Belfast Castle, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's Castles & Ancient Settlements

Castles & Ancient Settlements Northern Ireland

Mountsandel is the oldest known settlement of man in Ireland, dating back to between 7900 and 7600 BC. Ulster was invaded by Normans I 1171 and fell under their rule for the following 150 years. Following the plantation of thousands of English and Scottish people into Northern Ireland by King James l, in 1610, plantation houses and castles began to appear across the landscape. The best example of a castle from this period, that still stands today, is Dunluce Castle in County Antrim. On this page you can find the castles and ancient settlements that tell the story of Northern Ireland's past.

1 Carrickfergus Castle

Top Attraction
History & Culture

Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle located on the northern shores of Belfast Lough. The castle was first built by in 1177 by John de Courcy after he conquered eastern Ulster. In 1210 King John of England took control of the castle and has remained under British control ever since. Carrickfergus Castle was used as a garrison for British troops during the First World War and as an air raid shelter in World War II.

Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim
1
Insider Tips

If you are visiting Carrickfergus Castle it is worth noting that disabled access is very limited for wheelchair users.

2 Dunluce Castle

Top Attraction
History & Culture

Today, Dunluce Castle lies in ruins. Once the seat of Clan McDonnell, found between the towns of Portballintrae and Portrush in County Antrim, the castle is perched on a cliff face with steep drops to the sea on either side. Originally built by Richard Óg de Burgh in the 13th century and then the McQuillan family in 1513 until it was given over to the MacDonnell family after their victory in two battles in the mid to late 16th century.

The castle was passed down through different families in the British royal family up until the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, after which time it fell into disrepair and was torn apart for materials to aid the construction of nearby buildings. In the 18th century the north wall of the building collapsed into the sea, today the other three walls still stand.

Dunluce Castle, County Antrim
2

3 Dundrum Castle

Top Attraction
History & Culture

Following John de Courcy's invasion of Ulster in the 13th century, he ordered the construction of Dundrum Castle. The castle is perfectly located to serve as a lookout across Dundrum Bay, to the south, the low lying laid running towards Slieve Croob, to the east, and the plains of Lecale, to the east. The castle, like others in Northern Ireland, was taken over by King John of England in 1210 and then passed down through the British royal family. Today the castle lies in ruins and is a very popular attraction for school tours and tourists visiting the area.

Dundrum Castle, County Down
3

4 Belfast Castle

Top Attraction
History & Culture

Belfast Castle was first build in the 12th century by the Normans. In 1611, the Baron of Belfast, Sir Arthur Chichester rebuilt the castle with stone and timber. This version of the castle was burned down in 1708. Choosing not to build a castle in the same location, the 'new' Belfast Castle was constructed on Cave Hill in 1870. The &11,000 needed for the construction was donated by a relation of Sir Arthur Chichester's, Lord Ashley 8th Earl of Shaftesbury, who later inherited the castle in 1884.

Belfast Castle remained a private property until 1934 when it was gifted to the city. Today the castle acts as a popular venue for afternoon teas, weddings and other public events.

Belfast Castle
4

5 Giant's Ring

Top Attraction
History & Culture

Giant's Ring is a prehistoric circular enclosure located 5 km outside Belfast City. It is believed to have been built around 2700BC, in the Neolithic period, meaning that it older than the Egyptian pyramids. It is thought to have been originally used as a passage tomb. The outer, raised ridge has a diameter of 590 ft housing a Megalithic tomb in its centre. During the 18th century horse racing events were held at the site.

Giant's Ring, Belfast
5

6 Beaghmore Stone Circles

Top Attraction
History & Culture

Beaghmore is a collection of different stone circles, cairns (man-made piles of stones) and Bronze Age megalithic features. Investigations of the area indicate that the site was used as early as the Neolithic era. it is thought that the area was used mainly as a focal point for religious gatherings and social events. A number of the cairns have been found to contain cremated human remains held within small crypts. Archaeologists also believe, due to the stones circles alignment with the rising sun at the solstice, that they were placed where they are in observation of particular solar events.

Beaghmore Stone Circles, County Tyrone
6