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: 174

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Ardboe High Cross

Ardboe

Address

Battery Road, Ardboe, County Tyrone, BT80 0HU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Site

A 10th Century Cross situated on a rocky height on the shores of Lough Neagh. It is a national monument which is believed to be the first High Cross of Ulster. The cross stands 18.5 feet high and 3.5 feet wide.

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.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Gracehill Moravian Settlement

Gracehill

Address

The Old School House, 19A Church Road, Gracehill, County Antrim, BT42 2NL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7903 739933

gracehilltours@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Gracehill, an 18th-century Moravian settlement near Ballymena, is Northern Ireland's first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its preserved Georgian architecture, historic sites, and book guided tours.

Dates

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
473 reviews
Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen

Address

Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 5000

castle@fermanaghomagh.com

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires. It was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century it became a garrison fort and later a military barracks. Enjoy the many…

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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- Wifi
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

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Free

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Giant's Ring

Belfast

Address

Near Shaw's Bridge, Off Ballynahatty Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 8LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Refreshingly little is known about this prehistoric enclosure, over 600 ft in diameter, with an earthen bank 20 foot wide and 12 foot high and a dolmen in the centre.

Price
Free

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Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Templemore Baths Heritage Tours

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.

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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
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Leisure Facilities
- Indoor pool
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- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Layd Old Church

Cushendall

Address

Layde Road, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0NH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Located one mile from Cushendall are the delightful ruins of a 13th century Franciscan foundation. Chief burial place of the MacDonnell's after Bonamargy which has been built at least three times and served as a parish church.

Price
Free

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Comber

Address

The Manse, 15 Windmill Hill, Comber, County Down, BT23 5EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 2265

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church was built on a site donated by James Andrews and the stained glass windows in the church depict family members. Members of the Andrews family are also buried in the graveyard.

Price
Free

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

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Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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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 our 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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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
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Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
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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Down Cathedral and Saint Patrick's Grave

Downpatrick

Address

35 English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 4922

info@downcathedral.org

Type

Type:

Cathedral

Down Cathedral, a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland with magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case was built in 1183 as a Benedictine Monastry. The patron saint, Patrick is believed to be buried in the nearby graveyard.

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

Greencastle

Address

Aughascribba Road, Greencastle, County Tyrone, BT79 8HJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8076 1112

info@ancreagan.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

This is the only example of an Ogham Stone inscription in County Tyrone, situated 7km north of An Creagán. It is believed to have been a burial marker or commemorative inscription incised on the stone before 500AD.

Price
Free

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Church Island on Lough Beg

Bellaghy

Address

Ballydermot Road, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, BT45 8LF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Church Island is a small island on Lough Beg - 1.5 miles from Bellaghy. On a visit to the island you will discover the ruins of an old church with no spire.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviews
Knockagh Monument

Greenisland

Address

Monument Road, Greenisland, County Antrim, BT38 8QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

County Antrim War Memorial erected and dedicated to the fallen from the County of Antrim who fell during the Great World War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945), dramatically overlooking Belfast Lough and surrounding countryside.

Price
Free

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Facilities

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

Limavady

Address

Moneyrannel Road, Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0FJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Rough Fort, on the Limavady to Ballykelly road, is a remarkable earthwork construction over 1000 years old. Known as a Rath, it was originally used as a defended farmstead into which livestock could be driven in the times of emergency.

Price
Free

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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