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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Tullaghoge Fort

Tullyhogue

Address

Tullywiggan Road, Tullyhogue, County Tyrone, BT80 8UB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Site

Tullaghoge Fort was a royal power centre which came to historical prominence in the 11th Century when it was a dynastic centre for Cenel nEogain (later the O’Neills).

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Newry Cathedral of St Patrick and St Colman

Newry

Address

38 Hill Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 1AT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3026 2586

office@newrycathedralparish.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cathedral

This is undoubtedly the most commanding building in Newry and is arguably the most important work executed by Newry's greatest native architect, Thomas Duff. Built in 1829 of local granite at a cost of £8,000, it was the first Catholic Cathedral.

Price
Free

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Dundrum Castle

Dundrum

Address

Castle Hill, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0NF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Believed to have been built in or around 1177, Dundrum Castle was built by John De Courcy as part of his coastal defence after he invaded Ulster. Dundrum Castle is located on a wooded hill north-west of Dundrum village near Newcastle.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Hezlett House

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

mussendentemple@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Hezlett’s picturesque thatched cottage exterior hides a fascinating early timber frame dating from 1690, making it one of the oldest vernacular domestic buildings in Northern Ireland.

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…

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Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
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)
Derrymore House

Bessbrook

Address

Camlough Road, Bessbrook, County Armagh, BT35 7EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8778 4753

derrymore@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

The National Trust

A National Trust Property, Derrymore House is an elegant thatched cottage that stands amid a picturesque landscape estate less than 2 miles from Newry.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
St Mark's Church

Belfast

Address

217 Holywood Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 2DH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9065 4090

office.dundela@down.anglican.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

This was CS Lewis’ local church in which he was baptised on 29 January 1899 and confirmed on 6 December 1914. There is a stained glass window in the church, donated by the Lewis brothers in memory of their parents, designed by Irish artist M. Healy.

Price
Free

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Ballance House

Glenavy

Address

118A Lisburn Road, Glenavy, County Antrim, BT29 4NY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9264 8492

info@theballancehouse.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Ballance House farm museum, run by The Ulster New Zealand Trust, is the restored birthplace of John Ballance, Prime Minister of New Zealand 1891-1893.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Carnlough Harbour

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2884 1285

GlenarmMarina@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Carnlough's sheltered historic harbour, with small fishing boats, is the focal point of this picturesque village, located on the Causeway Coastal Route. It's a well known Game of Thrones® film location, recognisable as the Free City of Braavos Canal.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Templemore Baths Heritage Centre

Belfast

Address

96 Templemore Avenue, Belfast, Country Down, BT5 4FW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

templemorebaths@eastsidepartnership.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Ireland's only remaining Victorian public bath house. Step inside and immerse yourself in Titanic heritage, Belfast's industrial past and social history and wonder at the amazing architectural restoration.

More Info
Facilities

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

Leisure Facilities
- Indoor pool
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Kinbane Castle

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle, off Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along the Causeway Coastal Route. The area surrounding it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort.

Price
Free

More Info
Killymoon Castle

Cookstown

Address

11 Castle Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8JY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8676 4173

info@killymooncastle.com

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Killymoon castle sits in picturesque surroundings overlooking the Ballinderry River on the outskirts of Cookstown just 50 miles from Belfast by car. The castle is a grade A listed building designed by the famous architect John Nash.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kilnasaggart Inscribed Stone

Jonesborough

Address

Kilnasaggart Road, Jonesborough, County Armagh, BT35 8JA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Kilnassagart Inscribed Stone, in the south of County Armagh, is regarded as being one of the oldest inscribed stones in Ireland.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Hillsborough Court House

Royal Hillsborough

Address

The Courthouse, 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

The Courthouse was originally a Georgian market house built before 1765. It was used as a courthouse from 1810 with the Grand Jury meeting in the Upper room. The building is now used for exhibitions and functions and has limited wheelchair access.

Price
Free

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Mahee Castle

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:

Castle / Fort

This ruined Tower House commands a position at the north end of Mahee Island in Strangford Lough. The house was built in 1570 by an English soldier called Captain Browne. Today, it is badly ruined but still of considerable interest.

Price
Free

More Info
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
Dan Winter’s House

Loughgall

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3885 1344

hildawinter@btinternet.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Dan Winter’s house was repaired and rethatched in 2000 keeping original artefacts and clothing. Original outbuildings were rethatched in 2007 and a tea-room was built. Family vehicles and farm machinery are on display in other farm buildings.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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

More Info