Dunluce Castle is an epic castle in Northern Ireland, built on top of cliffs, and connected to mainland by a small stone bridge.

It even has a massive cave underneath!

Let’s explore it together.

 

explore northern ireland - dunluce castle

 

In this travel guide about Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see. Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.

 

Where is Dunluce Castle?

Dunluce Castle, one of the best castles in Northern Ireland, is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland. Ireland has many castles, around 30.000, and you can even sleep in some castle hotels!

The castle is part of County Antrim, one of the 6 counties of the country, that is also home to the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

 

sunset at dunluce castle

 

Dunluce Castle History

Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few about Dunluce Castle for you:

  • the castle was built in 1500 by the MacQuillan family, hired mercenaries from Scotland
  • the castle was taken by the MacDonnell family in 1565
  •  “Dunluce” means “fort of the fort“, so Dunluce Castle is essentially “fort of the fort castle”
  • legend has it that part of kitchen collapsed in the sea after being hit by a massive wave (it’s only a legend, as you can still see the kitchen)

 

Exploring Dunluce Castle

After spending a part of the afternoon at the Giant’s Causeway, I made my way towards my home for the night: Londonderry. On the way to Northern Ireland second biggest city, I took the scenic road. Driving along the rugged cliffs, and taking in the views.

 

dunluce castle and the mermaids cave

 

After a short drive, I made it to an absolutely epic spot: Dunluce Castle. Picture this: ruins of a medieval stone castle, sat on top of high cliffs, overlooking a tumultuous sea. Sounds epic right? Well it was.

 

dunluce castle on the cliffs of northern ireland

 

Once in the castle, you can explore the ruins. Walking around the castle, you’re sure to be transported back in time, and to have a feel of how it was to live in such a place! From the castle itself, you’ll also have a wonderful view over the sea and the cliffs.

 

details of dunluce castle northern ireland

Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board

 

the antrim coast from the sky

 

Mermaid’s Cave

Below Dunluce Castle, there is a massive cave, named Mermaid’s Cave. The cave is actually a huge cavern, more than 25 meters under the castle.

To reach the cave, it’s a steep walk down: you’ll have to go down 115 steps. Once inside the cave, be careful as it’s also very steep, and it can get slippery with the water on the stones. The cave is massive, and it offers a splendid view of the sea.

To access Mermaid’s Cave, you will have to pay the entry fee to the castle.

 

dunluce castle from the sky

 

painting of dunluce castle

Painting by W. Watts in 1817. You can see the entrance of Mermaid’s cave below the castle.

 

Wreck of the Girona

The Girona was a Spanish war ship, that set sail in May 1588 from Spain. It was part of a big fleet of warships, the Spanish Armada, that went on a Crusade against England. The ship sunk after hitting rocks in Lacada Point, not far from Dunluce Castle. More than 1,200 men died in the wreck, and 9 survived, helped by Sorley Boy MacDonnell, chief of the clan MacDonnell and owner of Dunluce Castle at the time.

Sorley Boy MacDonnell salvaged 2 cannons from the Girona, and mounted them in the castle. The cannons are now conserved in the Ulster Museum.

 

the armada

 

Sunset at Dunluce Castle

Watching the sun set over Dunluce Castle was absolutely stunning, and a totally different experience from seeing the castle during the day. From where I was standing, the sun was behind the castle, and it created this beautiful silhouette, basking in golden light.

 

dunluce castle on the antrim coast

 

warm light over the castle of dunluce castle

 

If you stand on the other side, with the sun in your back, the light will shine on the castle, giving it a warm glow – a stunning sight as well!

 

Dunluce Castle in Game of Thrones

Dunluce Castle is one of the many Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. In the series, it’s used as Pyke Castle, House of Greyjoy.

You can see below the comparison between Dunluce Castle and Pyke Castle.

 

dunluce castle game of thrones

 

Dunluce Castle Entry Fee

The castle is built on a cliff; the ruins and the area around require constant care. There is a small fee to visit the castle, that helps its preservation.

With the entry, you get a brochure (in several languages), with more info about the castle and its history, as well as explanations from the workers. You can also visit Mermaid’s Cave once you paid your entry fee.

You can find below the prices to visit Dunluce Castle:

  • Adults: £5.50
  • Children (4 to 16yo): £3.50
  • Under 4 years old: free
  • Senior citizen: £3.50
  • Student: £3.50
  • Family (5 members max, and 3 adults max): £15

 

side view of dunluce castle

 

You can pay by card.

Free parking is available right in front of the castle, and you’ll find a café with toilets as well.

 

Dunluce Castle Opening Times

The castle is open every day of the year, except for Christmas and New Year.

Opening times: 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm)

 

aerial view of dunluce castle northern ireland

 

How to Get to Dunluce Castle

You can either get to Dunluce Castle by car, or by train.

 

Get to Dunluce Castle by car

Dunluce Castle is at the very north of Ireland. You’ll find below the travel times from nearby major points:

 

dunluce castle in causeway coast

 

Get to Dunluce Castle by train

If you don’t have a car during your Ireland trip (I strongly recommend renting one), you can still visit Dunluce Castle, by taking the train and a bus.

  • From Derry/Londonderry: 1h37 travel time
  • From Belfast: 2 hours travel time

 

Book your train tickets here: Ireland Trains

 

Tips for Visiting Dunluce Castle

To help you make the most out of your trip, you can find below a few tips:

  • plan around 1 hour if you want to fully explore the castle
  • don’t forget to go down to check out the cave below
  • when trying to get the best view of the castle, be careful as the cliffs are unstable

 

the ruins of dunluce castle

 

Where to Stay near Dunluce Castle

If you’re visiting Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway, you have several options for where to stay:

Budget: Finn McCools Giant’s Causeway Hostel. Very cheap accommodation, around 18€ per night for a bed in a 6 beds dorm room. Voted #1 hostel in Northern Ireland by ratings on Hostelworld.com, it’s right next to the Giant’s Causeway, and it also comes with a free breakfast!

Comfy: Causeway Coast Independent Hostel. Comfy room for around 46€ per night, it comes with a private bathroom, free parking, free wifi, and a 1€ breakfast. It’s right in front of the sea, and a short 15 minutes drive to Dunluce Castle.

Luxury: Bushmills Inn Hotel & Restaurant. The best hotel in the area. It’s often used by pro US golfers when they come to play on Royal Portrush Golf Club. In an old inn from the 17th century, the Bushmills Inn is simply the best and the best. A night starts at around 230€. Be aware that it’s hard to book a room there, so book in advance!

 

dunluce castle northern ireland

 

Visit Northern Ireland

Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the United Kingdom to help you plan your trip:

 

I hope you enjoy your trip to Dunluce Castle and Northern Ireland!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.