Discovering Ireland: An Ultimate Guide to Top 11 Castles in Antrim

Updated On: May 07, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

There are many historic castles to visit in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. At ConnollyCove, we have created this guide to all the castles in Antrim you need to see while visiting Northern Ireland.

Glenarm Castle

Our first Castle in Antrim is Glenarm Castle, which was used as a location for the film 5 Minutes of Heaven.

Location

This castle and gardens are in Glenarm village, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The village has a lot to offer visitors, from hiking routes to water sports. It’s a perfect holiday location.

Background

This original castle has been in Glenarm since the 13th Century and was owned by John Bittet, the Earl of Ulster. The old village courthouse still has some of the walls of the original castle.

The O’Donnells later seized the castle. They lived there until they built a new castle, which is still there today. The present castle built-in 1636 by Sir Randal MacDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim. This family still owns it. 

Price and opening hours

The castle itself is only open on specific dates between specific times for guided tours. 

Open for public viewing between March and October. The Walled Garden is within the grounds of the castle. The prices for admission into the garden are £6 for adults, £3 for children aged 12-16 and free for young children. 

Access to both the Castle Trail: for adults £7.50 (includes entrance to the garden, £2.50 for children aged 12-16 and free for young children. 

Facilities

There is an annual Highland Games tournament in June. They hold the Dalriada festival, traditional Ulster-Scots cultural events, outdoor concerts and Summer Madness- Ireland’s biggest Christian festival. 

The mushroom house has been converted into a tearoom and gift shop.

There are discounted rates for families, free WiFi, toilets, baby changing facilities, parking and guided tours. It is also a wheelchair offering ramps and alternative routes.

Kinbane Castle

The name Kinbane means whitehead.

Not much of the castle remains. The whole surrounding area is a historical monument.

Location

This castle is located in Ballycastle, County Antrim, at the bottom of a cliff slope, it offers views of Rathlin Island and the Dunagregor Iron Age fort.

Background

This castle was built in 1547 by Colla MacDonnell. Later, in 1551 it was besieged by English

men under Lord Sir James Croft; again in 1555, the castle was destroyed by cannon fire. It was rebuilt, and Colla MacDonnel died in the castle grounds in 1558. 

There is a hollow below the castle, which is known as Lag na Sassenach (Hollow of the English). It was named this as the English soldiers attempting to siege the castle during the 16th Century were surrounded and killed. 

The castle was later given to Owen Maclan Dubh MacAllister, 2nd Loup, Chief of the MacAlister Clan, as a reward for their loyalty to the MacDonnell Clan. 

The Castle stayed in the MacAllister’s of Kenbane family until the 18th Century.

Price and opening hours

It is open to the public all year long with no charge.

Facilities

There are parking areas nearby, some of which have a charge. 

Hillsborough Castle

This castle is the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and has also been used by many members of the British Royal family during their visits.

Location

This castle is located in Hillsborough.

Background

This castle was built in the 1770s. It is not technically a castle but rather a Georgian Country House. It was built for the Hill family, who owned it until 1922 when it was sold to the British government. 

Price and opening hours

Tours are open to the public between July and February. Each month differs in touring days. During December, there are special Victorian Family Christmas Tours. Castle tour and garden access when buying at the gate cost £10.50 for adults, £6.60 for children, and £8.30 for concession, students, and seniors. Buying tickets online is cheaper, and there are discounts for family and group bookings. 

Facilities

There are many services available for visitors, such as WiFi, male and female toilets, baby changing rooms, and card machines. They also allow dogs, provided you arrange it in advance.

Lissanoure Castle

This castle has been used in filming, it has been a film spot for: BBC’s “Flog It” and “David Meade, Make Believe”, and UTV’s Lesser  Spotted Ulster. 

Location

It is located at the foot of the Glens of Antrim, surrounded by lakes, parkland, and woods, making it one of the most beautiful areas in Northern Ireland. 

Background

This castle was built in 1770 by George Macartney, 1st Earl of Macartney. It is situated on the site of a previous castle built by Sir Philip Savage in the 14th Century.

