Boasting dramatic landscapes and 2,000 years of history, the castles and country houses of Northern Ireland are a sight to behold. With over 40 castles to see in Northern Ireland, we have picked out the best ones – From medieval ruins to Game of Thrones film locations and a working Royal residence; there’s a castle for everyone to enjoy exploring as they step back into times gone past.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.
Map of Best Castles in Northern Ireland
How to Get Around Northern Ireland The best way to visit the castles in Northern Ireland is by car. I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars, where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. You can also book a guided tour starting at Belfast to see Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle. Click here for more information, and to book the tour, Alternatively, you can take buses like the Rambler Bus Services or the Translink trains to travel to some of the stunning castles in Northern Ireland. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Where to Stay in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a wild and beautiful landscape with many wonderful hotels for you to base yourself on, and book a rental car so you can explore at your own pace.
Ballylinny Holiday Cottages: A short walk to Giants Causeway, these quaint holiday cottages with wonderful views. Choose from a 2 or 3-bedroom cottage or a barn loft, each fully self-contained as a home away from home. Book your stay here.
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa: Located in a historic building in Newcastle, this huge hotel resort has magnificent views of the Irish sea and is situated on 6 acres of grounds leading to the Royal County Down Golf Club. Each room is spacious and luxurious, with views of the coastline or of the mountains. There is an onsite pub and bistro with an open fireplace for those cozy Irish evenings. Book your stay here.
Kingsmills Cottages: If you’ve dreamed of thatched cottage life, this is the place for you. A fully equipped holiday home set in close proximity to the Sperrin Mountains and the large freshwater lake of Lough Neagh. On warm evenings you can relax on the deck overlooking the gardens or cozy up inside next to the real fireplace. Book your stay here.
The 14 Best Castles to Visit in Northern Ireland
1. Dunluce Castle
Accessed via a bridge that connects the coastal outcrop to the mainland, the majestic ruins of iconic Dunluce Castle don’t disappoint.
The history of the castle dates back to 1500 when it was built by the MacQuillan family, the castle later being seized by the MacDonnell Clan whose ancestors still own it today.
Enjoy the scenery as you learn the tale of two castles, how Dunluce grew to become a town and the story of the castle kitchens falling into the sea one stormy night.
Where: Bushmills, County Antrim
When: 13th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, click here.
2. Kinbane Castle
Built upon a white limestone headland that reaches out into the sea, the few ruins that remain (part of the castle tower and the outer wall) still make an impressive sight.
Originally built by the MacDonnell clan in the 1500s, Kinbane (or Kenbane) castle was rebuilt due to siege damage and later became known as ‘Reubens Castle’ in Victorian times when causeway guides would row to the castle to collect spar, a mineral we now know as natrolite to sell to tourists.
Where: Ballycastle, County Antrim
When: 16th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Yes, open 24/7
3. Kilwaughter Castle
Originally built as a 4-story T-plan tower house with bartizan turrets in 1622, by 1806, Kilwaughter Castle no longer needed its defense systems so a major extension took place, turning the castle into an English-style mansion.
The remodeling was undertaken by architect John Nash who is famous for his work in London, developing Regent Street and turning Buckingham House into a palace. Today the castle stands in ruin, mostly just its outer structure remaining.
Where: Kilwaughter, Larne, County Antrim
When: 17th century
Style: Baronial
Open for visit: Only on special days – See the events page for open days.
4. Carrickfergus Castle
Built on the shore of Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland and truly a sight to behold, the imposing medieval keep reflecting so beautifully in the water.
Attacked by the Scots, Irish, English, and then French, Carrickfergus Castle witnessed 800 years of continuous military use right up until 1928 but today, visitors can explore the exterior and see historical items in the interior visitor centre along with 17th-19th-century cannons.
Where: Carrickfergus in County Antrim
When: 12th century
Style: Norman
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, click here.
5. Belfast Castle
Built on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park, Belfast Castle enjoys stunning views across the city and out across Belfast Lough. A castle has stood here since the 12th century but what we see today is a house with semi-circular round towers built in 1870.
Today, Belfast Castle is used as a wedding and event venue but has 2 restaurants open to the public, and you can walk in the grounds to admire the castle from the outside.
Where: Belfast
When: 19th century
Style: Scottish Baronial
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.
You might want to check out the best castles near Belfast.
6. Shane’s Castle
Home to the O’Neill family since 1345, this family were the Kings of Ulster for 1,000 years. Edenduffcarrick Castle, as it was originally called became known as Shane’s Castle, or Shanes Castle, in 1722, named after the Grandfather Shane McBrien O’Neill.
The castle that stands in ruin today within the country park on the North-East shore of Lough Neagh was burnt to the ground in 1816 and left as a ruin. The O’Neill family still live on-site at the present house built in 1958.
