Dunluce Castle

in Places by Simon — September 6, 2010 at 7:42 pm | 0 comments

Dunluce Castle was built in the 13th century by the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Richard de Burgh. Its name come from the Irish Dún Lios, which rather aptly means “strong fort”, for it had a long and troubled history. It passed from hand to hand in violent exchanges although it was nature that can claim to have struck the hardest blow to the castle itself – one night, in a raging storm, part of the castle kitchens fell into the sea along with 7 kitchen staff. Despite this the castle continued to be used until the impoverishment of the McDonnell clan in 1690. Up to this point the castle remained a fine residence being described by Oliver Plunkett as “a palace, washed upon all sides by the sea”.

Tags: County Antrim