Castles and Fortifications
The Causeway Coast features a strategic line of coastal defenses ranging from the iconic cliffside ruins of Dunluce Castle, the former seat of Clan MacDonnell, to ancient promontory forts like Dunseverick. These sites illustrate the region's military evolution, featuring 16th-century stone structures like Kinbane Castle and earlier archaeological earthworks known as raths. Many of these fortifications are situated on dramatic headlands, offering insight into the medieval power struggles and ancient settlement patterns of Northern Ireland.
A Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland, the seat of Clan MacDonnell.
B Dunseverick Castle
Remnants of a gatehouse on a historic royal site once visited by Saint Patrick. The fortification was largely destroyed by Cromwellian forces in 1650.
C Kinbane Castle
Kinbane Castle is located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on a headland between Ballycastle and Ballintoy.
Dunboy
Archaeological site of an ancient coastal fortification.
Carnkirk Castle
Archaeological site of a historic fortification.
Rath
Remains of an ancient earthen ringfort or settlement enclosure.
Rath
Archaeological site of an ancient earthen fortification.
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