Dunluce Castle
Description
One of the most famous castles in Northern Ireland, and a regular feature on Game of Thrones.
In the 16th Century when Sorley Boy McDonnell came over from Scotland to consolidate McDonnell territories in both Ireland and Scotland, his main base became Dunluce Castle. Dunluce Castle is one of the most iconic monuments in Northern Ireland situated as it is rather precariously on the craggy and treacherous Antrim coast and it provides a very important chapter in the history of the McDonnells of Antrim and North East Ulster.
It was Sorley Boy’s grandson, the 2nd Earl of Antrim, and his wife who finally decided to abandon Dunluce. In 1639 as they were waiting for dinner one evening the kitchen, along with kitchen staff, fell into the sea. This is thought to have been the final straw. Although the 1st Earl of Antrim had already built a fine house at Glenarm, this was burnt down in the 1640s by a Scots Covenanter army, so even though they still visited a wing of the house, the Antrim family based itself at a house near Dunluce called Ballymagarry until Glenarm Castle was rebuilt by the 5th Earl in 1756.
It was Sorley Boy’s grandson, the 2nd Earl of Antrim, and his wife who finally decided to abandon Dunluce. In 1639 as they were waiting for dinner one evening the kitchen, along with kitchen staff, fell into the sea. This is thought to have been the final straw. Although the 1st Earl of Antrim had already built a fine house at Glenarm, this was burnt down in the 1640s by a Scots Covenanter army, so even though they still visited a wing of the house, the Antrim family based itself at a house near Dunluce called Ballymagarry until Glenarm Castle was rebuilt by the 5th Earl in 1756.
You might also like
-
Find Out More
Titanic Belfast AttractionsTitanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and…
-
Find Out More
Irish FA Tours AttractionsIrish FA Tours
Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a…
-
Find Out More
Eden Pottery Art GalleriesEden Pottery
Pottery decorating is a creative, fun activity that suits all ages and abilities, an activity where the piece…
-
Find Out More
The Second Fiddle Pubs and ClubsThe Second Fiddle
The Second Fiddle is a contemporary Irish music venue that showcases Irish culture and art.
-
Find Out More
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland AttractionsPublic Record Office of Northern Ireland
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) is the official archive for public records in Northern Ireland.
-
Find Out More
W5 AttractionsW5
W5 is Belfast’s award-winning science and discovery centre and provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun…
-
Find Out More
Woodlab Distillery Eat & DrinkWoodlab Distillery
Visit Woodlab Distillery for a science-led journey into spirit-making. Explore innovative distillation, meet the makers & enjoy a…
-
Find Out More
Ulster American Folk Park AttractionsUlster American Folk Park
Journey back in time and discover the stories of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and…
