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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
There are many historic castles to visit in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. At ConnollyCove, we have created this guide to all the castles in Antrim you need to see while visiting Northern Ireland.
Table of Contents
Glenarm Castle
Sourced: Flickr, Tracey Adams
Our first Castle in Antrim is Glenarm Castle, the location for the film 5 Minutes of Heaven.
Location
This castle and gardens are in Glenarm village, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The village has a lot to offer visitors, from hiking routes to water sports. It’s a perfect holiday location.
Background
This original castle has been in Glenarm since the 13th Century and was owned by John Bittet, the Earl of Ulster. The old village courthouse still has some of the walls of the original castle.
The O’Donnells later seized the castle. They lived there until they built a new castle, which is still there today. The castle was built in 1636 by Sir Randal MacDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim. This family still owns it.
Facilities
There is an annual Highland Games tournament in June. They also hold the Dalriada festival, traditional Ulster-Scots cultural events, outdoor concerts, and Summer Madness—Ireland’s biggest Christian festival.
The mushroom house has been converted into a tearoom and gift shop.
There are discounted rates for families, free WiFi, toilets, baby changing facilities, parking and guided tours. It is also a wheelchair offering ramps and alternative routes.
Kinbane Castle
Sourced: Flickr, Addam Hardy
The name Kinbane means whitehead. Although not much of the castle remains, the surrounding area is a historical monument.
Location
This castle is located in Ballycastle, County Antrim, at the bottom of a cliff slope; it offers views of Rathlin Island and the Dunagregor Iron Age fort.
Background
This castle was built in 1547 by Colla MacDonnell. Later, in 1551, it was besieged by English
men under Lord Sir James Croft; again, in 1555, the castle was destroyed by cannon fire. It was rebuilt, and Colla MacDonnel died in the castle grounds in 1558.
There is a hollow below the castle, which is known as Lag na Sassenach (Hollow of the English). It was named this as the English soldiers attempting to siege the castle during the 16th Century were surrounded and killed.
The castle was later given to Owen Maclan Dubh MacAllister, 2nd Loup, Chief of the MacAlister Clan, as a reward for their loyalty to the MacDonnell Clan.
The Castle stayed in the MacAllister’s of Kenbane family until the 18th Century.
Price and opening hours
It is open to the public all year long with no charge.
Facilities
There are parking areas nearby, some of which have a charge.
Hillsborough Castle
This castle is the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and has also been used by many members of the British Royal family during their visits.
Location
This castle is located in Hillsborough.
Background
This castle was built in the 1770s. It is not technically a castle but rather a Georgian Country House. It was built for the Hill family, who owned it until 1922, when it was sold to the British government.
Price and opening hours
Tours are open to the public between July and February. Each month differs in touring days. During December, there are special Victorian Family Christmas Tours. When buying at the gate, the castle tour and garden access cost £10.50 for adults, £6.60 for children, and £8.30 for concession, students, and seniors. Buying tickets online is cheaper, and there are discounts for family and group bookings.
Facilities
Many services are available for visitors, such as WiFi, male and female toilets, baby changing rooms, and card machines. They also allow dogs, provided you arrange it in advance.
Lissanoure Castle
Sourced: Flickr, Trevor Lawrence
This castle has been used in filming. It has been a film spot for BBC’s “Flog It, ” “David Meade, Make Believe” and UTV’s Lesser Spotted Ulster.
Location
It is located at the foot of the Glens of Antrim, surrounded by lakes, parkland, and woods, making it one of the most beautiful areas in Northern Ireland.
Background
This castle was built in 1770 by George Macartney, 1st Earl of Macartney. It is situated on the site of a previous castle built by Sir Philip Savage in the 14th Century.
A large portion of the castle was destroyed in an explosion in 1847. However, the courtyard remains, and since then, it has been renovated into function rooms that are available for hire.
