Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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  • Dawn A
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You won’t be disappointed
    What a little gem this place is. The views from the castle are breath taking, even in the rain. We were lucky enough to see dolphins swimming near by. Very reasonably priced at £6 each. Very helpful guide who was not only local to the castle but very passionate about it. Great facilities. Free parking.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 October 2023
  • Mark R
    Bloomington-Normal, Illinois179 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the Visit
    Amazing location for a castle perched on that rocky crag. We tried to imagine what it must have been like to live there as a family. It would not have been an easy life but it was a location that would have provided a suitable measure of protection from hostile enemies for the townsfolk to gather to. The tour is worth taking to get background information and details about living there. Relatively easy tour to take.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 October 2023
  • mike c
    Durban, South Africa1,035 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A castle worth seeing on the Antrim coast.
    If your visiting Northern Ireland you have to do the Antrim coastal route and on it you will find castle Greyjoy to those of you not a Game of Thrones lover its Dunluce Castle. The series of thrones used the out line of the castle and digitaly enhanced it into Grejoy. The castle itself built in the early 1500's has seen battles and change of ownership through time, it is on the edge of a rocky out crop with tales of the kitchens falling into the sea in 1608 but that could be a wee tale still to be proved. the castle has a strange air about it as you walk in it transports you back to another time,maybe its the socalled ghosts said to haunt the place but thats an another Irish folklore! You have to stop and parkwhich is free howeveryou pay to get into the castle but its worth the visit. The views from the old windowless windows are amazing. Opening times are February to November – 9:30am – 5pm; December to January – 9:30am to 4pm
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 31 October 2023
  • Madan Gopal M
    Bengaluru, India7,963 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    History recaptured.
    We took a day trip from Dublin to this place organised by Wildrovertours. This iconic heritage castle dating back to over 500 years, located on cliff edge of North Atlantic Ocean, this is most picturesque place from every angle. The castle is seen in many movies and recently in the popular TV series Game of Thrones. The small visitors centre contains lot of informative literature.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 January 2024
  • BD
    Bromley, United Kingdom902 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning coastal views from this Heritage Site ..
    This was a must do after the iconic Giants Causeway visit. It’s only a 10 min drive from there. We visited on a windy cold January Sunday morning so it was very quiet. We enjoyed the short film explaining the history behind this old Castle that now lies in ruins perched on the cliff top. There were fascinating artefacts and even costumes to dress up in. I couldn’t resist the chance to do so!! The scenery across the cliffs and out to the wild Atlantic was spectacular. It was fascinating walking amid the ruins and funny that this Castle was featured in Game of Thrones (Pyke Castle 🏰) but CGI’d to make it look habitable. Really happy we made the decision to visit and spend some time here. Amazing photos and great memories gained from it !
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 January 2024
  • kathleena965
    Midvale, Utah20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dunluce Castle is a Must See if you visit Belfast
    We nearly missed Dunluce Castle as we departed from the Giant's Causeway, but what a remarkable side trip for anyone visiting Belfast. The stories related to Dunluce Castle are interesting and entertaining. According to legend, part of the castle’s kitchen fell into the icy water below; luckily they had a second kitchen in the same building. The castle is dramatically set atop the craggy cliffs of Dunluce village in County Antrim The castle has been preserved over the past three centuries, to maintain the locale, the history, and the attraction to this small town that subsists on tourism. Personally, I was blown away by the extant buildings that clearly represent the original edifices: a massive horse stable to training, housing, and treating the horses; the remnants of the main house; the houses farther down the hill from the main house; the extensive grounds with modern pathways that make it possible to explore the castle from bottom to top. Of course the roofs are gone, but the buildings are in very good shape. I took dozens of photos and my favorites were looking through the window openings onto the beaches and steep hillsides below. We loved having the map that the caretakers give to you as you enter the grounds. Do not miss this beautiful castle and the drive to get there!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 31 January 2024
  • Annmarie
    Arlington, Virginia422 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quick stop
    We stopped here after Giant's Causeway, but didn't pay to go into the castle itself. Great views around the area, especially on a nice day. There's parking, but it can be busy and tricky depending on if you come when the buses are there too.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 April 2024
  • Compass13214916240
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A well-maintained ruin
    Well-maintained castle ruin, if one can say that! We originally wanted to check out a non-ruined castle that was still in use by members of my girlfriend's historical clan, but it wasn't open yet, so I substituted this castle, largely grown by Sorley Boy MacDonnell. Turns out, we probably enjoyed it more! Car parking is free but there are a limited number of spots. Even in late April when I went, there were only 2 spots open when I arrived just after noon. The castle's connection to Game of Thrones is likely responsible for the regular turnout. You can view the castle for free, and there is a rather strenuous staircase you can walk down (and back up - ugh) to get great views if you are strapped for cash. The reasonable entry fee is well worth it to wander through the ruin and chat with the docents scattered about the area.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 April 2024
  • HelenWanderlust
    Singapore, Singapore2,275 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dramatic Day Tour to North Ireland (from Dublin) to Dunluce Castle.
    Took a fantastic Dramatic Day Tour to North Ireland (from Dublin) to Titanic Experience at Belfast, Dunluce Castle and Giants Causeway. Although this is a long day tour trip, it is worth the travel time, for seeing the historical 500 years old Dunluce Castle remnants (set against a steep cliffside of the North Atlantic ocean), which also make for gorgeous photographs. We were also blessed with great sunny weather. Helen
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 2 May 2024
  • Diane J
    Halifax, United Kingdom75 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Romantic & thrilling.
    We were blessed with perfect weather for our trip to this enchanting castle. Set in the cliffs overlooking the wild Irish Sea, rich in legends and myths that our tour guide from paddywaggon tours was only too pleased to share with us. Fabulous but of history romantic and thrilling. Highly recommend a visit.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 8 May 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,737 reviews
Excellent
1,494
Very good
964
Average
236
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24
Terrible
19

