The Best Castles To Visit In Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s rich and detailed history spans over 2000 years and they have some impressive castles to show for it. With over 40 dotted around, there are plenty to choose from, and they open a window into the past. Many of these castles are open to the public, and with their stunning scenery and history, they are well worth a look around.

1. Carrickfergus Castle

Historical Landmark, Building

By Stewart, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

This castle is possibly the largest and most famous in Northern Ireland. It is definitely one of the most visually striking. Still intact, Carrickfergus town is far older than Belfast, and the castle was built in 1177 by the Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy, after he invaded Ulster. The castle itself has changed hands multiple times, from the Normans to the Scots and then the English, it is a reflection of the changing times. It has also been the stage of some defining moments in history. The last witchcraft trial was held there in 1711 and the American navy attempted to capture a warship in Carrickfergus harbour during the American War of Independence.

2. Enniskillen Castle

Museum

Enniskillen Castle was the site of many rebellions, especially against English rule, and indeed its position close to the Irish border made it a prime location for the power struggles that went on in the sixteenth century. Built by the Gaelic Maguire family, the castle is a relatively spry 600 years old, and on the banks of Lough Erne it offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery and was used as a base for American pilots during the Second World War. Today, it houses the Fermanagh County Museum and is worth a look for the artefacts it contains as much as for the beautiful building itself.

3. Dunluce Castle

Ruins

Location-wise, Dunluce Castle is stunning, located on a rock outcrop next to the sea, its arresting appearance is made all the more romantic due to the fact that it is in ruins. Built by the second Earl of Ulster in the 13th century, it was first documented as owned by the McQuillan family in 1513. The castle has remained a strong fortress and a centre of drama, including the wrecking of a Spanish galley on its shores during the Spanish Armada. It is also thought that the castle itself was inspiration for C.S Lewis’s castle Cair Paravel in The Chronicles of Narnia.

5. Belfast Castle

Building

© tsublu, www.flickr.com, taken October 6th, 2012

Belfast Castle

Perhaps less a castle than a manor house, the history behind the name is fascinating nevertheless. The original Belfast Castle was situated in the centre of Belfast, and was built by the Normans in the 12th century, by 1700 it was the home of the Chichester family. However, the original building burned down in 1708. The Chichesters duly relocated to the suburbs of Belfast, rebuilding their castle in the Victorian style in the early 1800s.

Antrim Rd, Belfast

Belfast Castle | © tsublu, Flickr

6. Shane’s Castle

Building, Ruins

By Kenneth Allen, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Shane’s Castle

Shane’s Castle has the distinction of being a popular set piece on the smash-hit series Game of Thrones. Located in County Antrim, this castle was built again by the influential O’Neill family in 1345, and the castle’s original name of Eden-duff-Carrick was renamed Shane’s Castle by the then-owner, Shane MacBrian O’Neill. Despite extensive reshaping by the famous Regency architect John Nash, today the castle lies in ruins after a fire gutted the building in 1816. However, the grounds and arched rooms, which remain intact, are not only atmospheric but hauntingly beautiful, and well worth a little exploration.

The Estate Office, Randalstown Road, Antrim

Shane’s Castle | © Kenneth Allen/WikiCommons

7. Monea Castle

© jamie_okeefe, www.flickr.com, uploaded June 29th, 2014

Monea Castle

The history of Monea Castle is very closely linked to that of English settlement in Ireland. The original castle was to be built on the site belonging to the Irish Maguire family. However, after the Plantation of the 16th century, where Englishmen were brought across and ‘planted’ in Ireland to solidify English occupation of the area, the whole castle was rebuilt. The current structure was built in 1616 by none other than a vicar, specifically, the Reverend Malcolm Hamilton, who was later promoted to Archbishop of Cashel in 1623. Despite its turbulent history (the castle was attacked by Rory Maguire during the Irish Rebellion of 1641), the castle’s mostly-intact remains can still be seen in County Fermanagh today.

Monea, Enniskillen County, Fermanagh

Monea Castle | © jamie_okeefe/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.