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Castle · Bushmills, Irlanda do Norte
Dunluce Castle
The ruins of the medieval castle on the edge of a basalt cliff above the sea, between Bushmills and Portrush, connected to the land by a bridge, with a 17th-century town excavated beside it.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Dunluce Castle
Castelo de Dunluce sits on the edge of a basalt cliff above the sea on the Antrim coast, about 5 km from Bushmills and Portrush. The rock it stands on is separated from the mainland by a chasm, crossed by a bridge. The castle began in the 13th century and in the 16th century passed to the MacDonnell clan from Scotland, who enlarged it with a manor house.
According to tradition, on a stormy night in 1639 part of the kitchen collapsed into the sea with the staff; the story is told but not confirmed by historians. The castle was abandoned at the end of the 17th century. What remains are the round towers, the walls of the manor house with windows facing the sea and the courtyard, and a cave beneath the cliff that reaches the sea.
Archaeological excavations beside the castle uncovered the remains of a small town founded in 1608, with streets, merchant houses and one of the earliest known sewer systems in Ireland; some foundations are visible. The castle inspired scenes in Game of Thrones and, according to local tradition, Cair Paravel from The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, who was born in Belfast.
The visitor centre has an exhibition about the castle and the town. The visit is outdoors and it is often very windy.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Late afternoon for the photo of the castle against the sea and sunset, from the road to the east. For the on-site visit, choose a low-wind day. Check opening times, which are reduced in winter.
How to get there
It’s on the A2 road between Bushmills and Portrush, about 5 km from each. The coastal bus stops outside. There is parking at the entrance.
Tip
For the most famous photo, stop at the viewpoint on the road to the east of the castle, with the cliff and sea in the foreground. Combine it with Portrush and the Whiterocks beaches a few kilometres away.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dunluce Castle
Is Dunluce Castle open to visitors?
Yes, the ruins and the visitor centre are usually open year-round, with reduced hours in winter.
Does Dunluce appear in Game of Thrones?
The castle inspired sets for the series, which was largely filmed in Northern Ireland.
Is it near Calçada dos Gigantes?
Yes, about 8 km, between Bushmills and Portrush.