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Dunseverick Castle: A Coastal Stronghold

Explore the historic ruins of Dunseverick Castle on the Causeway Coast, a site of ancient battles, royal legends, and stunning natural beauty.

Dunseverick Castle, located on the rugged Antrim coast, is an ancient site with a rich history dating back to the Iron Age. Once a royal stronghold and a key point on one of Ireland's great roads, it was visited by St. Patrick and later attacked by Vikings. Today, only the ruins of the gatehouse remain, offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into Northern Ireland's past.

A brief summary to Dunseveric to Giant Causeway trail Strat

  • Unnamed Road, Bushmills, BT57 8AF, GB

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate footwear, as the ground around the castle can be boggy, especially after rain.
  • Visit the nearby Dunseverick Falls, a hidden gem just a short walk from the castle.
  • Take the Causeway Coast Way trail to the Giant's Causeway for a scenic coastal hike.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Dunseverick Castle car park, the ruins are a short walk along the Causeway Cliff Path. The path can be boggy, so wear appropriate footwear. The walk to the castle offers views of the coastline.

  • Public Transport

    The Translink bus service 402 connects Dunseverick Castle with other locations along the Causeway Coast, including the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills. The bus stop is located near the car park. A single fare from Bushmills to Dunseverick costs approximately £10-£15.

  • Driving

    Dunseverick Castle is located off the A2 Causeway Coastal Route. From Belfast, follow the M2 to Ballymena, then the A26 and A44 to Ballycastle, and follow signs to Dunseverick. There is a free car park near the castle, which can accommodate about 20 cars. Parking can be busy during peak season.

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Discover more about Dunseveric to Giant Causeway trail Strat

Perched dramatically on a basalt stack along the Causeway Coast, Dunseverick Castle is a promontory fort with a history stretching back over 1,500 years. Originally fortified in the Iron Age, it served as a royal site and a strategic defensive position. In the 5th century AD, Saint Patrick is said to have visited Dunseverick, where he baptized a local man named Olcán, who later became a bishop. The castle was also the seat of Fergus Mor MacEirc, king of Dalriada, in the 6th century. Legend has it that the 'Lia Fail,' the coronation stone of the Kings of Ireland, departed from here around 500 AD. Dunseverick faced numerous attacks throughout its history, including Viking raids in the 9th and 10th centuries. It later became a stronghold of the O'Cahan family before being captured and destroyed in the 17th century by Cromwellian forces. Today, only the ruins of the gatehouse survive, a testament to its tumultuous past. The site was given to the National Trust in 1962. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, and walk along the Causeway Coast Way, which passes by the site. Nearby attractions include Dunseverick Falls, a small waterfall where a river plunges off the cliffs into the sea, and the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique basalt columns.

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