Dunluce Castle

What You'll Find

Perched right on the edge of the cliffs along the Causeway Coast, Dunluce Castle is one of those places that looks like something straight out of a storybook!

The ruins of this medieval castle sit high above the Atlantic Ocean, with dramatic cliffs, crashing waves and beautiful views along the North Coast.

And there's plenty for the wee ones to discover once you step inside.

You enter the castle across a bridge, with the ruins spread out across the rocky headland. Children can explore the remains of the old rooms, discover stone archways and passageways, and imagine what life might have been like when the castle was still home to families hundreds of years ago.

There's something quite special about wandering through a real castle, especially one in such an unusual location.

As you explore, you'll come across the remains of the great hall, towers and other rooms, with information boards helping to explain what the different parts of the castle were once used for.

The castle has a fascinating history too, including stories of the MacDonnell family who lived here and the famous legend of the castle kitchen falling into the sea during a storm.

And of course, the views are a huge part of the visit!

From the castle grounds, you can look out across the Atlantic Ocean and along the rugged coastline. It's a beautiful spot for photographs, especially on a clear day.

Dunluce Castle isn't a huge attraction, but there's enough to explore for a lovely family stop, particularly if your children enjoy history, castles and a little bit of imagination.

And with Portrush, Portballintrae and the Giant's Causeway nearby, it's an easy one to combine with another North Coast adventure.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Crossing the bridge to enter a real medieval castle
• ✓Exploring the old stone rooms, archways and castle towers
• ✓Imagining knights, battles and what life was like hundreds of years ago
• ✓Discovering the story of the castle kitchen that supposedly fell into the sea
• ✓Looking out across the dramatic cliffs and Atlantic Ocean

Before You Visit

The castle is a historic ruin with uneven stone surfaces, steps and exposed areas, so keep younger children close while exploring.

A baby carrier is a better option than a buggy if you're visiting with little ones, as some areas are difficult to navigate with wheels.

The castle sits in a very exposed coastal location, so bring an extra layer even on a sunny day. It can be particularly windy around the ruins.

Some areas of the castle may be restricted for safety or conservation, so follow the signs and barriers during your visit.

Allow around 45 minutes to an hour to explore at a relaxed pace, although children who love castles may want a little longer.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Tell the children the legend of the castle kitchen falling into the sea before you visit. It makes exploring the ruins even more interesting!
• ⭐Take your time wandering through the different rooms and see if the wee ones can work out what each one might have been used for.
• ⭐Don't forget to stop and enjoy the coastal views. The castle's cliff-top setting is just as impressive as the ruins themselves.
• ⭐Bring a jacket! Even when the sun is shining, it can be surprisingly windy up on the cliffs.
• ⭐Combine your visit with nearby White Rocks Beach, Portrush or the Giant's Causeway for a lovely day exploring the North Coast.