Drumbanagher Estate Shoot

Drumbanagher Estate Shoot, Poyntzpass, Nr. Newry, Northern Ireland, provides high-quality, high-bird, classic driven shooting across a number of renowned drives, set amongst steep wooded valleys.

Drumbanagher is a walled demesne situated a few miles south of the scenic village of Poyntzpass in the county of Armagh, Northern Ireland. The historic seat of the Close family, the demesne extends to some 650 acres and is one of the most fertile and beautiful private areas in the Emerald Isle. Sadly, Drumbanagher Castle, the once handsome primary residence of the demesne, built in 1837 by Lieut.-Col. Maxwell Close is now demolished. However, the large portico, which stood in front of the Italian-style house remains to the present day and gives a sense of the impressive grandeur of the demesne.

The topography of Drumbanagher makes it one of the prettiest expanses of Irish countryside where steep wooded valleys and tree-lined pastures idyllically lend themselves to superlative driven game shooting. Drumbanagher Estate Shoot is rightly regarded as one of Northern Ireland's premier high-bird shoots and the shooting offered there has become much sought after by high bird aficionados throughout the island of Ireland and further afield.

The shoot operates today with a military efficiency under the direction of Brian Byrne, who fulfils the combined role of Gamekeeper and Shoot Manager and has done since 2000. The fourteen named drives at Drumbanagher produce the most testing of driven pheasants and driven mallard with repetitive ease.