Dunluce Castle
This late-medieval and 17th century castle is dramatically located on a headland that drops straight into the sea off the north Antrim Coast. While there is evidence that parts of the castle date back to the 14th century, the first record of it is from 1513 when it belonged to the MacQuillans, and later again, the MacDonnells.
The 17th century mainland court contains domestic buildings leading downhill to the narrow crossing to the rock, formerly protected by a drawbridge to the Gatehouse. The buildings on the rock are almost all from the 16th and 17th centuries. Earthworks to the west of the castle are remains of the long-deserted town whose ruined church stands in the graveyard south of the castle, separated from it by the Coast Road.
| Choose a Virtual Tour: | Cliffs | Panorama |
87 Dunluce Road
Bushmills
County Antrim
BT57 8UY
Tel: 028 2073 1938
Fax: 028 2073 2850
Opening Times as follows:
1 October to 30 March: 10.00am to 4.00pm Daily
Admission:
- Adult - £4
- Child / OAP - £2
- Family (2 adults and 2 children) - £10
- Group Rate - (10 or over) £2 per person
Please Note:
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
In special circumstances the site may be opened on request outside of these hours. Please contact the numbers in the contacts tab to discuss your requirements.
There is an entrance gate from the car-park into sloping mainland court which is linked to the main buildings on the rock by a narrow footbridge. There are some modern surfaces but there are also areas of original paving and cobbles, which will make access to parts of the site difficult for wheelchair users.
Limited disabled access - only available as far as the bridge to the main castle area due to the steps and ground gravel area.
Contact 028 2073 1938 for info if required.
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Features
- Access to Visitors Centre and toilets DDA compliant
- Access within Castle restricted due to historic layout
- Virtual Tour of site in Visitors Centre
- Audio loops available within Visitor Centre
- Centre/site staff trained in deaf awareness
- Guided tours available
- Visitor Centre
- Shop
- Limited wheelchair access
- Toilets / disabled toilets
- Picnic area
- Parking outside castle
This late medieval and 17th century castle is dramatically sited, on a headland dropping sheer into the sea on the north Antrim Coast. It creates an exciting image of danger and adventure backed up by its history.
Curriculum Topic Links
This is an ideal place to visit when studying 16th and 17th century Ireland.
Resources suitable for use at this site
KS 1 |
I Can Colour the Castle: Colouring in and Writing for KS1 (.PDF 663Kb)  |
KS 2 and 3 |
Let's Explore Life in Early Times (.PDF 3.06Mb) |
