- Belfast Castle: Located on the slopes of Cave Hill, Belfast Castle is a Victorian-era sandstone mansion built in the 1860s, replacing earlier Norman and 17th-century structures. It overlooks Belfast Lough, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The castle is set within Cave Hill Country Park, which features gardens, woodland trails, and archaeological sites like Napoleon’s Nose, rumored to have inspired Gulliver’s Travels. Visitors can explore the Cave Hill Visitor Centre to learn about the castle’s history and the park’s natural and archaeological features. The castle itself is primarily an event venue, but the Tavern Coffee Shop (open 10 AM–5 PM) and Cellar Restaurant (open 12 PM–7 PM Tuesday–Thursday, until 8 PM Friday–Saturday, 6 PM Sunday) offer dining options. Expect scenic walks, a children’s playground, and wildlife spotting (e.g., owls, sparrowhawks). The castle is easily accessible from Belfast city center, with ample parking. Guided tours are not regularly available, but the grounds and visitor center are open daily.
- Carrickfergus Castle: Built in 1177 by John de Courcy, this Norman castle on the shores of Belfast Lough is one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval structures. It withstood sieges by Scots, Irish, English, and French forces and served as a military stronghold, prison, and armory until 1928. Its strategic location made it a key English outpost in medieval Ireland. Open daily (9:30 AM–5 PM in summer, 9 AM–4 PM in winter, closed Mondays except bank holidays), visitors can explore the Great Hall, climb the keep, and walk the walls for views over Belfast Lough. The castle features historical displays, including 17th–19th-century cannons, and a museum with artifacts. Guided tours are included in the admission (£6 adults, £4 children, £18 family). Expect a 1–2 hour visit with interactive exhibits. Parking is available, and it’s a short walk from Carrickfergus town center. Its historical significance and well-maintained state make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- Dunluce Castle: Perched dramatically on a basalt cliff along the Antrim Coast, Dunluce Castle dates to the 13th century but was significantly developed by the MacQuillan family in the 1500s and later seized by the MacDonnells. This medieval ruin, linked to myths and legends (e.g., part of the kitchen collapsing into the sea in 1639), is one of county Antrim’s most iconic landmarks, featured in Game of Thrones and tied to figures like Winston Churchill and C.S. Lewis. Located near the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce offers guided tours and a visitor center with an 8-minute historical video. Visitors can explore the ruins, including the keep, curtain walls, and Mermaid’s Cave, enjoying breathtaking coastal views. Admission includes an audioguide or guided walk. Expect a 1-hour visit, with a gift shop and tea room nearby at the Giant’s Causeway visitor center. The castle’s clifftop setting requires sturdy footwear, and parking is available. Its dramatic location and Game of Thrones fame make it a popular stop on the Causeway Coastal Route.
- Glenarm Castle: The ancestral home of the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim, since the 17th century, Glenarm Castle was built in 1636 on a site occupied since the 13th century. Located in the picturesque village of Glenarm, it remains a working estate and farm, with one of Ireland’s oldest walled gardens, crowned “Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year.” The castle is open for guided tours on specific dates (March–October, check website), showcasing fine Irish furniture and family portraits. The Walled Garden and Woodland Walk are open daily (£6 adults, £3 children 12–16, free for under 12), offering botanical beauty and scenic strolls. Amenities include WiFi, toilets, baby-changing facilities, and a tea room. The Mini Land Rover Experience is available for kids. Dogs are allowed with prior arrangement. Expect a peaceful visit with limited castle access but stunning grounds. Ideal for garden lovers and those seeking a less touristy experience.
- Kinbane Castle: A 16th-century ruin built by Colla MacDonnell on a white limestone headland near Ballycastle, Kinbane Castle (meaning “white head”) is a lesser-known gem with a turbulent history, including destruction and rebuilding. Its isolated clifftop location offers spectacular views of the Causeway Coast. The castle is a ruin, accessible via a steep path, offering an adventurous visit with minimal facilities. Expect to spend 30–60 minutes exploring the ruins and soaking in the dramatic coastal scenery. No admission fee, as it’s open year-round, but the rugged terrain requires caution. Parking is limited, and it’s best suited for those seeking off-the-beaten-path sites. Nearby attractions include the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Its remote setting and minimal remains appeal to adventurers and photographers.
- Olderfleet Castle: A 13th-century tower house ruin in Larne, possibly built by the Scottish Bissett family, Olderfleet Castle sits on Curran Point near Larne Harbour. Its origins are debated, with some attributing it to Viking influence. It’s a small but historically significant site tied to Edward Bruce’s 1315 invasion. Open 24 hours with free entry, this small ruin offers a quick, peaceful visit (10–20 minutes) for history buffs. Expect minimal remains (a four-story tower) in a mixed-use area near the port. A nearby cafe, toilets, and parking are available, with scooters for disabled access. The site’s understated nature suits those exploring Larne’s history. Best for a brief stop en route to other coastal attractions.
- Antrim Castle: Once a grand Georgian-Gothic mansion built in 1613, it was destroyed by fire in 1922 and demolished in 1970. Only the gardens, Clotworthy House, and remnants like an Italian stair tower remain. Visitors can explore the 400-year-old Antrim Castle Gardens, a cafe, and a gift shop, but the castle itself is not visitable.Lesser-known ruins like Dunseverick Castle (visited by St. Patrick in the 5th century) and Carra Castle (14th-century, tied to Shane O’Neill) offer scenic ruins but limited visitor amenities. They’re best for history enthusiasts willing to explore rugged sites.
Antrim:
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