Dunluce Castle: Travel Guide
Read our travel guide on Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland. Includes tips on things to see, how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
Dramatically positioned on the cliffs between Portrush and Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle is one of the top attractions of County Antrim.
There are several reasons why you should visit Dunluce Castle on your trip along the Causeway Coastal Route.
The setting is spellbinding, featuring a rugged coastal landscape and breathtaking vistas.
The medieval castle was a former seat of the seat of Clan MacDonnell. The present ruins you can see today date back to the 15th and 17th centuries.
Without any doubt, Dunluce is one of the most beautiful and romantic castles in Northern Ireland.
Dunluce Castle is situated on the northern coast of County Antrim along A2, so it's easily reachable by car.
If you're planning to visit Dunluce Castle on your Northern Ireland road trip, you've come to the right place.
Here's everything you need to know about Dunluce Castle before you go.
What to See and Do
As this is a very tourist-friendly site, a visit to Dunluce Castle is very straightforward.
If you want to know about history, parking, an entry fee, our overall experience, and more. Keep on reading.
History
As mentioned earlier, the Dunluce Castle you see today was built between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The stronghold was one of the most important structures on Antrim's coast at the time.
Dunluce Castle controlled both land and sea routes of North Ulster. No wonder the word 'Dunluce' roughly translates as a strong fort.
However, the first Dunluce Castle was built in the 13th century by Richard Og de Burg.
Dunluce Castle became the seat of the McQuillan family around 1500 and was later seized by the MacDonnells clan.
One of the most interesting things we learned about Dunluce is that this area was once more than just a castle.
During the excavations, a 'lost town of Dunluce' was uncovered.
The town was established at the beginning of the 17th century by MacDonnells, who brought Scottish citizens to populate the new settlement.
Dunluce Town was destroyed by fire during the Irish uprising of 1641. The town remains to be fully excavated.
Today, Dunluce Castle is one of the most popular places in Northern Ireland, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Dunluce Castle
The castle itself is only a short walk from the parking area. Parking at Dunluce can be tricky at times. We'll talk about it later, so stay tuned.
Before entering the castle, check out the archaeological dig of a cobblestone street of the former town.
From the main entrance, you will enter the outer ward. Here you must purchase the ticket.
To learn more about Dunluce Castle, visit the small museum with interactive exhibits and a short movie.
The castle is accessed from the outer ward via a bridge as Dunluce Castle sits on basalt cliffs about 30 meters above the surrounding area.
The views of the Atlantic from the castle grounds are spectacular.
Similarly, you should explore the nearby viewpoints outside the castle grounds that will allow you to see Dunluce in its full glory.
While the views from the side road are impressive, we believe the Dunluce Castle is worth exploring.
The best part is that you can walk around the castle grounds on your own, so you can take as much time as you want to explore every nook and cranny.
The main gate is quite impressive, and the views from the drawbridge are dizzying.
We really enjoyed the views of the ocean through the windows.
By the way, the story about the kitchen area falling into the sea during a storm is most likely a myth.
The castle was pretty quiet when we arrived, as only a few people were around.
When we were about to leave, a large tour group entered the grounds, and the castle area became crowded.
Sometimes, this happens when you arrive at the site, so it might be a good idea to wait until they leave to have a more relaxed experience.
Mermaid's Cave
Dunluce has one more secret - the Mermaid's Cave. This natural cave that is located underneath the castle is simply stunning.
A path with steps connects the cave with the castle, but it was closed when we were there.
The cave is also a place where you can encounter the ghost of Maeve Roe.
She drowned here with her lover as they were trying to escape the castle on a stormy night.
Game of Thrones
Like many places along Ireland's coast, Dunluce Castle became even more popular after being featured as Pyke Castle in Game of Thrones.
You may recognize the castle as the House of Greyjoy in the Iron Islands.
This was the home of Theon and Yara Greyjoy of the noble house of Greyjoys of Pyke.
If you want to explore more Game of Thrones filming locations, check out Castle Ward, the Dark Hedges, and Ballintoy Harbour.
Opening Hours
Dunluce Castle is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM from February to November.
Dunluce Castle remains open in the winter months of December and January, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.
The last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Entrance Fee
The entry fee to Dunluce Castle is £6 per adult.
We believe this is a fair price for what you get, so we can recommend Dunluce Castle even to those visiting Ireland on a budget.
If you're pressed for time, you can see Dunluce Castle for free from one of the viewpoints along the main road.
How Much Time Do I Need
As the site is relatively small, we recommend you allow at least 30 minutes for Dunluce Castle.
That said, a full hour is better if you want to see all the highlights of Dunluce Castle and get the most out of your visit.
When to Go
You can visit Dunluce Castle all year round. Thanks to great weather, summer is the most popular time to visit Dunluce Castle.
Obviously, this season is ideal for exploring the entire island.
