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Dunluce Castle. Image by Hajotthu from

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Dunluce Castle

Situated precariously on top of a craggy outcrop of rock, overlooking the North Channel of the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce is one of the most picturesque and romantic of Irish Castles.

There is evidence of settlement from the first millennium, the present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries.

It was inhabited by both the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans.

Dunluce Castle is an important historical marker perched high on a cliff along the causeway coast of County Antrim.

Not only was it important in the past, but it’s also still a popular location to visit for Irish folks, visitors to Northern Ireland, and historians alike.

Dunluce Castle is close to the town of Bushmills and lies on the northern coast of Ireland between the towns of Portrush and Portballintra.

Historical and archaeological exhibits are on display for public viewing. Stay on for the 10 amazing facts about Dunluce Castle.

1.  The McQuillans built Dunluce Castle 

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The first castle at Dunluce was built in the 13th century by Richard de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster.

However, the ruins left today are from the 16th and 17th centuries, when Dunluce became the seat of Clan McDonnell, who overthrew their rivals, the McQuillans, who were Lords of Route.

The castle was originally built in 1500 by the McQuillans, who came from Scotland in the 1200s as hired mercenaries and built the castle around 200 years later.

The McQuillans held the castle for about 55 years before it was taken by the MacDonnells, who came over from Islay in 1554.

They still own the castle, but now live in Glenarm.

 Sorley Boy McDonnell took Dunluce by force from the McQuillans after the Battle of Orla in 1565.

It’s said the McDonnells covered a bog with rushes and stationed a few men on firm ground, fooling the McQuillans into charging into the bog.

2. Dunluce Game of Thrones Castle

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Fans of ‘Game Of Thrones’ can instantly recognize Dunluce Castle as the seat of the ‘House of Greyjoy’ the great castle of Pyke.

It was used as the external part of the Iron Island stronghold. You might be able to see the castle in the second and sixth seasons of the show.

Exterior shots of Dunluce Castle were used in Game of Thrones for Pyke Castle of House Greyjoy on Pyke Island.

But that’s not the only exciting thing about this 16th-century structure. It has many other claims to fame and tales from within its walls.

Featuring on the HBO TV series wasn’t the first time that Dunluce Castle was shown to the world. In the early 70s, it also featured on the inner sleeve of the Led Zeppelin album Houses of the Holy.

The popularity of the show has brought hundreds of visitors to the castle in Ireland.

3. Winston Churchill had a Part of the Ownership of the Castle

Winston Churchill was part owner of Dunluce Castle Image by from

Dunluce served as the seat of the Earls of Antrim until the family’s fortunes changed following the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

As money dwindled, the castle was left to ruin parts of it fell into the sea, whilst other stones were scavenged as building materials.

Nevertheless, the site was passed down over the centuries, until it came into the part ownership of Winston Churchill through his marriage to Clementine Hozier.

Passed down by generations, it was later handed over to the northern Irish Government in 1928.

Since then, the state maintains Dunluce.

4. Warship Girona Wrecked near Dunluce Castle

Shipwreck near Dunluce Castle Image by from

The Girona was a Spanish warship that set sail in May 1588 from Spain.

It was part of a big fleet of warships, the Spanish Armada, which 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.

It is said that he ensured the recovered bodies received a Catholic burial and arranged for the survivors to travel on to Scotland.

5.  C. S. Lewis’s novel was Inspired by Dunluce Castle

Novels that drew inspiration from Dunluce Castle. Image by from

S. Lewis is said to have been inspired by the castle in his portrayal of Cair Paravel, the royal castle of Narnia in his famous book series ‘The Chronicles Of Narnia.’

It was on holidays along the North Coast, that C S Lewis first set eyes on Dunluce Castle.

A formative ruin located on an island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is the location that Lewis states as his inspiration for Cair Paravel in Narnia.

It is described as, ‘The castle of Cair Paravel on its little hill towered up above them; before them were the sands, with rocks and little pools of salt water, and seaweed, and the smell of the sea, and long lines of bluish-green waves breaking forever and ever on the beach. And oh, the cry of the sea-gulls! Have you heard it? Can you remember?’ 

However, in the next book Prince Caspian, the castle is a ruin on an island where the great river of Narnia meets the ocean.

This direct description fits with Dunluce Castle, once home to the Clans of Ulster.

6. There used to be the Town of Dunluce next to the Dunluce Castle

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A town near the castle was uncovered by archaeologists in 2011 that is also known as Dunluce. The town was built to rival Coleraine.

Around 1608, Randal McDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim, built the town of Dunluce next to the castle.

It was rediscovered in 2011, having been razed to the ground in 1641 and archaeological discoveries suggest a sophisticated piece of town planning around a grid system, as well as evidence of indoor toilets, which were extremely rare at the time.

A cobbled street going across the town towards Dunluce Castle has also been discovered. A blacksmith’s forge was also found.

Excavations have revealed the evidence of coins from the times of Charles I and Elizabeth I.

Other items that have been uncovered are gaming pieces, bone combs, a bronze tuning pin, dress fastenings, and wine glass stems.

Archaeologists have uncovered the house of a Scottish merchant that was erected in the first part of the 17th century.

It had its front on the cobbled streets. The house has its walls still intact with a fireplace and internal privy. The town also had a dungeon and a courthouse.

7. Explore Mermaid’s Cave

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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.

You have to go down 115 steps to reach the cave. The stairs are quite steep and might be slippery during the rainy season.

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.

The Mermaid’s Cave is located just below Dunluce Castle which is, in reality, a large cavern.

You will get gorgeous views of the sea once you make your way to the Mermaid’s Cave.

8. Dunlace Castle is Haunted

Dunluce Castle is allegedly haunted. Image by William Miller from

But don’t be fooled by romantic pictures of this castle’s picturesque setting. Shimmering seas reflect majestic sunsets and waves crashing against black and gray rocks hide tales of ghosts, hauntings and tragedies.

This castle has a long and tumultuous history, well worth exploring. It’s one of the most haunted castles on the island of Ireland.

One ghost seen in the castle is that of Maeve Roe, the daughter of Lord McQuillan, she was the only girl and her father had chosen her husband to be Rory Og, a relative of the family.

Maeve Roe had different ideas as her true love was Reginald O’Cahan.

One night, after her father had locked her in one of the castle towers, Reginald managed to rescue her, they ran to Mermaid’s Cave beneath the castle where they escaped by rowing boat.

The boat was dashed against the rocks and both were killed. Reginald’s body was washed ashore the following day but Maeve’s body was never recovered.

Maeve’s ghost is said to be still seen in the tower.

9.  The Legend of the Dunluce Castle Kitchen

The legend of the kitchen of Dunluce Castle falling into the sea when a violent storm was raging is not believed by historians.

Paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries depict the castle as completely intact with the kitchens in place.

You can even see the oven and entryway fireplace. This shows that the kitchen did not fall.

But the locals say they can still hear the screams of the kitchen staff over the sound of the sea waves.

10.  Castle Built of Enduring Basalt Rock

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Basalt rock forms the coastline of this part of Ulster and this castle was mainly built out of local basalt stone, known for its strength and durability.

The castle stands mostly in ruins today, but the walls and remains of some of the buildings can still be seen.

Its foundation on basalt rock probably contributed to its survival, and ability to withstand the never-ending pounding of Atlantic waves and winds.

This castle, in some form or another, has been present for nearly two thousand years of Irish history. It’s no wonder it has been worn down over time

Dunluce Castle is in the care of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. It is a monument in state care sited in the townland of Dunluce, in Coleraine Borough Council area, at grid ref: C9048 4137.