Dunluce Castle
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Key facts
- Operator
- Department for Communities (Historic Environment Division)
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY
Telephone 028 2073 1938
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Dunluce sits on the edge of a cliff on the North Antrim coast, and looks it - the kitchen reportedly fell into the sea in 1639, which sums up the site's relationship with the drop below as well as anything. What remains is substantial for a ruin, and the admission price is modest for the setting.
Worth the trip
The clifftop position itself, with the Atlantic on one side - reviewers consistently rank the setting above any single feature of the ruin.
Before you go
Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds that build midday, especially given its proximity to Bushmills, Portrush, and the wider Causeway coast tour routes. Parking is easy and admission affordable at around £6.
All reviewers were highly positive, consistently praising the dramatic clifftop setting and sweeping Atlantic views as the highlight, alongside informative displays inside and affordable admission around £6. Several also mention friendly staff and a small shop and visitor centre on site, and no one reported any real drawbacks.
Clifftop state-care ruin; pay at gate year-round
“Beautiful scenery- at £6 it’s one of the more affordable attractions with easy parking. Go early morning or late afternoon. Close to Bushmills, Portrush and Portstewart. BTW: the castle fell into ruins because in 1639…”- HELGA ROPER, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Beautiful scenery- at £6 it’s one of the more affordable attractions with easy parking.” - HELGA ROPER
- Guided tours
- “The tour guide was able to provide some history and information about the ruins and the.” - Heather Hairbows
- How long to allow
- “We came here as a part of our full day tour out of Belfast and really enjoyed the scenery.” - Heather Hairbows
- Facilities
- “The staff at the gift shop/ticket shop were very friendly and helpful.” - Jordan Newman
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Dunseverick Castle is only 5.5 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Dunseverick Castle →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours on the operator's own site before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/heritage-sites/dunluce-castle
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
Common questions about Dunluce Castle
Where is Dunluce Castle?
Dunluce Castle is in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, at 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Dunluce Castle?
Yes - Dunluce Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Department for Communities (Historic Environment Division). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Dunluce Castle?
The clifftop position itself, with the Atlantic on one side - reviewers consistently rank the setting above any single feature of the ruin.
Is Dunluce Castle a ruin or still intact?
Dunluce Castle is a ruin - Clifftop state-care ruin; pay at gate year-round.
