Dunluce Castle perched on the edge of the coastline of County Antrim in Northern Ireland
Dunluce fortress on the County Antrim coastline
To celebrate the arrival of 2023, we’re off to Dunluce Castle, one of the most dramatic fortresses on the Antrim coastline of Northern Ireland, first built in the 13th century by Richard de Burg, an Anglo Norman. If you’re a ‘Game of Thrones’ fan, you might recognise it as Castle Greyjoy, although it was altered with special effects.
Inside the walls of the castle is the later house with its mullioned windows
A setting chosen for its defence advantages
One of its attractions at the time was a large cave underneath where boats could be hidden for a quick escape to Scotland if necessary, a great advantage in those days of constant assaults from enemies.
Cannons defending the gatehouses were taken from a Spanish Armada galleon that was shipwrecked in a storm in 1588 and the cargo was sold to help finance the restoration of the castle.
Dunluce Castle had a commanding view and easy access to the sea in the event escape plans were required
Home of the MacDonnell clan
The castle was rebuilt and occupied by the MacDonnell clan until they made the mistake of picking the losing side in the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
This battle is unique in our history because the armies of two English kings fought each other on Irish soil: William of Orange (William 111) the victor over James 11 (who fled to France).
The dramatic setting was used for ‘Game of Thrones’ and you might recognise it as Castle Greyjoy
Castle abandoned in late 17th century
The family’s wealth declined and Dunluce Castle fell into ruins. It’s now a tourist attraction and definitely a place to put on your list of dramatic and historical walks.
Suzanne Winterly is the author of mystery and dual timeline historical mystery novels set in the late 19th century and in the present. More details below:
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