Clinging to the wild northern coast in County Antrim, Dunluce Castle is a showstopper.
The cliff-top ruins of Dunluce Castle feel as though they’ve been lifted from a fairytale. Perched 30 metres above the crashing Atlantic Ocean on a craggy headland, this mystical stronghold dates to the 14th century and is steeped in legends, from wailing banshees to doomed lovers. It’s even said that a fearsome storm in 1639 hurled parts of the castle’s kitchen into the crashing waves below, killing many and marking a turning point in the castle’s fortunes. It’s a must-see marvel along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Dunluce Castle, County Antrim
Over its history, Dunluce Castle has witnessed some of Ireland’s most tumultuous and violent periods. The castle’s main structure was built by the McQuillan clan in 1500 and was hotly contested by their rivals, Clan McDonnell, who eventually seized the prized location in the mid-1500s. With its past littered with bloody feuds, it’s no surprise that over time, ghostly murmurings have emerged about Dunluce’s lonely old ruins. The most famous of these is the story of Maeve Roe, the daughter of Lord McQuillan, who drowned with her beloved while trying to escape an arranged marriage. Local legend says her cries can be heard on stormy nights…
Surrounded by wild beautyIt is not necessary to pre-book tickets for Dunluce Castle, as they can be purchased at the visitor centre upon arrival. As the castle is an outdoor, exposed coastal site, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather. Conditions can change quickly, and in very poor weather, the site may be closed. That said, there is so much to enjoy here, whether you’re seeing it on a moody, drizzly day or basking in sunshine. The actual size of Dunluce often surprises visitors, and it’s great fun to spend time exploring its nooks and crannies, taking in the knee-quaking drops and spectacular ocean vistas.
Discover the Causeway Coastal Route in 6 days
Food and drink at Dunluce CastleWhile there is no café at Dunluce Castle, there is a picnic area at the Magheracross Viewing Point along the Dunluce Road. This is a spectacular place to pause and enjoy views of the castle and the sandy dunes of Whiterock Beach.
Dunluce also sits roughly midway between the town of Portrush and the village of Bushmills, both of which boast an excellent selection of places to eat, as well as atmospheric old pubs. In Bushmills, try The Courthouse, operated by local chefs and an accredited Slow Food Destination. Its menu celebrates the excellent produce of the Glens of Antrim. Tartine at The Distillers Arms is another local favourite, with a lovely setting in a renovated 18th-century building. Meanwhile, the gas-lit bar at the Bushmills Inn is just the place to enjoy a whiskey in front of a roaring fire after a day spent outdoors.
In Portrush, head to the Shanty for great food with a side of maritime history. Set within a restored boathouse, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a lunch of seafood chowder or Portavogie scampi. For something a little more upscale, head to Dunluce Lodge, where you can enjoy a refined culinary experience showcasing the best of the region’s local ingredients.
Discover Northern Ireland’s must-try treats
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, County Antrim
Tourism Ireland by Arthur Ward
With a picture-perfect location on the Causeway Coastal Route, Dunluce is just one of the area’s showstopping sights, with everything from the world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Club to the cliff-top Mussenden Temple. A short distance away is the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most distinctive sights on the island, with an impressive 40,000 basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption from around 60 million years ago.
The Giant’s Causeway sits just northeast of the village of Bushmills. Quaint and scenic, the village is home to one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world, the Old Bushmills Distillery. Here, Bushmills distils, blends and bottles its famous whiskey, a spirit deeply connected to the local landscape, and tours offer an insight into how the whiskey is crafted, as well as optional tastings.
Sky-high bridges and offshore islandsAnother nearby attraction is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge – a stunning, swaying bridge that links the mainland to a tiny island. Looking to get off the beaten track? Immerse yourself in the breathtaking rugged beauty of Torr Head, with spectacular views across to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.
Want a completely different experience? Head to Ballycastle Harbour and take the ferry across to Rathlin Island, Ireland’s only offshore island. As well as being a birdwatchers’ paradise, the island is home to Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse.
If you’re looking for a dramatic taste of Northern Ireland, Dunluce Castle is the perfect place to start. It’s part of what makes the Causeway Coastal Route such an unforgettable experience. Are you ready to see it for yourself?
