Dunluce Castle, County Antrim

Situated near to the Giant’s Causeway is another of Northern Ireland’s icons, Dunluce Castle. Built upon a basalt outcrop, Dunluce is now a ruin, linked to the mainland by a bridge. Once though, it was a seat of power in County Antrim.

Some form of defensive structure was probably in situ from about 500AD, but the castle, as known today, was first recorded in 1513, when it was owned by the McQuillan family.

The McQuillan family, as powerhouses of “the Route”, were usurped by the MacDonnells who arrived from Islay. Defeated in battle, the McQuillans were evicted from Dunluce Castle, and it became the seat of Sorley Boy MacDonnell from about 1565.

Dunluce Castle - Osioni - Released into PD

The English forces in Ireland would briefly kick out the MacDonnells, but once Sorley Boy MacDonnell pledged allegiance to Queen Elizabeth I, it once again became the seat of the MacDonnell family. In truth though, the castle was in a precarious position, and when in 1639, part of the castle fell into the sea, its days were numbered.

Within a couple of decades the MacDonnells had moved out, and eventually a new castle was constructed at Glen Arm, and from about 1690 no more money was spent on the upkeep of the castle.

The ruins of Dunluce Castle are located between Portrush and Bushmills, and are open to the public. The castle is managed by the Northern Irish Environment Agency, and they detail the admission charges and opening times, although the castle itself is still owned by the MacDonnell family.

Dunluce Castle - Osioni - Released into PD

The ruins of Dunluce Castle are evocative, and many people go to view it partially for its picturesque nature, partially as it is thought to be the inspiration for CS Lewis’ Cair Paravel, and partially as it is a double for Pyke Casltle from the Game of Thrones.

As with many old castles, there is a ghost story associated with Dunluce Castle, and Maeve Roe McQuillan is the haunting figure. Maeve Roe was the daughter of Lord mcQuillan, but when she refused to marry the man her father wanted her to, she was locked in one of Dunluce’s towers.

An attempt escape was mounted by Maeve Roe’s true love, Reginald O’Cahan, but when both lovers were killed in the attempt, Maeve Roe’s ghost was then said to clean her former prison room each night.