Overview
Brownlow House dominates the skyline of Lurgan with its lantern‑topped tower, a forest of uniquely pierced chimney pots and a sweeping façade of golden Scottish sandstone. Built in 1833 for Charles Brownlow, 1st Baron Lurgan, the house now belongs to the Lurgan Loyal Orange District Lodge and serves as a venue for weddings, conferences, and, most importantly for visitors, two free military museums. The surrounding 250‑acre parkland, owned jointly by Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council, provides a scenic backdrop of lake, formal avenues and a historic cast‑iron Jubilee fountain.
Architecture & Design
Designed by Edinburgh architect William Henry Playfair, the mansion is a striking example of Elizabethan‑revival architecture executed in freestone imported from Scotland. Its most recognisable features are:
- Lantern‑shaped tower that crowns the roofline.
- 52 ornate chimney pots, each with its own pierced scroll‑work pattern.
- Grand oriel windows and decorative carriage gates.
- A calendar‑house layout – four wings representing the seasons, 12 corners for the months, 52 chimneys for the weeks and, according to contemporary accounts, 365 rooms for each day of the year. The building is listed by the Department of the Environment as being of special architectural and historical interest, and its restoration after the 1996 arson attack was overseen by the same experts who rebuilt Windsor Castle.
History
The story of Brownlow House is inseparable from the political and military history of Ulster. Designed by Edinburgh architect William Henry Playfair, the mansion was intended as a grand statement of the Brownlow family’s status. It is locally known as Brownlow Castle or Lurgan Castle and features 52 ornate chimney pots, 365 rooms (according to contemporary accounts) and a striking lantern‑shaped tower.
A famous resident of the estate was the celebrated greyhound Master McGrath, owned by the 2nd Lord Lurgan. McGrath won the Waterloo Cup three times in the 1860s and was even presented to Queen Victoria.
The house changed hands at the turn of the 20th century, being sold to the Lurgan Real Property Company and then, in 1903, to the local Orange Lodge – owners to this day. During the First World War it served as the headquarters of the 16th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and the 10th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers. In the Second World War it housed American troops; General Dwight D. Eisenhower is reputed to have stayed in the room now called the Eisenhower Room.
A 1996 arson attack caused extensive damage, but a careful restoration – guided by the same experts who rebuilt Windsor Castle – returned the house to its former glory. Legend has it that a tunnel runs from Brownlow House under Park Lane to Castle Lane; this local story is part of the house’s folklore.
Legend of the Tunnel
Local tradition speaks of a secret tunnel that runs from the house, beneath the park lake, to Castle Lane in Lurgan. The story is repeated on several heritage sites, including Belfast Entries and What’s On NI, and remains a popular piece of folklore, though no archaeological evidence has been published to confirm its existence.
Exhibitions & Attractions
- World War I Exhibition (Basement) – Panels, photographs and personal letters illustrate the role of the 16th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and the 10th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers. Children can try on period uniforms in the dress‑up area.
- World War II Exhibition – Launched in 2015, this interactive exhibition recreates the house’s wartime headquarters and features original American equipment, a virtual GI in a recreated Nissen hut, and a secret‑operations map room.
- Architectural Highlights – The lantern‑shaped tower, the 52 ornate chimney pots, grand oriel windows and decorative carriage gates. Inside are original fireplaces and period furnishings.
- The Eisenhower Room – A quiet tribute to the Supreme Allied Commander’s stay.
- Tea Room & Picnic Area – Open Monday to Saturday, serving specialty teas, freshly baked scones, soups, sandwiches, hot chocolate and a range of daily chef’s specials. A nearby picnic area offers lakeside views.
- Lurgan Park Walks – Panoramic views across the lake, landscaped walkways, the historic oak‑lined avenue and the cast‑iron Jubilee fountain.
Visiting the Museum
The WWI and WWII exhibitions are free and open daily by prior arrangement. There are no fixed public opening times; visitors are encouraged to call ahead or email to book a guided tour, especially during the busy summer months. The exhibitions feature interactive elements such as a virtual GI in a Nissen hut, a secret‑operations map room and a dress‑up area for children, making them engaging for families.
How to book: call 028 3832 6049 or 077 88 533 774, or email robert@brownlowhouse.com to arrange a convenient time.
Weddings & Private Functions
Brownlow House is a sought‑after venue for weddings, conferences and private events. The house operates a one‑event‑per‑day policy, giving exclusive use of the mansion and its grounds. Facilities include:
- Octagon Room – An intimate space ideal for ceremony or small receptions.
- Grand Ballroom – Accommodates 30‑140 guests for larger receptions.
- On‑site catering, décor support and a dedicated event team.
- On‑site parking for guests and disabled access throughout the grounds.
- Proximity to Lurgan Park provides additional photographic backdrops and a tranquil setting for outdoor ceremonies.
Walks & Outdoor Activities
The former demesne, now Lurgan Park, spans over 250 acres and includes:
- A super play park for children.
- A large lake with walking paths and bird‑watching spots.
- The cast‑iron Jubilee fountain dating from the late 19th century.
- A historic oak‑lined avenue that changes colour with the seasons.
- Well‑maintained landscaped walkways suitable for casual strolls or joggers.
- Lurgan Golf Club (9‑hole) set within the parkland (mentioned for interest, not linked).
Getting There
- By car: Brownlow House sits just off the A1, a short drive from Lurgan town centre. Free on‑site parking is available.
- Public transport: Regular Ulsterbus services stop in Lurgan; the house is a brief walk from the town’s bus stops onto Windsor Avenue.
- Train: The nearest railway station is Lurgan, on the Belfast‑Newry line, about a 10‑minute walk.
- Air: Belfast International Airport is the closest airport, roughly 30 km away.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Facility | Season | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lurgan Park (outside the house) | October – March | 07:00 – 18:00 |
| Lurgan Park (outside the house) | April – September | 07:00 – 22:00 |
| Tea Room | Monday – Saturday | 10:00 – 15:00 |
| Museum exhibitions | By appointment only (open daily) |
Admission
| Visitor type | Fee |
|---|---|
| General public | Free (large groups may be charged) |
| Children & infants | Free (baby‑changing facilities available) |
| Parking | Free on‑site parking |
Accessibility – On‑site toilets and wheelchair‑accessible parking are available. The tea room is fully accessible; however, because of the historic layout, many interior rooms have limited wheelchair access.
Contact & Booking
- Phone (general enquiries): 028 3832 6049
- Mobile (tour arrangements): 077 88 533 774
- Email: robert@brownlowhouse.com
- Website: www.brownlowhouse.com
- Tours of the interior are by prior arrangement only; contact the numbers above to schedule a guided tour.
Nearby Cultural Highlights
- Ardress House – A National Trust property with formal gardens a short drive away.
- Armagh County Museum – Offers further insight into the region’s military and social history.
- Lurgan Park – The extensive parkland surrounding Brownlow House, ideal for walks and picnics.
- Craigavon – Explore Craigavon Lakes and the surrounding countryside.
Nearby Attractions
- Ardress House – A National Trust property with formal gardens a short drive away.
- Lurgan Park – The extensive parkland surrounding Brownlow House, ideal for walks and picnics.
- Craigavon – Explore Craigavon Lakes and the surrounding countryside.
- Lurgan Golf Club – A 9‑hole course set within the parkland.
- Kinnego Marina – Watersports and boat hire on the nearby Lough Neagh inlet.