It's thought that the first Dunluce Castle was built in the 13th century by Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster. By the 16th century, it was in the hands of the McQuillans. These were a powerful family who became the Lords of Route. Later, the castle became the seat of the Earl of Antrim, before it was abandoned after the Battle of the Boyne.
Climb to the top of the basalt outcrop to get a closer look at this eerie yet beautiful ruin. This was probably C. S. Lewis' inspiration for Cair Paravel in the Narnia books. The castle has also featured on Led Zeppelin album art and is name-checked in a song by the guitarist Gary Moore.
Of the structure you'll see, the oldest sections are the two drum towers, erected by the McQuillans. The setting up here is a photographer's dream, whether you catch Dunluce Castle in the sunshine or in moody mist or cloud. Some say the vision of a woman in white appears on the cliff top – score extra marks for capturing her on film!
A town once existed around Dunluce Castle, thought to have been burned down during the Irish uprising of 1641. After exploring the castle walls, seek out one of the town's old courtyards. This was only uncovered by excavations in 2011. It's believed that 95% of the town remains unearthed. For a longer hike, continue along the coastal path to Bushmills. Be aware that things can get windy on the route.
Discover more about Dunluce Castle at the nearby Giant's Causeway Visitor Information Centre. Guided tours can also be booked here, where a local expert will add colour and intrigue to your visit. Otherwise, download the excellent free app that's available.
Dunluce Castle is 4 kilometres from Bushmills and 97 kilometres from Belfast There is a small entry fee for the castle. It's open every day, closing only on 24-25 December and 1 January.
