About
There are only two Almshouse charities in Northern Ireland. The founder Charles Sheils was born in Killough, Co. Down on 8th November 1782 and served an apprenticeship under a Mr Hunter, a Dublin merchant, part of the time in London and he spent some time in America. When he returned to Ireland he married Miss Catherine Newton. They had no children and he seems to have been the black sheep in his family - otherwise he might never have founded the charity.
The couple settled in Liverpool, according to one source, with a firm of cotton merchants where he became a partner. He retired to live in Killiney, Co. Dublin in 1851, having apparently amassed a very large fortune. He made his will on 14th February, 1846, during the famine. The famine must have greatly affected him because his will sets up a remarkable scheme for benefiting those who had fallen on hard times.
Armagh is one of five sets of houses which Sheils' planned and each set of houses is administered by a Local Board. Armagh has 24 houses and a Tower House for the Superintendent. The Superintendent sees that the site and houses are maintained in pristine condition.
Other sites are at Killough, Carrickfergus, Dungannon and Stillorgan.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
