Castles in Northern Ireland

Castles and Fortifications

Northern Ireland’s landscape is defined by defensive architecture ranging from 12th-century Norman strongholds like Carrickfergus to the dramatic coastal ruins of Dunluce and Kinbane. This collection includes 15th-century tower houses, the 18th-century Gothic-Classical architecture of Castle Ward, and official royal residences like Hillsborough Castle. Many sites, such as Audley’s Castle and Shane’s Castle, served as filming locations for Game of Thrones, while others, like Enniskillen and Belfast Castle, showcase the region's transition from medieval fortification to stately Victorian-style mansions.