Just be prepared that this is the busiest time of the year as visitors want to take advantage of the good weather.
You can also visit Dunluce Castle in autumn or spring.
The weather is often hit-and-miss during this period, but you will be rewarded with fewer crowds and cheaper hotels.
This is one of our favorite times to visit Ireland.
Dunluce Castle is open in winter. Ireland has a mild climate, so traveling during this season is possible.
Expect short and cold days, lower accommodation rates, and attractions without crowds.
If you're not sure when to visit Ireland, read this guide.
If you're worried about the weather, Dunluce Castle is worth seeing even on a cloudy and rainy day.
What to Pack
No matter what you choose to wear to Dunluce Castle, be sure to include a few basics.
Comfortable shoes, jeans or travel pants, and a windproof rain jacket.
These are the essentials of every Ireland packing list.
Ireland can be surprisingly cool due to windy conditions, so be sure to pack an extra layer or two to stay warm.
How to Get There
Dunluce Castle is located on the Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim.
There are several ways to get to Dunluce Castle, including by car, bus, taxi, or tour.
Car
The easiest way to get to Dunluce Castle is by car. Dunluce Castle sits on A2, which is a major road that leads along the coastline.
Unlike some narrow rural roads, this one has two lanes and is easy to navigate.
Dunluce Castle is six kilometers from Portrush, 2 kilometers from Portballintrae, and 15 kilometers from Coleraine.
Belfast is about 90 kilometers southeast of Dunluce Castle. Derry is about 60 kilometers west of here.
Dublin is about 250 kilometers south of Dunluce Castle.
As this is one of the most scenic parts of Ireland, be sure to make as many stops along the way as you can.
Here, you will find some tips on driving a car in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There is a small designated parking area at Dunluce Castle. The parking is free but limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak season.
In case Dunluce parking is full, you can leave your car at nearby Magheracross viewpoint.
This is a fairly large parking lot that's also free of charge.
Magheracross offers beautiful views of Dunluce Castle and Antrim's coast.
The castle is about 600 meters from here, and you can use a sidewalk to get there.
Bus
If you rely on public transport, you can get to Dunluce Castle by bus or train.
Bus 402 connects Portrush with Ballycastle and stops at Dunluce Castle.
Check the Translink for the current timetable before you go.
Or use Causeway Rambler, which gives access to the most popular attractions on Antrim's coast, including Dunluce Castle.
Or
Train
You can take a train operated by Northern Ireland Railways from either Belfast or Derry to Coleraine and then another train to Portrush.
From here you would need to take a taxi to Dunluce Castle.
On Foot
There is a sidewalk along the Dunluce Rd/A2 between Portrush and Dunluce Castle.
However, it's about 6 kilometers one way, so 12 kilometers back and forth along a busy road.
Tours
If you want to travel along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route without the hassle of navigation, you should consider taking a guided tour.
The best popular Giant's Causeway Day Trip departs from Belfast.
This incredibly popular tour includes all the major attractions along the coast, including Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway.
By the way, you can also explore Northern Ireland from Dublin.
This super-popular Causeway Coast Tour from Dublin includes Dunluce Castle, Belfast, and Giant's Causeway.
Where to Stay
You have several choices when it comes to accommodation near Dunluce Castle.
Nearby towns of Portrush, Portballintrae, and Coleraine have excellent locations and a great range of hotels. You can also stay in any of the bed and breakfasts along the way.
If you're traveling in the peak season, you need to book early to secure a good deal and spot. Hotels fill up quickly on the coast.
So here are our tips on the best hotels near Dunluce Castle.
Portrush | North Coast Motel - This is a popular accommodation in Portrush. This traditional motel offers comfortable, clean rooms, free on-site parking, and a hard-to-beat location.
Coleraine | The Lodge Hotel - With stylish rooms, free parking, and great food, this hotel has everything you need after a long day on the road.
Bushmills | Causeway Hotel - Situated at the edge of the Giant's Causeway just outside Bushmills, this is one of the most popular hotels in the area. Expect cozy rooms, a great restaurant, and free parking.
Staying Safe
In general, Dunluce Castle is a safe place to visit.
Just be prepared for unpredictable weather, and don't leave any valuables in your car.
The coastal route leading to Dunluce Castle is incredibly scenic, but you must always keep both eyes on the road.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Dunluce Castle Worth Visiting?
Dunluce Castle is one of Ireland's best castles due to its imposing position, rich history, and impressive architecture.
The location of the castle ruins and the surrounding scenery will take your breath away.
Therefore, we believe the Dunluce Castle is definitely worth visiting.
In a nutshell, Dunluce Castle is one of the essential stops of every Coastal Causeway Route road trip.
Here are a few more tips if you're not sure where to go next.
Bushmills is one of the best whiskey distilleries in Ireland.
Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple offer stunning cliff views.
Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO site for its unique basalt columns. This is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
