Dunluce Castle – Coleraine, Northern Ireland - Atlas Obscura
What's near me?

Dunluce Castle

Coleraine, Northern Ireland

The ruins of this medieval castle in Northern Ireland have inspired artists from C.S. Lewis to Led Zeppelin. 

View all photos
Image of Dunluce Castle Co. Antrim, from the cliff edge. Osioni (Public Domain)
Dunluce on the cliffs joshuacarlon (Atlas Obscura User)
Interior of Castle Shart76 (Atlas Obscura User)
Walk to Mermaid's Cave under castle Shart76 (Atlas Obscura User)
Mermaid's Cave under castle Shart76 (Atlas Obscura User)
Looking out Castle window Shart76 (Atlas Obscura User)
418
387
Top Places in Northern Ireland
Cairndhu House Outside
Cairndhu House
Larne, Northern Ireland
Chaine Memorial Tower
Larne, Northern Ireland
Europa Hotel
Belfast, Northern Ireland
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Dunluce Castle with additional information or photos.

This ruined medieval castle on the coast of Northern Ireland looks like it’s about to topple off the edge of the steep cliffs it’s perched upon.

Legend says that the kitchen itself fell into a the sea on a stormy night, and while that’s not actually true (the kitchen is still intact) its romantic aura and silhouette have inspired artists from C.S. Lewis to Led Zeppelin.

Know Before You Go

There is a main parking lot by a small bike shop to your left. From there you can take the path to the stair walkway that goes down the side of the hill. It is steep and there are a ton of downward steps, so comfortable, tennis shoes are important. From there you can walk right up to the castle.

castles ruins
Nearby
Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Railway
2.80 miles
Giant's Causeway
3.44 miles
'Journey of the Doors'
8.91 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Bushmills, Northern Ireland

Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Railway

This tiny train shuttles passengers to one of Northern Ireland's most spectacular sights.
County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Giant's Causeway

Northern Ireland's Brobdingnagian stepping stones.
Ballintoy, Northern Ireland

'Journey of the Doors'

A trail of "Game of Thrones"-themed doors carved from fallen trees from the iconic Dark Hedges.
County Antrim, Northern Ireland

The Dark Hedges

The atmospheric road was never meant to be so creepy.
Related Places
Shkodër, Albania

Rozafa Castle

According to a local legend, this old castle could only be built after a woman was immured in the walls.
Llangoed, Wales

Castell Aberlleiniog

A little-known castle set in a nature reserve.
Denbighshire, Wales

Castell Dinas Bran

These precariously placed ruins harken back to a 13th-century castle.
Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Castle Lug

This castle once belonged to one of the most prominent families of medieval Carrickfergus.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
From Around the Web