DUNLUCE CASTLE

From Atlas and Cyclopedia of Ireland (1900)

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Description of County Antrim | Carrick-A-Rede | Antrim Round Tower | Giant's Causeway | Glenarm Castle | Dunluce Castle | Shane's Castle | Carrickfergus Castle | Portrush | Albert Memorial, Belfast | St. Patrick's Cathedral, Belfast | Antrim Map

DUNLUCE CASTLE.—Among the remarkable features of the north coast of Antrim are the castles which crown its cliffs. Some of them are on insulated rocks, others upon the margin of steep precipices, and all illustrations of the active and warlike character of the ancient inhabitants. Dunluce Castle, in Irish "the strong fort," is situated on an insulated rock 120 feet above the sea level, and is probably the most picturesque ruin in Ireland. Connection with the mainland is formed by a single wall not more than eighteen inches broad, the chasm at each side being nearly eighty feet deep. It is built of columnar basalt, in many instances so placed as to show their polygonal sections. It is a very ancient fortress, and was according to the Four Masters founded about the year of the world 3668. It was captured by the McQuillans from the English in 1513, and was taken by the McDonnells of Antrim in the reign of James the First. Its history is so strange and checkered as to be akin to romance.

Dunluce Castle, County Antrim

Description of County Antrim | Carrick-A-Rede | Antrim Round Tower | Giant's Causeway | Glenarm Castle | Dunluce Castle | Shane's Castle | Carrickfergus Castle | Portrush | Albert Memorial, Belfast | St. Patrick's Cathedral, Belfast | Antrim Map

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