Ardglass derives its name from the Irish "ard glas" - the green hill. It owes its origins to the Anglo-Normans, but there is little evidence of a settlement there until the early middle ages.

A trading company from London settled there in the reign of Henry IV and built a range of buildings (known as "the New Works") consisting of work-shops and warehouses that were later reconstructed as Ardglass Castle and are now the headquarters of Ardglass Golf Club.

Ardglass used to be the headquarters of the Northern herring trade in the 1800's, employing around 3,000 fishermen and is still a strong commercial fishing port to this day. Ardglass is a quaint village which is steeped in rich history personified in several historical ruins of castles dotted throughout the village which gives it a strong character and uniqueness. Jordan's Castle, a 15th Century town house, is open to visitors during July and August.