In 1847, a large portion of the castle was destroyed in an explosion. However, the courtyard remains, and since then, it has been renovated into function rooms available for hire.

Facilities

Wedding venue, Wheelchair adaptions, room hire, guide dogs welcome, parking and toilets.

Belfast Castle

This castle has been claimed as one of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks.

Location

This castle is located in the Cave Hill Country Park, overlooking the lough and the city. Visitors will undoubtedly be treated to some spectacular views. 

Background

The Normans built the first castle in Belfast’s city centre in the late 12th century. Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, later rebuilt it from stone and timber. 100 years later, the castle was burned and destroyed. 

Then, in 1862, the third Marquis of Donegall built a new castle in his deer park on the side of Cave Hill. John Lanyon designed it, and it was completed in 1870. 

In 1884, the third Marquis of Donegall died, and the castle was given to Lord Ashley, the Seventh Earl of Shaftsbury. It remained in the Shaftsbury family until it was given to the city of Belfast in 1934. 

The castle was later refurbished in 1978. 

Price and opening hours

It is open seven days a week: Sunday and Monday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. There is no charge to enter and view the castle. 

Facilities

Wedding venue, private tours, free parking, tea room and restaurant, gift shop, toilets, and baby changing facilities.

Nearby is an adventure playground for children. A single admission costs £2.50 and includes many playground activities for ages 3-14. There are also activities for older children, including a space net and aerial runway. Booking in advance is advised for large groups.

For more information about the adventure playground, visit the Belfast Castle website.

Dunseverick Castle

This castle is one of five Great Royal Highways of ancient Ireland. 

Location

This castle is located near Dunseverick and the Giant’s Causeway, in County Antrim. 

Background

It is recorded that Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, visited this castle in the 5th Century. While there, he baptised a man named Oclán, who later became Bishop of Ireland.

In the 6th Century AD, this castle was home to Fergus Mor MacErc or Fergus the Great. He was the King of Dalriada, and his brother (Murtagh MacErc) was the High King of Ireland. 

It was later home to the O’Cahan family from 1000 AD to 1320 AD and then regained it in the mid-16th Century. The last of this family to own the castle was Giolla Dubh Ó Catháin, who left it in 1657.  

Finally, General Robert Munro destroyed the castle in 1642. Today, only the ruins of the gate lodge remain. 

Facilities

The Giant’s Causeway visitor centre contains toilets, a gift shop, and a tea room.

Shane’s Castle

Used many times while filming Game of Thrones.

Location

Thus, the ruined castle is located near Randalstown, in County Antrim. It was formerly called Edenduffcarrick. It is situated at Lough Neagh, along its northeast shores.

Background

This castle was initially built in 1354 by the Clandeboy O’Neill dynasty and was named Eden-duff-carrick. Later, Shane MacBrien O’Neill renamed it Shane’s Castle in 1722, and his vault has been preserved. For 1000 years, the house of O’Neill were the kings of Ulster, and all of Ulster belonged to them until Queen Elizabeth’s reign. 

Facilities

They have 5 scooters and parking for the disabled. There is also a cafe and toilets nearby. Visitors can request a tour and enjoy afternoon tea, which is served in the old railway cafe. 

Olderfleet Castle

The name Olderfleet originated from the Viking name Ufried’s Fjord, which is the name of the Larne Lough. It is a four-story tower house. 

Location

The remains of this tower house are situated on Curran Point, in Larne, County Antrim, close to Larne Harbour. 

Background

The original tower house is expected to have been built in 1250 by the Bissett family from Glenarm, who were of Scottish descent. However, the remains you can see today were built in the 16th Century and were named Coraine Castle before being named Curran Castle. 

Later, in 1315, the Bissett family welcomed Edward Bruce and his 6000-person army to attempt to conquer Ireland. Then, in 1569, Queen Elizabeth seized the castle and named Sir Moyses Hill governor. Later, the castle was claimed by the MacDonnells and in 1598, it was destroyed. 

