Explore the most intriguing castles on our shores, from defensive towers built by a conqueror to picturesque romantic ruins
By Dave Hamilton
1 Dunluce Country Antrim
For over 1,500 years, forts and castles have protected these shores from the constant threat of invasion by sea. Today, we remain intrigued by their long and bloody histories and evocative crumbling walls. Here are 10 of the most captivating coastal castles
With tussocks of tough, emerald-green coastal grass creeping up its grey weather-worn walls, it’s hard to tell where the ruins of Dunluce begin and the basalt cliffs it sits upon end.
This rugged yet unarguably romantic castle on the Antrim coast has inspired many in the creative industries, with the ruins cropping up across all kinds of popular culture. Music fans may recognise it from the inlay gatefold of Led Zeppelin’s platinum album Houses of the Holy, while fantasy buffs might just be able to make it out as the basis for the CGI-created Castle Greyjoy in the hit series Game of Thrones. However, it was CS Lewis, who grew up in the area, who was most moved by the crumbling fortress – it’s thought he based his capital city of Narnia, Cair Paravel, on the castle.
The Irish nobleman and settled Norman knight Richard Óg de Burgh – father-in-law of Robert the Bruce – first built a castle here in the 13th century. By 1513, the McQuillan clan, rulers of “the Route”, a medieval territory on the north-east coast of Ulster, had become the first notable residents of Dunluce. Despite constructing two large drum towers, the McQuillans lost the castle to the MacDonnells in the 16th century, following two bloody battles. Towards the end of that century, Somhairle Buidhe MacDonnell (‘Yellow-haired Sorley’, or ‘Sorley Boy’) took command of the castle and set about consolidating power in the region. With its strategic position overlooking the Scottish mainland and the Inner Hebrides, in times of trouble Sorley could light a beacon near the castle to call for help from mercenaries in Islay or Kintyre.
You cross into the castle via a narrow footbridge marking the location of the former drawbridge. From here, take a guided tour or use one of the multilingual headsets. There are archeological exhibits and a gift shop on site and you’ll find a small café in the carpark.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Dunluce Castle is open daily from 9.30am–5pm. Adult entry costs £6. discovernorthernireland.com
2 Dartmouth Devon
At the seaward end of the long winding Dart estuary, on top of a rocky promontory, sits the small but pe
