Castles to visit Northern Ireland

The XVIII domain reflects the heterogeneous and antagonistic tastes of Lord's couple and Lady Bangor for architecture. On the one hand, there is a neo-classical style, and the other is a rather Gothic influence… the differences are quite intriguing to observe between the front façade and the big staircase, as well as the back of the house and the éventail's range of the éventail. You can take tea in the rooms of the castle. Part of the site was used in the shooting of the game Game of Thrones for plans from Winterfell castle, which makes it a pilgrimage place for all fans.

Owned by the MacDonnell family in the 16th and 17th centuries, Dunluce Castle has been etching a page of history on this rock since 1639, suspended between sky and sea on a peninsular point... For movie buffs, Dunluce Castle was the filming location for Game of Thrones and the movie The World of Narnia. On a clear day, you can even see Scotland, right in front of you. All the rooms of this unique castle have their own identity and offer, through the lace-like stones, views over the sea.

The castle of Carrickfergus is very impressive given the port and one of its first functions is well understood: defend the small town against the invaders. Despite 750 years of various military occupations, the building still dominates the horizon and watches at the entrance to Belfast Lough. It is remarkably well preserved, at least from construction in the th and th centuries. Some exterior walls and the polychrome échauguettes of the XIV, but nothing is safe, and other very old parts would have collapsed in the sea.
The central dungeon was erected in 1177 by Jean de Courcy (30 m high, thick walls between 5 and 3 m) after the Ulster Norman invasion. The fortifications were built between 1225 and 1250. The Norman and then English occupations succeeded. In the th century, Carrickfergus was the only place in Northern Ireland where English was spoken. The only access to the castle is the bridge and a visitor centre is right on the right. Models stored on the course help to imagine the living between the walls during the visit.

Located below Cave Hill, Belfast Castle was built in 1870 by the third Marquess of Donegall in the style of the Scottish barons' houses. It also offers a splendid view on the city and the lake of Belfast by its height (100 m above the sea). The Shaftesburye family, thanks to a marriage, then inherited the site which was offered to the city in 1934. In Italian Renaissance style, it has a magnificent exterior spiral staircase where newlyweds now come to have their picture taken.

Castle built by Sir James Balfour in 1618.

The Norman fortress was erected in 1177 by John of Courcy and is, after Carrickfergus, an outstanding example of the Norman invasion of Northern Ireland. It was an essential part of the coastal defense. Located on a wooded hill to the northwest of the village, the fortress truly dominates the bay. The circular keep, the guardhouse and the twin towers were added successively throughout history. The castle was finally destroyed by Cromwell in 1652. Its ruins are now the subject of a pleasant walk.