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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Queen's University Belfast

Belfast

Address

University Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1NN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9097 5252

queens.welcomecentre@qub.ac.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The fine façade of the Main Building, designed by Charles Lanyon, conceals a quiet, restful quadrangle. This was the original Queen's College: the University has expanded throughout the immediate area, including all the houses on University Square.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
43 reviews
Ardress House

Portadown

Address

64 Ardress Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 1SQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8778 4753

ardress@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Ardress is nestled in the apple orchards of County Armagh and offers afternoons of fun and relaxation for everyone. Built in the 17th century as a farmhouse, Ardress was remodelled in Georgian times.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Sentry Hill Historic House & Visitor Centre

Newtownabbey

Address

40 Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4SX

Telephone
0300 123 7788

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Sentry Hill is a 19th century farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The house and its contents provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Grey Abbey

Greyabbey

Address

Main Street, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2NQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by Affreca wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mountsandel Fort

Coleraine

Address

Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Mountsandel Wood is the earliest known settlement of man in Ireland dating to between 7600 and 7900BC. Flint tools were found here, indicating that Stone Age hunters camped here to fish salmon in the natural weir.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Grey Point Fort

Helen's Bay

Address

Fort Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.

Price
Free

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Bonamargy Friary

Ballycastle

Address

43 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Remains of Franciscan friary founded around 1500 by Rory MacQuillan. East range of cloister, gatehouse and church virtually complete except for roof. Open all year.

Price
Free

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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

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St Patrick’s Well

Killeter

Address

Magherakeel Road, Killeter, County Tyrone, BT81 7HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7138 4444

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

St Patrick's well and Magherakeel Monastic Site is a popular landmark located near the town of Castlederg. It is known locally as St Patrick's Well or Tober Patrick.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tully Castle

Blaney

Address

Loughshore Road, Tully, Blaney, County Fermanagh, BT93 6HP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

This fortified house and bawn are set on Tully Point and were built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire and the inhabitants massacred. It was not lived in again.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Portaferry Castle

Portaferry

Address

Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kilbroney Graveyard

Rostrevor

Address

Kilbroney Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3GG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3170

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

'Cill Bhronaigh', or Bronagh’s Church (12th century), is located in the graveyard just outside Rostrevor on the Hilltown Road. The graveyard contains Saint Bronagh’s Cross, dating from the late 8th century and a ruined 15th century building.

Price
Free

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Dungiven Priory and O'Cahan's Tomb

Dungiven

Address

Priory Lane, Dungiven, County Londonderry, BT47 4UH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Augustinian priory with a 15th-century tomb of Cooey-na-Gall, an O'Cahan chief, who died in 1385.

Price
Free

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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 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

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Bangor Castle (City Hall)

Bangor

Address

Castle Park Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
+44 (0) 300 013 3333

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

This impressive building was built for the Hon Robert Edward Ward and his family in 1852. It is presently the headquarters of Ards and North Down Borough Council who use the mansions spectacular grand salon as the council chamber.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Struell Wells

Downpatrick

Address

14 Struell Wells Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6RA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Struell Wells was built around a stream flowing through a secluded valley. It was a popular place of pilgrimage from the 1600s until the 1840s.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Castle Balfour

Lisnaskea

Address

11 Church Lane, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, BT92 0GN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Built in about 1618 by Sir James Balfour, a Scottish planter, the castle was in continuous occupation until the early 19th century.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking