after the Shaws lost their wealth.

Mr. Cyril Lord, a textile millionaire, purchased Ballygally Castle and turned it into a hotel in the early 1950s. Today, you can book a room, plan a private event, or attend Sunday lunch to see everything the castle has to offer.

Ashford Castle

Built in 1228, Ashford Castle is a historic Irish castle originally owned by Lord Richard Mor de Burgh, the first Lord of Connaught. The castle passed through many owners before being purchased by brewer and philanthropist Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness. After expanding the property, the Guinness family sold the castle, which was then turned into a luxury hotel. Ashford Castle is now a popular tourist destination. 

Houses and Buildings Stories, Meanings, and Significance

Every historic house has a story with timelines revealing previous owners, inhabitants, and changes made over time. These stories can help you trace notable past owners, historical events, or cultural artifacts associated with the house. This is especially important if the house has undergone changes that have significantly altered its appearance or misplaced items.

By uncovering this information, you can link your family to important cultural and historical events, expand your family tree, and learn how your family contributed to their community throughout history. It may even help you discover a new community you didn’t realize you belonged to. 

Creating Your Own Family Tree

To find connections between historic homes and your ancestors, start by building a family tree. Ancestry has Ireland and UK research resources with millions of records to help you trace your heritage.

Taking an AncestryDNA® test may also reveal where your family members originated, where they moved over time, and where they are still residing.

Whether you have familial ties to historic properties in the UK and Ireland or not, they’re still worth exploring to learn about their rich history. However, you’ll never know what historic property you’re connected to without delving into your family history. Ancestry can help you on your way to discovering your origins and history. Sign up for a free trial today and start building your family tree.