Medieval Northern Ireland Castles: Dunluce Castle
13th century
Open to Visitors

Dunluce Castle (or Dún Libhse in Irish) is a now-ruined medieval castle and seat of Clan McDonnell in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The castle is located on the edge of a basalt outcropping and can be accessed through a bridge connecting it to the mainland.

Dunluce was built in the 13th century by Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster. Because it’s surrounded by extremely steep drops on either side, early Christians and Vikings were drawn to this place where an early Irish fort once stood. The castle is first documented in the hands of the McQuillan family in 1513, who owned it until they were displaced by the MacDonnell after losing two major battles against them during the mid- and late-16th century.

The cannons installed in the gatehouses came from the Girona, a galleass from the Spanish Armada was wrecked in a storm on the rocks nearby. The rest of the cargo was sold and the funds were used to restore the castle in 1613.

Visit Dunluce Castle

Facilities

Giftshop
Exhibition
Restrooms
Carpark (Paid)
Limited Access
Manor House, Dunluce Castle.
Dunluce Castle c.1888, R. Welch.
Dunluce Castle c.1888, R. Welch. Source: Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Wikimedia Commons.
A view of Dunluce Castle.
A view of Dunluce Castle. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Hours

10.00 to 16.30

Address

87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY

Phone

+44 28 2073 1938

Prices

TypePrice
Adults£5.50
Child 4-16£3.50
Family up to 5 members including 3 adults£15
Senior citizens£3.50
Students£3.50

Location

Dunluce Castle Gifts

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