duck8to
Montville, NJ6,824 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Dunluce castle is situated on a craggy outcrop on the treacherous Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. It is about 3 miles from the Giant's Causeway and Bushmill's. If you are in the area it is quite possible to visit all three sites and raise a glass at Bushmill's as well. It is the ruins of a medieval castle and the seat of the McDonnell clan. Prior to the castle being built, Dunluce was an early Christian and Viking fortress before the McDonnell clan took possession. It became the base of Sorley Boy McDonnell.

The ruins are well signed but imagination is still required. There is also a printed guide upon entering which is helpful. Tickets can be purchase at the castle and online and if memory serves me cost 5.25 pounds. Children under 4 were free. The tower was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing were observed. The castle was featured in "The Game of Thrones" with the aid of a lot of CGI. It was the House of Greyjoy, who ruled the Iron Islands. I really think the effort at complete restoration would pay financial dividends.
Written 22 January 2021
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.

csul17
Indianapolis, IN106 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Although we did not enter Dunluce Castle (it seemed quite a lot of money to walk around the shell of a castle), we spent a while enjoying the view of the ocean and the castle. It is beautifully located on the coast. This is a nice extra stop if you are in the area of Giant's Causeway. It is much less crowded and gives you a good idea of what the past was like.
Written 30 January 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.

Eileen108
Mount Shasta, CA4,926 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019
The four of us came on a cruise ship for the day in July and we got "Paddy Campbell's Black Cab tour" (highly recommended!). We stopped at Dunluce castle but didn't have time to go inside and walk around. It didn't take long, just enough time for some photos and to walk around the area a bit. Beautiful area and the shell of the castle is interesting to see even from outside.
Written 18 January 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.

Craig Lynn
Newtownards, UK86 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
At £5.50 an adult, entrance to Dunluce Castle is a waste of money. There are plenty of absolutely spectacular walks and places to visit on the North Coast which cost nothing. This isn’t worth it.
Written 12 January 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.

AEC
77 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
I loved this medieval castle ruins which is full of atmosphere. Built by the McDonnell clan, it overlooks the sea with stunning views in the background. The castle itself is much larger than I expected and is breathtaking in its splendor. I would thoroughly recommend a visit to all those who love history as much as I do.
Written 1 August 2021
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.

Scott B
Wantagh, NY697 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
Although this is in runs, there are tickets needed to enter compared to Kinbane which can be accessed after hours. This is much larger than Kinbane, so give yourself a few hours to visit it during the operational hours. We were unfortunately only able to visit after hours due to a flat tire on our way, and access after hours isn't possible as it is fenced off. But, the castle is right near the parking lot, and relatively flat so it is easily viewable without much effort in hiking.
Written 12 September 2022
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.

Alan W
Ireland554 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
Great views and very informative. A fine example of Irish castles. Friendly staff. There is a fee which isn't too exorbitant and you are supplied with an information booklet to keep you appraised of the various areas of interest within the walls.
Written 16 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.
I'm really glad you enjoyed your visit. We are working hard to ensure that we remain a welcoming place to visit as well as ensuring we have appropriate Covid 19 safety measures in place.
Written 17 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Debbie W
Baltimore, MD20 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
My friends and I stopped at Dunluce Castle on our way to Portrush. We walked around the ruins taking in the breathtaking scenery of the water and the cliffs. Looking around at the structure, it's easy to start imagining what the castle must have been like in its day. Part of the castle can only be entered via entrance fee. We saw enough of its majesty and the surrounding natural beauty without feeling the need to pay. Our total time there was probably between 30-45 minutes. It was an amazing view. Highly recommend a stop.
Written 6 December 2022
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.

monkeysauntJaxBchFl
jax bch fl5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Visiting Dunluce Castle is a unique experience and not to be missed when driving Northern Ireland's wild Atlantic coast. It has centuries of history full of knights, ladies, and battles along with stunning views, hidden passageways, and its own flower of Dunluce, the meadow cranesbill. Let Graeme and his colleagues bring the ancient rock ruins to life with their tales of life, love, and loss at this beautiful place. Thanks to all who made our family visit so very special.
Written 16 August 2021
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.

CLLJJR
Keene, NH221 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
Excellent view of castle and village life. They offer free 1-hour tours twice a day. Be sure to take one so you can appreciate the architecture. The point of the tour is to see how the castle changed over time according to what family owned it. High points for me were learning they had glass windows, had baking ovens and two-story fireplaces for cooking. From a distance you think the castle is not that big, but once there, it is huge. The stonework is extraordinary!
Written 23 November 2022
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.

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DUNLUCE CASTLE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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