The present ruins are estimated to have been built in 1612 and 1621 and were given to Sir Arthur Chichester. It remained in his family until 1823. Later, in 1938, the castle was given to the state. 

What remains is a part of the tower with pairs of gun loops in what seems to have been the basement. The remaining square shows one meter-thick walls, which may have been built as a warehouse or watchtower. 

Price and opening hours

You can visit the remains any time of the year, free of charge.

Facilities

There is parking nearby; some may charge. 

Carrickfergus Castle

The name Carrickfergus originated from the Irish Carraig Ḟergus or cairn of Fergus. The name Fergus means strong man. 

Location

This Norman castle is situated in Carrickfergus on the northern shore of Belfast Lough in County Antrim.

Background

The castle was built in 1177 by John de Courcy. It was used as his base when he overruled eastern Ulster. He ruled eastern Ulster as king until 1204 when the Norman adventurer High de Lacy overruled him. He added many new rooms to the original, including the inner ward and a bailey. 

In 1210, King John ruled over the castle, which was finally completed in 1250 by King Henry III. 

During the 16th and 17th Centuries, the castle artillery was improved greatly. However, these improvements did not prevent attacks, and the castle was claimed many times. In 1760, the castle was surrendered to the French invaders under the rule of Francois Thurot. They stole many treasures from both the castle and the town before leaving and being caught by the Royal Navy. 

The castle was used to house prisoners for a while, then in 1797, the castle became a prison and was heavily defended during the Napoleonic Wars. Six guns of the original 22 remain. 

During the First World War, the castle was used as a garrison and an artillery store, and in the Second World War, it was used as an air-raid shelter. 

Then, in 1928, the British Army gained ownership of the banqueting hall to preserve it as an ancient monument. The banqueting hall has been fully restored, and there are many exhibits showcasing medieval life. 

Price and opening hours

The castle is open to the public between 9:30 am and 5 pm. Admission for adults is £5.50, for children between the ages of 4 and 16 is £3.50. Children under the age of 4 have free admission. Students and senior citizens received the £3.50 entry fee. There are also group booking discounts. 

Facilities

A visitor centre contains toilets, parking, and a gift shop. 

Dunluce Castle

Location

This castle is situated on Dunluce Road in Bushmills, County Antrim

Background

Check out the history and legends behind this medieval castle at:

Dunluce Castle – Incredible Medieval Castle on Cliffs in County Antrim

Price and opening hours

This castle is open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs £5.50 for adults and £3.50 for children aged 4 to 16. Children under 4 do not have an admission fee. 

Facilities

Group booking discounts and guided tours are available. A cafe, toilets, and parking are also available. 

Antrim Castle Garden and Clotworthy House

Location

This castle is located in Antrim on the banks of the Sixmilewater River. 

Background

This Antrim castle was built in stages between 1613 and 1662. It was originally built by Sir Hugh Clothworthy and rebuilt in 1813.

Later, it was destroyed in a fire in 1922, which started during a grand ball. All that remains is a raised grass platform, an Italian stair tower built in 1887, and a gatehouse built in 1818. The Castle Gardens are an amazing and popular tourist spot near the castle. 

It is said that there is a young female ghost haunting the Castle Gardens. Ethel Gillian was rescued from the fire, however, later died from smoke inhalation.

Price and opening hours

Visiting this historic castle garden is free of charge. Clotworthy House is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, it closes at 5 p.m., and on Tuesday and Thursday, it closes at 9:30 a.m. 

You can access the castle gardens at any time. 

Facilities

There is a coffee shop on site, as well as WiFi, a gift shop, parking, and picnic areas.

Have you visited any of these castles in Antrim, Northern Ireland? Please share your experiences in the comments section below. 

If you enjoyed this guide to all the castles in Antrim, feel free to check out more of our fantastic posts about places to visit in Ireland:

Irish Heritage | Around the World and Beyond | Discovering Ireland: Walk through History | Discover Ireland: The Glens of Antrim | Top Northern Ireland Attractions: Comprehensive Guide to Northern Ireland