Overview
Red Bay Castle (Irish: Caisleán an Róistigh) sits on a windswept headland just north of the village of Cushendall and a short drive from Glenariff. Though only fragments of stone walls remain, the site commands clear views across Red Bay, the Irish Sea, and the surrounding glens. The ruins are open to the public year-round with no entry charge, making it a quiet, self-guided stop along the Antrim Coast and Glens route. Its isolated position keeps visitor numbers low, offering a straightforward way to experience medieval history without navigating crowded car parks or ticket queues.
History & Clan Ownership
The headland’s strategic value was recognised in the 13th century. Following their expulsion from Scotland, the Bissett family received lands in the Barony of Glenarm from King Henry III and established a fort on the site, likely building over the remains of an earlier Dál Riata motte-and-bailey. Some historical records also suggest the Earl of Ulster, Richard de Burgh, may have funded an early stone structure, but the Bissetts remain the most widely accepted founders.
Ownership shifted through marriage to the MacDonnells of Antrim. John Mor MacDonald secured the castle for his clan, and during the 16th century the MacDonnells expanded it into a two-storey tower house that monitored the vital sea route between Ireland and Scotland. The stronghold’s fortunes changed in 1565 when Shane O’Neill, chief of the O’Neills of Tyrone, burned the castle. Sorley Boy MacDonnell rebuilt it, but the region’s political turbulence led to repeated attacks. A brief restoration in 1604 was short-lived, and the site was razed again in 1652 during Oliver Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland. The surviving walls and foundations today reflect those cycles of construction, destruction, and abandonment.
Architecture & The Ruins
What remains gives a clear sense of the castle’s original defensive purpose. Built from locally quarried basalt, the surviving walls reach up to six feet thick. Historical accounts describe a four-storey tower that functioned as a lookout over the North Channel, a drawbridge spanning a shallow moat, and a ground-floor great hall featuring an arched ceiling and a large fireplace. A small chapel was also housed within the structure for the resident family.
While the moat has long since silted up, its original outline is still visible in the surrounding earthworks. The layout is easy to trace on the ground, and the thick masonry helps explain how the site withstood repeated military assaults before its final abandonment. Visitors can walk freely around the perimeter and through the central courtyard, though loose stones and uneven ground mean sturdy footwear is essential.
Walking the Coast & Photography
The castle headland connects directly to the wider coastal path network. From the ruins, you can follow a well-marked trail that hugs the shoreline, passes beneath the short Red Arch tunnel on the A2, and continues toward Glenariff Forest Park for longer hikes among waterfalls and ancient woodlands. The route is suitable for casual walkers and provides several natural ledges that frame the bay, the village, and the distant peaks of the Glens of Antrim.
Photographers typically visit during golden hour. Early morning light brings soft sea mist that settles against the basalt, while sunset casts warm tones across the cliffs and water. The open terrain allows for wide-angle compositions of the ruins against the coastline, and the lack of crowds means you can set up a tripod without obstruction. If you plan to shoot in low light, bring a sturdy tripod and weather protection for your gear.
Practical Information
Red Bay Castle is free to enter and open all year. There are no ticket offices, staff, or restricted hours. The site sits on privately owned farmland, but a public right-of-way provides legal access. Visitors should stay on the established trail, respect boundary markers, and keep dogs on a leash.
- Parking: No dedicated car park exists. Roadside parking is available on the A2 near Cushendall. Spaces fill quickly in summer, so arrive before midday or consider parking in the village and walking.
- Facilities: None on site. Bring water, snacks, and a light jacket; coastal winds can shift quickly.
- Accessibility: The ground includes stone steps, uneven terrain, and steep drops near the cliff edge. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
- Safety: There are no safety barriers or railings. Keep a safe distance from loose masonry and watch your footing, particularly after rain when the basalt becomes slippery.
Getting there
- By car: From Belfast, follow the A2 northwest along the Causeway Coastal Route for roughly 1½ hours. The castle is visible from the road; pull over safely where permitted near Cushendall.
- By public transport: Translink operates bus services from Belfast Europa Buscentre to Cushendall. The nearest stop is a 10–15 minute walk north along the A2.
- On foot: If you are staying in Cushendall, a 30–40 minute walk north along the coastal road leads directly to the ruins. The path passes the Red Arch tunnel, which gives the area its name.
Informational panels at the site outline the key historical phases. For a more detailed visit, review the castle’s background beforehand and allow at least 45 minutes to explore the ruins and walk the immediate coastal path. Check local road signs before heading out, as seasonal maintenance or agricultural activity can occasionally affect roadside parking availability.