Red Bay Castle | Everything You Need to Know

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Have you ever wanted to explore both history and nature at the same time and enjoy every moment? Well, Red Bay Castle is the perfect place for that! The castle is located just between Cushendall and Waterfoot and standing proudly on the headland. It is like an adventure is waiting to happen.Like inviting you to come and explore its magical surroundings! This amazing structure has been here for over a thousand years, full of stories and secrets passed down over the years. Apart from its wonderful history and beautiful natural environments, I was blown away by the impressive architecture and design of the fort when I visited it two years ago. Let’s take a closer look.

Architectural beauty

Red Bay Castle was very large, about 12 meters long and 7 meters wide. Now, only one wall remains, which is part of a two-storey tower house. If you look closely, you’ll see some cool stone decorations and holes where the floorboards used to be. The entire fort was built from local sandstone, which shows the skill of its builders and gave rise to some interesting myths.

Lateral myth

Eagles and Magic: Local lore says that the stones of the fort were brought from a nearby island by a huge eagle with magical powers. These eagles were said to protect the lords of the fort. Feel like stepping into a Harry Potter adventure!

Cursed Treasure: Another story is about a hidden treasure buried within the walls of the castle. After many searches, no one found it. Some say it is cursed, others believe it is protected by supernatural forces. These stories add mystery to the history of the fort and make you wonder what the real story is. Let’s explore more! 

A story of adventure

From wood to stone: Red Bay Castle began as a wooden castle. When I looked at this magnificent building, it was hard for me to imagine that it was once just a cozy wooden castle. Mainly, the Scoto-Norman “Bissets”, a group of brave builders, built wooden forts called “motte” on the hill. Around the rest of the hill, they built a fence called a “stockade” to protect their fort. Even now, you can easily observe this layout from land side.

The McDonnells’ Saga: After the wooden castle era, a family called the McDonnells took over. They built a strong stone fort in 1561, but unfortunately, it was attacked and burned in 1565 by Shane “The Proud” O’Neill. Shane was a powerful Irish nobleman in the 16th century and this was all part of his efforts to assert control over the Ulster region and challenge English authority. Sir James Macdonell and his brother Sorley were taken prisoners. Sorley was later liberated, but the castle was in need of fixing. Sorley’s son James did the work, he fixed it and it stood tall once more. Over time, it changed hands and each family added their own preferences. Finally, in 1652, the castle was left in ruins by a group of soldiers led by a man named Cromwell. Today, when one visits Red Bay Castle, he can still see parts of the old walls and imagine what life was like for the people who lived there long ago.

Journey to the fort

Sightseeing Route: The castle sits atop a rocky hill, overlooking the Irish Sea. From there, you can see breathtaking scenic views around it. Believes, seeing the ancient ruins against the beautiful landscape made me feel like I was in a magical place. But this is not the end, the journey to Red Bay Castle offers its own delightful experience. As one moves towards the fort, every twist and turn reveals glimpses of rolling green hills and serene countryside.

Drive or ride

How to choose your route: To visit Red Bay Castle from Dublin, most people consider renting a car which offers more flexibility and convenience to reach this remote location. In fact, the above statement is true for the whole of Ireland. If you can’t or don’t want to drive, public transportation can also be a good option. Start from Dublin and take the train to Belfast (one train leaves every hour from Dublin to Belfast). Once you get to Belfast, your only options will be bus or taxi. Yes, it’s worth it as you’ll also enjoy nearby attractions like Waterfoot, Ballycastle and the famous Giant’s Causeway. Each location has its own attractions, from pretty villages with their colorful shops to dramatic rock formations along the coast. Whatever the weather, each region reveals its own unique charm! Whether it’s strong waves and fog on a cloudy day or bright sunshine lighting up the coastal scenery, every moment at Red Bay Castle is magical and delightful. Rest assured, if anyone finds him in Northern Ireland, adding Red Bay Castle to his itinerary will be worth every moment of the journey!

Red Bay Castle shows how history and nature are connected. It allows people to see old stories of bravery and struggle. The amazing design of the fort, interesting story and beautiful surroundings attract the visitors. Whether you go by car or bus, visit Red Bay Castle. Promises an unforgettable time full of Northern Ireland’s rich history.

You may also want to know:

1. Can visitors enter Red Bay Castle?

Visitors cannot enter the fort for security reasons, but the exterior and surrounding grounds offer plenty to explore.

2. How long does it take to see Red Bay Castle?

Depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring, Red Bay Castle and its surroundings can take anywhere from a few hours to half a day.

3. Is there an entrance fee to visit Red Bay Castle?

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Red Bay Castle. It is open to the public and free to explore.