Dramatically poised on a cliff overlooking the sea in Northern Ireland, Dunluce Castle is undoubtedly one of the best castles in Ireland. However, its stunning drop-offs on every side did not prevent it from being overtaken by the fearsome MacDonnell clan.
Unfortunately, the castle was so precariously perched that the kitchen literally fell into the sea during a particularly bad storm, leading to the abandonment of the beautiful 16th-century structure. Nonetheless, even in its ruined state, or perhaps because of it, Dunluce Castle has been utilized in movies and TV shows seeking to showcase breathtaking scenery and a hint of drama.
History
The earliest written record of Dunluce Castle dates back to 1513. However, the foreboding structure was likely built earlier, around 1500. Perched on a cliff in what is now northern County Antrim, it was constructed by the McQuillan family, who unfortunately could not maintain their dramatic castle for long.
In the 1550s, the MacDonnell family conquered Dunluce Castle for themselves. The castle was taken by the Scottish clan’s prominent chieftain, Sorley Boy. Because Dunluce is surrounded by steep drop-offs, the warrior chief required an accomplice on the inside. Consequently, he coordinated for heavily armed soldiers to be hoisted up in a basket over the cliff to launch an attack.
The MacDonnells fortified their newly acquired castle, and most of the walls and towers, which still stand today, were constructed on Sorley Boy’s orders.
By the 1600s, Dunluce Castle served as the seat of the earls of County Antrim, and a small town developed around the castle in 1608.
Sadly, the castle’s awe-inspiring location atop the cliffs came with risks. In 1639, part of the kitchen plummeted into the sea after the ground eroded. Local legend claims that all cooks and servants were lost, except for one boy who witnessed the tragedy while en route to work.
After this incident, Dunluce Castle was left to the elements, and it did not take long for the Northern Ireland storms to inflict damage. Today, only a few stone walls remain standing.
Despite its ruined state, Dunluce Castle continues to inspire daydreams of royalty. In more recent times, it has served as a filming location for movies and even portrayed the House of Greyjoy in the popular series Game of Thrones.
What to See
Dunluce Castle is in ruins and is not restored. However, this rough condition enhances the overall ambiance of the castle. Rather than formal exhibits, artifacts are showcased in glass cases, roped off with velvet, amidst the crumbling walls.
Visitors will receive a handout to guide their exploration of the castle and will encounter plaques with historical information as they tour the main grounds. For additional background, the small visitor center features a short video and some interactive exhibits tailored for younger visitors.
The main attraction is the castle itself, which can only be accessed via a narrow bridge leading to its cliffside location. Once on site, guests are free to wander through the ruins and take in the magnificent sea views.
Additionally, there is a helpful free app, available for iPhone and Android. This app employs computer-generated imagery (CGI) to depict how the castle would have appeared in the 16th and 17th centuries, which is ideal for helping visitors visualize the historical structure. (Note that the app may require updates for newer devices.)
Finally, convenient parking is available near the visitor center, along with a charming tea room named Wee Café, offering a selection of snacks and drinks.
Location and How to Visit
Dunluce Castle is located on the Antrim coast in Northern Ireland, approximately 3 miles from the village of Portrush. All coastal buses service this major landmark, making it easily accessible. For those driving, entering 87 Dunluce Road into a mapping app will guide you directly off the A2.
Dunluce Castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December). Tickets are available for purchase upon arrival, but please note that the last entry is at 4:30 p.m.
What Else to Do Nearby
Underneath the ruins of Dunluce Castle lies a sea cave known as Mermaid’s Cave. This natural tunnel was possibly used for escape and surprise attacks against the castle and acts as a conduit for the crashing waves, remaining almost invisible from above.
Nearby, one of Ireland’s must-see attractions, the Giant’s Causeway, is a short drive away. This natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 40,000 stone columns formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago.
For an exhilarating experience, plan ahead to walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, further along the Antrim coast. This thrilling walkway connects the mainland to a small island that once served as an important salmon fishing outpost.
