castles historical around north antrim

It's entered by a gate-house, with corbelled turrets of Scottish type. To the right on entering are the pillars of a unique open loggia in the Italian style, which must have become redundant when the Great Hall was built up against it early in the 17th century. This two-storeyed hall, with fine (partially reconstructed) windows to the west, is a gracious building with finely moulded stones at parapet level which once supported the long-vanished roof. Beyond are kitchens and domestic quarters,...

The castle itself was built of a contrastingly dark basalt by Colla Dubh MacDonnell in 1547. The most prominent feature is the two-storey gabled tower guarding the entrance to a walled enclosure occupying much of the southern half of the island.

The castle was taken and partially destroyed by the English in 1555, but it remained in use for some considerable time afterwards. The walk up and down the steep pathway leading to the castle affords a wonderful panorama of Rathlin Island, wit...

Thought to have been built in the 13th century, it was occupied by Sir James McDonnell and burnt by Shane O'Neill in 1565. Though rebuilt by Sorley Boy McDonnell it later fell into disuse....