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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Knockmany Passage Grave

Augher

Address

Knockmany Forest, Knockmany Road, Augher, County Tyrone, BT76 0DL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Site

On top of a steep hill, the tomb has a modern cairn over the top to protect prehistoric stones carved with zigzags, spirals and circles. Views across the Clogher Valley.

Price
Free

More Info
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
Dunseverick Castle

Ballycastle

Address

Causeway Coast and Glens, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT57 8SY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

downhilldemesne@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Dunseverick Castle is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the small village of Dunseverick and the Giant's Causeway.

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Clough Castle

Clough

Address

Main Street, Clough, County Down, BT30 8TH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

An Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork castle dating to the late 12th or early 13th century. The motte was built of earth to provide a look-out position and central defence. The bailey provided a space for domestic buildings and livestock.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Harland & Wolff Cranes - Samson and Goliath

Belfast

Address

Queen's Island, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DU

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Industrial Heritage

Although not officially classed as wonders of the world, the two massive cranes in Harland and Wolff Belfast, which serve one of the world’s largest Building Docks, are certainly masterpieces of engineering.

Price
Free

More Info
St Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)

Armagh

Address

Cathedral Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7QY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2813

armaghparishoffice@gmail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cathedral

This imposing cathedral, on an elevated site, was started in 1840, but work was suspended during the Great Famine of 1845-48 and recommenced in 1854 when J. J. McCarthy was appointed architect. It was dedicated for worship in 1873.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Navan Fort

Armagh

Address

81 Killylea Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4LD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

The Navan Fort, located just two miles from Armagh City, is a place where myth and reality meet. As the ancient seat of Kings and the earliest capital of Ulster, there is plenty to explore.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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

More Info
Benburb Castle

Benburb

Address

Main Street, Benburb, County Tyrone, BT71 7JZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3214

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Benburb Castle is dramatically sited on the cliff edge above the River Blackwater in the grounds of Benburb Servite Priory. It was built by Sir Richard Wingfield in around 1615, on or near the site of a stronghold of Shane O’Neill.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tirnony Dolmen

Maghera

Address

Tirnony Road, Maghera, County Londonderry, BT46 5RE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Site

One mile north of Maghera stands a prehistoric tomb at least 4,000 - 6,000 years old. Dolmens are tomb structures with standing stones and a horizontal capstone, found in a number of places in Ireland.

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
Audley's Castle

Strangford

Address

Audleystown Road, Portloughan, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The castle dates probably from around the 15th century, but the early history is unknown. This site was used for filming a scene for Game of Thrones®.

Dates

From:

24 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Clonlum Cairn

Meigh

Address

Ballintemple Road, Meigh, County Armagh, BT35 8LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

This unusual megalithic monument is set on the eastern edge of a low ridge, overlooked by Slieve Gullion to the west and around 750m south of the badly disturbed remains of Clonlum court tomb.

Price
Free

More Info
St Patrick's Church Belfast

Belfast

Address

199 Donegall Street, Belfast, CountyAntrim, BT1 2FL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 4597

stpatricks@downandconnor.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

The Gothic Revival St Patrick's was designed by Timonthy Hevey and Mortimer Thomspon and consecrated in 1877. The first Church was built on this site in 1815 and was the second Catholic Church built since the Reformation in the city of Belfast.

Price
Free

More Info
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)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
63 reviews
Patterson's Spade Mill

Templepatrick

Address

751 Antrim Road, Templepatrick, County Antrim, BT39 0AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9443 3619

pattersons@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Listen to the hammers, smell the grit, feel the heat and witness the thrill of the only surviving water-driven spade mill in Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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
Ring of Gullion

Killeavy

Address

89 Drumintee Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

Type

Type:

Landscape/View

Slieve Gullion Forest Park is in the heart of the Ring of Gullion. The Ring of Gullion is a unique geological landform – unparalleled elsewhere in Ireland or the UK – and was the first ring dyke in the world to be geologically mapped. The ring of…

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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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)