Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Dunluce Castle
Causeway Coastal Route

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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?

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Number of results: 172

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Inch Abbey

Downpatrick

Address

Inch Abbey Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 9AX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Located on the north bank of the Quoile River, Inch Abbey was founded by John de Courcy in atonement for his destruction of Erenagah Abbey.

Price
Free

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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

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Moyry Castle

Jonesborough

Address

Kilnasaggart Road, Jonesborough, County Armagh, BT35 8JA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

South of the County Armagh village of Jonesborough lie the ruins of Moyry Castle, built in the 17th century to guard the strategic mountain pass known as Moyry Pass or the 'Gap of the North'.

Price
Free

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Annaghmare Court Tomb

Crossmaglen

Address

Annaghmare Road, Crossmaglen, County Armagh, BT35 9BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

The court tomb at Annaghmare is one of the best preserved examples of its type, with many of its features preserved in good condition after they were first revealed during excavation in 1963-64.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Carleton's Cottage

Augher

Address

Springtown Road, Augher, County Tyrone, BT77 0EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8772 8600

tourism@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Visit the childhood home of the much-loved Victorian novelist William Carleton, well versed in Irish folklore and described by Yeats as ‘the greatest novelist of Ireland’.

Price
Free

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Museum at The Mill

Newtownabbey

Address

Mossley Mill Civic Centre, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 5QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9034 0129

Type

Type:

Industrial Heritage

Museum at The Mill invites visitors of all ages to explore the history and heritage of Mossley Mill, a flax spinning mill in County Antrim which dates back to the early 1800s.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Hillsborough Fort

Royal Hillsborough

Address

The Square, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
0333 320 6000

info@hrp.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Owned by Historic Royal Palaces, Hillsborough Fort was constructed in the 17th Century, and sits nestled in picturesque parkland in the heart of the town. Built to protect the road leading from Carrickfergus to Dublin, the fort has been a place of…

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Kirkistown Castle

Cloughey

Address

Main Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1JB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Traditionally believed to have been built by Roland Savage of Ballygalget in 1622, possibly reusing an earlier site.

Price
Free

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St Cooey's Wells

Portaferry

Address

Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

The church at St Cooey’s Wells is thought to date from the 7th century but only the foundation stones now remain. The Washing, Eye and Drinking wells in this peaceful, wooded dell are reputed to have healing powers.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Knockoneill Court Tomb

Swatragh

Address

Knockoneil Road, Swatragh, County Londonderry, BT51 5DB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

A megalithic tomb, dating to the Neolitic or New Stone Age (2000-4000) is found in Knockoneill. It gets its name from the semi-circular forecourt of upright stones that lead to a gallery.

Price
Free

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Portora Castle

Enniskillen

Address

Portora, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 5GH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Portora Castle guards a former crossing point where the river joins Lough Erne. Built in 1613 by Sir William Cole, it consisted of a 3 storey house across the breadth of the bawn which was defended by 4 circular towers.

Price
Free

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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

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St. Patrick's Church, Benburb (Clonfeacle Parish)

Benburb

Address

Clonfeacle Road, Benburb, County Tyrone, BT71 7LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7851 448 041

benburbgroup@armagh.anglican.org

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Situated in the village of Benburb, this Grade A listed early 17th century church is documented as being the oldest church in the north-west of Ireland still in regular use. Visitors may participate in a “Stories behind the Stones” talk and tour,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2030

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
95 reviews
Lissan House

Cookstown

Address

Drumgrass Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7736 837 779

info@lissanhouse.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Lissan House is an enchanting country residence set within a 260 acre demesne of ancient woodland and forestry. The estate was created in the 17th century and remained the home of the Staples family for nearly 400 years.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Belfast City Hall

Belfast

Address

Donegall Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 0202

visitcityhall@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Price £4.00 to £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Completed in 1906, Belfast City Hall is a magnificent Baroque Revival 'wedding cake' built to reflect Belfast's city status, granted by Queen Victoria in 1888. The grounds are also used for many events from continental markets to open air concerts.

Price
Price £4.00 to £6.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
St Augustine's Church

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Palace Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6PS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7136 6041

weechurch@btinternet.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

A neo-Gothic church of 1872. built of whinstone with sandstone dressings. Iit is delightfully situated on the City walls, surrounded by its graveyard and a pretty parish school and hall. There are many famous graves in the graveyard.

Price
Free

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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
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)
St Macartan’s (Forth Chapel)

Augher

Address

Springtown Road, Augher, County Tyrone, BT77 0EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7818 186 979

tourism@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

St Macartan's, The Forth Chapel was constructed from 1838-1846 and is located on the Carleton Trail and Ulster Way, set in the heart of the lovely Clogher Valley, County Tyrone.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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