Facilities
Wedding venue, Wheelchair adaptions, room hire, guide dogs welcome, parking and toilets.
Belfast Castle
This castle has been claimed as one of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks.
Location
This castle is in the Cave Hill Country Park, overlooking the lough and the city. Visitors will undoubtedly be treated to some spectacular views.
Background
The Normans built the first castle in Belfast’s city centre in the late 12th century. Baron of Belfast, Sir Arthur Chichester, later rebuilt it from stone and timber. 100 years later, the castle was burned and destroyed.
Then, in 1862, the third Marquis of Donegall built a new castle in his deer park on the side of Cave Hill. John Lanyon designed it, and it was completed in 1870.
In 1884, the third Marquis of Donegall died, and the castle was given to Lord Ashley, the Seventh Earl of Shaftsbury. It remained in the Shaftsbury family until it was given to the city of Belfast in 1934.
The castle was later refurbished in 1978.
Price and opening hours
It is open seven days a week: Sunday and Monday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. There is no charge to enter and view the castle.
Facilities
Wedding venue, private tours, free parking, tea room and restaurant, gift shop, toilets, and baby changing facilities.
Nearby is an adventure playground for children. A single admission costs £2.50 and includes many playground activities for ages 3-14. There are also activities for older children, including a space net and aerial runway. Large groups are advised to book in advance.
For more information about the adventure playground, visit the Belfast Castle website.
Dunseverick Castle
Sourced: Flickr, Gina Collecchia
This castle is one of five Great Royal Highways of ancient Ireland.
Location
This castle is near Dunseverick and the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim.
Background
It is recorded that Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, visited this castle in the 5th Century. While there, he baptised a man named Oclán, who later became Bishop of Ireland.
In the 6th Century AD, this castle was home to Fergus Mor MacErc or Fergus the Great. He was the King of Dalriada, and his brother (Murtagh MacErc) was the High King of Ireland.
It was later home to the O’Cahan family from 1000 AD to 1320 AD, which regained it in the mid-16th Century. The last of this family to own the castle was Giolla Dubh Ó Catháin, who left it in 1657.
Finally, General Robert Munro destroyed the castle in 1642. Today, only the ruins of the gate lodge remain.
Facilities
The Giant’s Causeway visitor centre contains toilets, a gift shop, and a tea room.
Shane’s Castle
Sourced: Flickr, Sean O’Neill
Used many times while filming Game of Thrones.
Location
Thus, the ruined castle is located near Randalstown, in County Antrim. It was formerly called Edenduffcarrick. It is situated at Lough Neagh, along its northeast shores.
Background
This castle was initially built in 1354 by the Clandeboy O’Neill dynasty and was named Eden-duff-carrick. Later, Shane MacBrien O’Neill renamed it Shane’s Castle in 1722, and his vault has been preserved. For 1000 years, the house of O’Neill were the kings of Ulster, and all of Ulster belonged to them until Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
Facilities
They have 5 scooters and parking for the disabled. There is also a cafe and toilets nearby. Visitors can request a tour and enjoy afternoon tea served in the old railway cafe.
Olderfleet Castle
Sourced: Flickr, Garibaldi McFlurry
The name Olderfleet originated from the Viking name Ufried’s Fjord, the name of the Larne Lough. It is a four-story tower house.
Location
The remains of this tower house are situated on Curran Point, in Larne, County Antrim, close to Larne Harbour.
Background
The original tower house is expected to have been built in 1250 by the Bissett family from Glenarm, who were of Scottish descent. However, the remains you can see today were built in the 16th Century and were named Coraine Castle before being named Curran Castle.
Later, in 1315, the Bissett family welcomed Edward Bruce and his 6000-person army to attempt to conquer Ireland. Then, in 1569, Queen Elizabeth seized the castle and named Sir Moyses Hill governor. Later, the castle was claimed by the MacDonnells and in 1598, it was destroyed.
The present ruins are estimated to have been built in 1612 and 1621 and were given to Sir Arthur Chichester. It remained in his family until 1823. Later, in 1938, the castle was given to the state.
What remains is a part of the tower with pairs of gun loops in what seems to have been the basement. The remaining square shows one meter-thick walls, which may have been built as a warehouse or watchtower.
Price and opening hours
You can visit the remains any time of the year, free of charge.
Facilities
There is parking nearby; some may charge.
Carrickfergus Castle
The name Carrickfergus originated from the Irish Carraig Ḟergus or cairn of Fergus. The name Fergus means strong man.
Location
This Norman castle is situated in Carrickfergus on the northern shore of Belfast Lough in County Antrim.
Background
The castle was built in 1177 by John de Courcy. It was used as his base when he overruled eastern Ulster as king until 1204 when the Norman adventurer High de Lacy overruled him. He added many new rooms to the original, including the inner ward and a bailey.
In 1210, King John ruled over the castle, which was finally completed by King Henry III in 1250.
During the 16th and 17th Centuries, the castle artillery was significantly improved. However, these improvements did not prevent attacks, and the castle was claimed many times. In 1760, the castle was surrendered to the French invaders under the rule of Francois Thurot. They stole many treasures from both the castle and the town before leaving and being caught by the Royal Navy.
The castle was used to house prisoners for a while, then in 1797, the castle became a prison and was heavily defended during the Napoleonic Wars. Six guns of the original 22 remain.
During the First World War, the castle was used as a garrison and an artillery store; in the Second World War, it was used as an air-raid shelter.
Then, in 1928, the British Army gained ownership of the banqueting hall to preserve it as an ancient monument. The banqueting hall has been fully restored, and many exhibits showcase medieval life.
Price and opening hours
The castle is open to the public between 9:30 am and 5 pm. Admission for adults is £5.50, and for children between the ages of 4 and 16 is £3.50. Children under the age of 4 have free admission. Students and senior citizens received the £3.50 entry fee. There are also group booking discounts.
Facilities
A visitor centre contains toilets, parking, and a gift shop.
Dunluce Castle
Location
This castle is situated on Dunluce Road in Bushmills, County Antrim
Background
Check out the history and legends behind this medieval castle at:
Dunluce Castle – Incredible Medieval Castle on Cliffs in County Antrim
Price and opening hours
This castle is open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs £5.50 for adults and £3.50 for children aged 4 to 16. Children under 4 do not have an admission fee.
Facilities
Group booking discounts and guided tours are available. A cafe, toilets, and parking are also available.
Antrim Castle Garden and Clotworthy House
Location
Sourced: Flickr, David Genney
This castle is located in Antrim on the banks of the Sixmilewater River.
Background
This Antrim castle was built in stages between 1613 and 1662. It was initially built by Sir Hugh Clothworthy and rebuilt in 1813.
Later, it was destroyed in a fire in 1922, which started during a grand ball. All that remains is a raised grass platform, an Italian stair tower built in 1887, and a gatehouse built in 1818. The Castle Gardens are a unique and popular tourist spot near the castle.
It is said that there is a young female ghost haunting the Castle Gardens. Ethel Gillian was rescued from the fire, however, later died from smoke inhalation.
Price and opening hours
Visiting this historic castle garden is free of charge. Clotworthy House is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, it closes at 5 p.m.; on Tuesday and Thursday, it closes at 9:30 a.m.
You can access the castle gardens at any time.
Facilities
There is a coffee shop on site, WiFi, a gift shop, parking, and picnic areas.
Have you visited any of these castles in Antrim, Northern Ireland? Please share your experiences in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this guide to all the castles in Antrim, feel free to check out more of our fantastic posts about places to visit in Ireland:
Irish Heritage | Around the World and Beyond | Discovering Ireland: Walk through History | Discover Ireland: The Glens of Antrim | Top Northern Ireland Attractions: Comprehensive Guide to Northern Ireland
