Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Dunluce Castle
Causeway Coastal Route

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Arts, Culture & Heritage > Castles & Historic Sites

Castles & Historic Sites

Castles are for keeps in Northern Ireland

With more castles than a summer of Sundays, Northern Ireland is a mecca for those who like their history filled with towers, turrets and tales of yore. As well as these fine structures, you’ll find a wealth of ruins and remains dotted throughout this historic land.

Northern Ireland has some of the finest examples of old monasteries, churches, abbeys and high crosses that you are likely to find anywhere. Finding the time to see it all might be your only problem.

History and heritage in Royal Hillsborough

(Access is only available to the gardens and café at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens during the winter. The Castle reopens in the spring).

Originally completed in the 1790s, the magnificent Hillsborough Castle is the official residence of the Royal Family when they visit Northern Ireland. Take a tour through the elegant staterooms and into the majestic throne room and drawing room while finding out every inch of its fascinating history with your well-informed guide.

Not too far from Royal Hillsborough, castle chasers will find Brownlow House. Known locally as ‘Lurgan Castle’, it was built in 1833 and really has a tremendously quirky character. Its array of intricate chimney pots, each a different design, are surmounted by a beautiful lantern-shaped tower and the whole site commands superb parkland and lake views. There are some great stories of American and British troops stationed here during World War 2 and you can discover more about them over a tasty cup of tea and delicious scone in the excellent tearoom.

Set within the grounds of the impressive 820 acre demesne there are more than 30 kilometres of walks and trails within Castle Ward in County Down. The Castle Trail takes you to Audley’s Castle, which fans of Game of Thrones® will recognise as Robb’s Camp. This is a great spot in County Down to get away from it all and dig into a bit of history at the same time.

County Down is also home to two of the best-preserved abbeys in Northern Ireland. At the south east edge of Newtownards the substantial remains of Grey Abbey date from 1244. It went through quite a history before falling into disuse in the 18th century. Today, you’ll find the remains in the beautiful parkland setting of the nearby Rosemount House.

A little further south, John DeCourcy, of Carrickfergus Castle fame, also built Inch Abbey. According to the history texts he was compelled to do so for his part in the destruction of another abbey. Paying his dues you might call it.

The high cross tells the story

Up the road on the western bank of Lough Neagh sits one of Ireland’s oldest High Crosses. Standing six metres high, the Ardboe Old Cross dates from the tenth century. The twenty-two panels depict stories and scenes from the Old Testament and New Testament and are stunningly beautiful in their simplicity.

Antrim Castle to Carrickfergus Castle

Following the banks of Lough Neagh to the north, you’ll arrive at the 400-year-old Antrim Castle and Gardens which are famed for the layout of their grounds. This is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon or take an early morning stroll.

Carrickfergus Castle, to the east, has been guarding Belfast Lough since 1177. It is just as imposing today as it must have been back then and it is certainly as impressive. This is one of the finest examples of a medieval Norman Castle on the whole island and it is worth investing a little on either the guided or self-guided tours on offer.

The picturesque Glenarm Castle watches over an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Glens of Antrim, and is still a working farm estate. It has been occupied as the family seat of the McDonnells, Earls of Antrim, for some 400 years. The castle opens only occasionally to the public, but you can enjoy the glorious walled garden all year round.

As you travel along the Causeway Coastal Route, you are sure to come across the magnificent Dunluce Castle. This is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous and most photographed landmarks. The medieval ruin stands on the edge of a cliff and can be approached only by a bridge. Dating from 1500, it has a fascinating history. Would you believe that at one point it was owned by Winston Churchill and it is said that this place was highly influential in stories of C.S. Lewis. Well worth a trip.

From here, walkers will enjoy the wonderful cliff walk to Dunseverick Castle near the village of the same name. This place dates back to the time of Saint Patrick so it is of little surprise that only ruins remain. This one is more about the journey than the destination.

The turrets of Tyrone

In County Tyrone you can stretch your legs and take in some turrets at Benburb Castle, a plantation bawn built in 1611. Today, there are a number of trails to explore in the Benburb Valley Park where the River Blackwater has carved out a beautiful gorge through the countryside.

Between the lakes, castle walls will rise

Perched dominantly on the banks of Lough Erne, Enniskillen Castle in County Fermanagh, harks back to the might of the ruling Gaelic Maguires. They were the first occupants of this imposing structure almost 600 years ago and their story is an important part of the history of the whole island of Ireland. You can find out more about that story in the castle’s Inniskillings Museum.

Hidden away in the stunning Fermanagh Lakelands, you’ll come across the island of Devenish. This is home to the ruins of a parish church, St Mary’s Augustine Priory and an impressive round tower.

The island has been raided by Vikings and devastated by fires before re-flourishing in the Middle Ages as a centre of learning and literature. This spot is well looked after and gives a great insight into the monastic sites dotted around the island.

An unassuming but ancient capital in Armagh

If you’re passing through Armagh be sure to climb to the top of the ancient “Emain Macha” or Navan Fort. In early Irish history and legend this spot was the earliest provincial capital of Ulster. Today it is a large earthwork on top of a drumlin but as you look around you, you can imagine it as the site of ancient pagan ritual and ceremony.

With castles and heritage sites like these for starters, who knows where your journey into the past will take you in Northern Ireland?

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 172

, currently showing 121 to 140.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
36 reviews
Wellbrook Beetling Mill

Cookstown

Address

20 Wellbrook Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9RY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8674 8210

wellbrook@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Price £3.75 to £18.75 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Wellbrook is nestled in an idyllic wooded valley. As you come over the hill and see the river, the mill, its water wheel and traditional cottage, it looks as if nothing could disturb the tranquillity.

Price
Price £3.75 to £18.75 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Rollo Gillespie Monument

Comber

Address

Comber Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historial figure

Situated in The Square in Comber, it was erected in 1845 to commemorate the bravery of Major General Robert 'Rollo' Gillespie born in the town in 1766.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Greencastle Royal Castle

Kilkeel

Address

Greencastle Pier Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Commanding the mouth of Carlingford Lough, the Castle has an eventful history. It was built in the 13th century, taken by Edward Bruce in 1316, attacked at least twice by the Irish in the late 14th century and maintained as a garrison up to 1590.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Castlederg Castle

Castlederg

Address

Main Street, Castlederg, County Tyrone, BT81 7AS

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

This Castle commands a strategic location on the River Derg. Recent excavations revealed the remains of a 15th century O'Neill tower house which preceded the Bawn, a defended stone house.

Price
Free

More Info
Saul Church

Downpatrick

Address

Saul Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6PE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 4922

info@downcathedral.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Two miles outside Downpatrick is the replica of St Patrick's first church in Ireland. Close by, on the crest of Slieve Patrick is a massive statue of St Patrick. Bronze panels illustrate scenes from the life of Ireland's Patron Saint.

Price
Free

More Info
Old Church Centre Cushendun

Cushendun

Address

1 Church Lane, Bay Road, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PS

Telephone
+44 (0) 2821761 522

info@cushendunbpt.org

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

The beautifully restored Old Church Centre offers arts & heritage events, exhibitions, wedding ceremonies and venue hire. We also provide tourist information on the rich cultural heritage of the building, Cushendun and the Glens.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
64 reviews
Clifton House - The Belfast Poor House

Belfast

Address

2 North Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through the door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poor House – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Holywood Maypole

Holywood

Address

High Street/Shore Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Holywood's most well known feature is the town's Maypole, the only surviving in Ireland. Early maps show a Maypole has stood on the site since the 1620s and today is still the focus of the May Day Celebrations and Fair in the town.

Price
Free

More Info
Monea Castle

Enniskillen

Address

Castletown Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 8EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Built for Malcolm Hamilton and completed in 1618, it has a Scottish look about it, with corner turrets at one narrow end of a rectangular four-storey building and with two massive full-height round towers having angular tops guarding the entrance.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ederney Covered Wishing Well

Ederney

Address

Ederney Village, Ederney, County Fermanagh, BT93 0BN

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Situated about 100 metres outside Ederney Village on the Main Road to Omagh, this unusual covered Wishing Well is the only one of its kind in the local area.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
148 reviews
Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum

Lisburn

Address

Market Square, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 1AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9266 3377

Ilc.reception@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is an award-winning museum located in Market Square, Lisburn. The permanent exhibition Flax to Fabric traces the story of linen from Ancient Egyptian times to present day.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2492 reviews
17th Century City Walls

Derry~Londonderry

Address

44 Foyle Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6JB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 7284

info@visitderry.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Derry~Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and is one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. A walk around the walls reveals a city crammed full of history, heritage, interest and a vibrant cultural scene.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Clontygora Court Cairn

Killeen

Address

Ferryhill Road, Killeen, County Armagh, BT35 8NX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Known locally as the ‘King’s Ring’, this court tomb has a prominent position in the southeast part of the rugged Slieve Gullion ring-dyke.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Beaghmore Stone Circles

Cookstown

Address

Blackrock Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9PB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Site

Mysterious complex of 7 Bronze Age stone circles and alignments. It's where megalithic tombs and the mysterious Beaghmore stone circles stand as silent witnesses to the settlements that thrived here 6,000 years ago.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Bangor Abbey

Bangor

Address

Newtownards Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Founded in 558AD the main body of the building dates from 1830's, the tower from 15th century and steeple dates around 1693. Interesting gravestones include a memorial to the assistant surgeon of the Titanic, local man John Edward Simpson.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Castle Caulfield

Castlecaulfield

Address

Castle Grove, Castlecaulfield, County Tyrone, BT70 3NL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Ruins of mansion built by Sir Toby Caulfield in 1619. Gatehouse with murder-holes and Caulfield arms. Plaque to poet Charles Wolfe (1791-1823) at nearby Anglican church.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Dan Winter's Cottage

Loughgall

Address

1 Derryloughan Road, Loughgall, County Armagh, BT61 8PH

Telephone
+44(0) 7714 849 729

cwinter1795@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Dan Winter’s Cottage, focal point of the Battle of the Diamond and birthplace of the Orange Order. It was in this cottage that Dan Winter and his family stood to protect their hearth and home. The original lead balls are still embedded within the…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Nendrum Monastic Site

Comber

Address

Mahee Island, Ringneill Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has links to St Patrick in later sources. The monastery consists of 3 round dry stone walled enclosures, one within the other.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
First Derry Presbyterian Church and The Blue Coat School Heritage Centre

Derry~Londonderry

Address

First Presbyterian Church, 6 Magazine Street Upper, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 1550

firstderrybluecoatschool@outlook.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Explore the Blue Coat School Heritage Centre and discover the compelling, and often surprising story of First Derry Presbyterian Church that has been at the heart of its community since the 17th century.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Antrim Old Courthouse

Antrim

Address

Market Square, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9442 8331

info@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The Old Courthouse is most certainly one of the jewels in Antrim’s crown. Its opening has created a fantastic opportunity to host a range of performing arts events on a year round basis in the new multi-purpose auditorium.

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi