Kinbane Castle
Kinbane Castle
4.5
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4.5
264 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
63
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Mark R
Bloomington-Normal, IL187 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Amazing location! We were there at sunrise during low tide as can be seen in our photos. Not much left of the castle.
The hike down is pretty easy but coming back up is not. Do not try unless you are in better than normal shape. This is a moderate to above moderate hike. Not lengthy just all stairs. You can get pretty decent photos from above. If you go down to the beach and it is low tide those black rock are very slippery when wet.
The hike down is pretty easy but coming back up is not. Do not try unless you are in better than normal shape. This is a moderate to above moderate hike. Not lengthy just all stairs. You can get pretty decent photos from above. If you go down to the beach and it is low tide those black rock are very slippery when wet.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David Larmour
Northern Ireland16 contributions
Sept 2020
I've been to the North coast many times and never knew this place existed. Off the beaten track & situated between Ballycastle and Ballintoy, the castle ruins are accessed down a single track road to a decent sized car park with seasonal toilet facilities & informative board displays.
From there, you have a steep descent of 140 (I counted!) steep stone steps, then a short walk to the promontory where the ruins sit. It's a brief climb up some steps to reach the remains of the castle. There is also a roofless fisherman's cottage nearby with spectacular views over the Atlantic and surrounding coastline.
The cliff edges can be hazardous so probably not recommended for small children and also dogs are not permitted beyond the car park. Do bear in mind that the 140 steps are quite a challenge for the unfit, even more so going back up.
Nevertheless Kinbane is well worth a visit for the scenery alone and although there isn't much of the castle left, it has a wonderful air of history in its rugged location.
From there, you have a steep descent of 140 (I counted!) steep stone steps, then a short walk to the promontory where the ruins sit. It's a brief climb up some steps to reach the remains of the castle. There is also a roofless fisherman's cottage nearby with spectacular views over the Atlantic and surrounding coastline.
The cliff edges can be hazardous so probably not recommended for small children and also dogs are not permitted beyond the car park. Do bear in mind that the 140 steps are quite a challenge for the unfit, even more so going back up.
Nevertheless Kinbane is well worth a visit for the scenery alone and although there isn't much of the castle left, it has a wonderful air of history in its rugged location.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas Lonergan
Clonmel, Ireland198 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Found this while trying to pass the time, it was a surprise to us and a fantastic surprise for us. The walk to get to it is lovely and has amazing views. The site itself is amazing, walking out to nearly to edge of a cliff was fantastic. Would recommend, but the stairs down and back up can be difficult.
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Despina D
London, UK80 contributions
Aug 2020
We stumbled across Kinbane Castle by accident. It wasn't a place that had been recommended when we were looking at what to do in the area. It is however spectacular - a real hidden gem! The scenery is beautiful. There are quite a few steps to go down to get there, which means there are quite a few to get back up too! It is however worth it.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid8775
Ipswich, UK328 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Pop along here to have a look at the Castle. The views were amazing even in the wind and rain, beautiful! There is a toilet in the carpark but this isn’t open in the winter months. We hadn’t planned on how long the walk down & up was. Bare this in mind if going to see it. There isn’t much here though but it mostly the views.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linerguy
United States1,022 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
While planning our trip, I searched the internet for "remote places in Ireland." That's how I found Kinbane Castle...and I'm sure glad I did, as it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Getting to the castle is a little tricky. From the large car park you have to walk down a steep path that runs along the side of a mountain. Parts of it have a handrail, while most of it is open. It's not dangerous at all...but it does required some heavy-duty walking. The walk back up can be exhausting, but if you stop several times and take in the views, you should have no problem. See my photo that highlights the actual path.
The ruin of the castle sits on a narrow limestone headland projecting out into the sea, surrounded by rocky cliffs and crashing waves. While there's not much of the castle left, the setting is spectacular, and well worth the effort to get there. There's a trail from the ruin that goes all the way out to the tip of the head. It can be windy, and one must use extreme caution when heading out there.
Plan on about 90 minutes to experience the entire area.
I've come to learn that very few people who go to Ireland even know about this wonderful spot, and coach tours don't go there. So, if you're on your own, driving around, and you're looking for an incredible place to visit, and the hike down and back isn't a problem, do yourself a favor and visit Kinbane Castle....it's spectacular.
Getting to the castle is a little tricky. From the large car park you have to walk down a steep path that runs along the side of a mountain. Parts of it have a handrail, while most of it is open. It's not dangerous at all...but it does required some heavy-duty walking. The walk back up can be exhausting, but if you stop several times and take in the views, you should have no problem. See my photo that highlights the actual path.
The ruin of the castle sits on a narrow limestone headland projecting out into the sea, surrounded by rocky cliffs and crashing waves. While there's not much of the castle left, the setting is spectacular, and well worth the effort to get there. There's a trail from the ruin that goes all the way out to the tip of the head. It can be windy, and one must use extreme caution when heading out there.