Where: Randalstown, County Antrim
When: 18th century
Style: Palladian and Georgian Gothic
Open for visit: By appointment only during the Summer season.
Check out: Famous castles to visit in Ireland.
7. Killyleagh Castle
Built in the same style as the Loire Valley French Château’s, Killyleagh Castle, which dominated the town of the same name, is said to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to 1180.
Home to Gawn Hamilton and family, visitors can access Killyleagh Castle by booking to stay in one of the two towers, which have been set up as self-catering apartments.
Where: Killyleagh, County Down
When: 12th century
Style: French Château
Open for visit: Only when accommodation is booked.
8. Audleys Castle
This three-story tower house built upon a hillock enjoys views overlooking Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. It takes its name from its original owner, John Audley, who sold the tower house and surrounding estate to the Ward family in 1646.
If it looks familiar, it was used as a filming location for both Games of Thrones (Season 1 and Season 2) and Dracula Untold.
Where: Portloughan, County Down
When: 15th century
Style: Norman
Open for visit: Yes, open for viewing (externally) during the Summer months. For more information, click here.
9. Castle Ward
A grand country house (mansion) of contrasts, see how a marital dispute resulted in one side of the house being built and decorated in the Gothic style and the other half in classic Palladian style, with these differences in style visible inside and out.
Outside in the courtyard, you’ll be transported to a whole other world, as it was here that Game of Thrones created the exterior of Winterfell, including the Whispering Wood.
Try your hand at archery at the replica of the Winterfell Archery Range, imagining yourself as one of the Stark’s, or perhaps even John Snow.
Where: Strangford, County Down
When: 18th century
Style: Palladian and Gothic
Open for visit: Yes. For more information, click here.
10. Dundrum Castle
Don’t confuse this Dundrum Castle with the castle of the same name in County Dublin. This Dundrum Castle was built by John de Courcy on the site of an ancient fort as part of a coastal defence system.
King John took the castle in 1210, making modifications that include the round keep and gatehouse that we still see today, albeit standing in ruin.
Admire the views of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains as you climb to the top of the ruins of the castle keep noting the 17th-century mansion, gateway, and outer curtain walls.
Where: Dundrum, County Down
When: 13th century
Style: Norman
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.
11. Gosford Castle
Originally the impressive home of the second Earl of Gosford, Gosford Castle is one of the largest castles ever built in Ireland and has had many uses over the years, being used in WWII to house troops and prisoners of war, owned by the UK’s Ministry of Agriculture, then being converted into a hotel before, in 2006, being turned into luxury apartments.
Gosford Castle made it to fame when it was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones season 3, becoming the exterior of Riverrun.
Where: Gosford, County Armagh
When: 19th century
Style: Norman Revival
Open for visit: No but it can be seen from Gosford Forest Park.
12. Enniskillen Castle Museums
Located on the River Erne, this 600-year-old castle was built to guard one of the few passes into Ulster. Today the castle is home to 2 museums, the Inniskillings Military Museum and the County Museum but visitors can still enjoy the castle as it was with its exterior, including the impressive 17th-century Watergate.
Where: Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
When: 16th century
Style: Gothic
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.
13. Glenarm Castle
Home of the Earls of Antrim for 600 years, Glenarm Castle now contains a country house rather than a castle but is one of Ireland’s oldest estates, just picture Downton Abbey and you won’t be far off the mark imagining what Glenarm looks like.
Step inside on special open days and see the family portraits and Irish furniture from the 17th century or enjoy looking around the 18th-century walled garden during the Spring/Summer months.
Where: Glenarm, County Antrim
When: 17th century
Style: Palladian
Open for visit: Yes. Gardens open daily. Guided tours of the house are available on occasion – See opening dates on the castle website.
14. Hillsborough Castle
This beautiful, majestic castle with expansive grounds is the official government residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the official residence in Northern Ireland of Queen Elizabeth II.
With 300 years of history to learn, you’ll see all of the grand staterooms on a guided tour, including the Throne Room, State Dining Room, and Lady Grey’s Studio, and be able to explore the stunning gardens that cover 100 acres with a mix of ornamental gardens and woodland.
Where: Hillsborough, County Down
When: 18th century
Style: Georgian
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.
FAQs about the Best Castles in Northern Ireland
The best castles in Northern Ireland are Dunluce Castle at the Antrim coastline, Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim, and Belfast Castle in Belfast.
There are more than 40 castles in Northern Ireland. Some are medieval ruins, some are impressive fortresses, and there is also a working Royal residence among the castles.
Killyleagh Castle in County Down is said to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts of it dating back to 1180.
Among the most beautiful ruins in Northern Ireland are Dunluce Castle on the Antrim coastline, Kinbane Castle (Kenbane Castle) in County Antrim, and Dundrum Castle in County Down.
PIN IT!