Plan on about 90 minutes to experience the entire area.
I've come to learn that very few people who go to Ireland even know about this wonderful spot, and coach tours don't go there. So, if you're on your own, driving around, and you're looking for an incredible place to visit, and the hike down and back isn't a problem, do yourself a favor and visit Kinbane Castle....it's spectacular.
Written 28 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarionAve66
Northampton, UK150 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Well signed. Good car park with toilets. We walked along the path and had a good view of the castle and sea arch. We did not proceed down the steps as it was quite a long way down. There is not a lot of castle to sed bug a very interesting history.
Written 30 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CardinalB55
Indianapolis, IN5 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
This was a surprise to us. We loved this place. There’s no cost and WCs/restrooms at the parking area. It’s quite the hike to get down – well managed path and mostly stairs. If you don’t stop to take pictures on the way down, it might take 10-15 minutes to get to the castle remains. It was worth the hike. There were virtually no other people; we were alone for 80% of the time. The coast and peninsula were fun to explore. We saw a small waterfall 70 yards west along the coast – where there’s a thick piece of lumber serving as a bridge over a very small stream. We had sunshine and lots of cool photo opportunities out on the peninsula. I’m not sure how to describe it, but on the peninsula, the grass/ground covering in parts was super spongy – like nature’s trampoline. We got some fun video jumping on it. Note – on the peninsula, there are no fences or guard rails so extra special caution needs to be taken with small children. Enjoy Kinbane!
Written 7 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kutaa1022
Charleston, SC99 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
5 stars all the way! Cannot say enough about this wonderful gem! You will not be disappointed! Ideal for the off-the-beaten-path type of travelers.
If you do one thing in Northern Ireland, this should be it.
Kinbane Castle is nearby many of the other more well known attractions, about 1k off a narrow lane. Once you arrive, there is a very nice car park and toilet amenities. You will think the view from the car park is the best -- just wait. The view continues to get better with every turn.
The hike is somewhat rigorous -- not suitable for small children or those with physical disabilities. From the car park, you will have to walk down about what amounts to 10 flights of stairs, fairly steep, with stopping points to take photos and catch your breath (there are stairs, not just a dirt path at this point). Once you get to the bottom, you then have a small hike up to get to the Kinbane Castle itself. The views are jaw-dropping, and the sense of adventure of finding yourself in such a magical and secluded piece of heaven is wonderful. Hike to the very end high point, but be careful as the path is narrow and unmarked at that point.
When returning, the hike back up to the car park is also beautiful. This attraction is free, and I hate to write up too good of a review because I would hate for it to become packed with tourists!
BONUS: No coach busses allowed!
If you do one thing in Northern Ireland, this should be it.
Kinbane Castle is nearby many of the other more well known attractions, about 1k off a narrow lane. Once you arrive, there is a very nice car park and toilet amenities. You will think the view from the car park is the best -- just wait. The view continues to get better with every turn.
The hike is somewhat rigorous -- not suitable for small children or those with physical disabilities. From the car park, you will have to walk down about what amounts to 10 flights of stairs, fairly steep, with stopping points to take photos and catch your breath (there are stairs, not just a dirt path at this point). Once you get to the bottom, you then have a small hike up to get to the Kinbane Castle itself. The views are jaw-dropping, and the sense of adventure of finding yourself in such a magical and secluded piece of heaven is wonderful. Hike to the very end high point, but be careful as the path is narrow and unmarked at that point.
When returning, the hike back up to the car park is also beautiful. This attraction is free, and I hate to write up too good of a review because I would hate for it to become packed with tourists!
BONUS: No coach busses allowed!
Written 12 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrianA-UK
UK32 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
A beautiful, peaceful place. I didn't want to leave there.....
Written 22 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
May I ask you how to find the parking area to start the way down to the castle.I arrive from ballycastle.
Thank you everybody
Gianluigi
Written 19 July 2016
Hi
I wondere if you can help me.Where is the car park ( outside Ballycastle?) from where you can start climbing the steps?.Thank you very much to everybody,Ciao Gianluigi
Written 5 July 2016
Aloha Gianluigi,
I found the information below on the internet. I hope it helps.
Once you are on the B15 road from Ballycastle towards the Giants Causeway and Bushmills look for the sign that points towards Kinbane Head to the right. The road is very narrow and not suitable for coaches. Drive for a few hundred yards and you will come to a large parking area which is most of the times empty. There are toilet and picnic facilities there. The parking area is on a vantage point overlooking the sea and Kinbane Castle and with excellent views across the ocean. On clear days you can see Scotland.
Cheers,
Denise
Written 15 February 2017
Dale C
Magherafelt, United Kingdom
Hi there, what days and times is the access to the castle open?
Written 22 March 2015
I was there about a month ago, it looked to me like there was always access. just a decent path with no locked gates and no staff- be prepared for lots and lots of steps. The American lady who rated the castle terrible may not have got past the public loos - these look like they are always closed.
Written 26 March 2015
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