Overview
Red Bay Castle (Irish: Caisleán an Róistigh) crowns a rocky headland north of Glenariff and a short walk from the village of Cushendall. Though only fragments of stone walls remain, the site commands sweeping views of Red Bay, the Irish Sea and the surrounding glens. Its isolated position makes it a peaceful alternative to the more crowded coastal attractions, and the ruins are open to the public year‑round with no entry charge.
History
The castle’s story begins in the 13th century when the Bissett family, expelled from Scotland after the 1242 murder scandal involving Walter de Bisset, were granted lands in the Barony of Glenarm by King Henry III. They chose the strategic headland and erected a fort on the remains of an earlier Dál Riata motte‑and‑bailey. Some early accounts also mention the Earl of Ulster, Richard de Burgh, as a possible patron of the first stone structure, but the Bissetts are the most widely accepted founders.
Through marriage the property passed to the MacDonnells of Antrim. John Mor MacDonald, 1st of Dunnyveg, married Margery Bissett and secured the castle for his clan. The MacDonnells expanded the fortress in the 16th century, turning it into a two‑storey tower house that oversaw the sea lane between Ireland and Scotland.
In 1565 the castle was burned by Shane O’Neill, chief of the O’Neills of Tyrone. Sorley Boy MacDonnell rebuilt it, but the turbulent centuries that followed saw repeated attacks and periods of neglect. A brief restoration in 1604 revived the stronghold, only for it to be razed again in 1652 during Oliver Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland. The site also witnessed the Battle of Red Bay in 1545 between the Scots and the MacDonnells. Today the surviving walls and foundations testify to those cycles of destruction and renewal.
Architecture & Design
The remaining ruins give a glimpse of a once‑impressive medieval stronghold. Built largely from locally quarried basalt, the walls are up to six feet thick, a testament to the defensive purpose of the site. Historical descriptions suggest the castle featured a four‑storey tower that served as a lookout over the North Channel, a drawbridge that once spanned a shallow moat, and a great hall on the first floor with an arched ceiling and large fireplace. The hall also housed a small chapel used by the resident family. Though the moat has long since filled in, its outline can still be traced in the surrounding ground.
Legends & Myths
Local folklore adds a layer of intrigue to the ruins. One popular tale speaks of the “Red Lady”, a ghostly figure said to wander the castle’s empty chambers, eternally waiting for a knight who never returned from war. Another story tells of a hidden treasure buried within the walls – a hoard that has never been found and is reputed to be cursed. A more whimsical legend claims that the massive stones were once carried to the site by giant eagles, who served the castle’s lords as protectors.
Walking & Photography
The headland links directly to the wider Causeway Coastal Route. From the castle you can follow a well‑marked coastal path that hugs the shoreline, passes 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 offers several natural ledges perfect for panoramic photos of Red Bay, Cushendall and the distant Glens of Antrim.
Photographers favour the site at golden hour – early morning for soft sea‑mist light, and sunset for dramatic colours that wash over the basalt cliffs. Bring a sturdy tripod if you plan to capture the low‑light hues.
Conservation & Preservation
Although the ruins are unmanaged, the Ministry of Works and local heritage volunteers carry out periodic stabilisation work to prevent further collapse. Recent efforts have focused on clearing vegetation from the wall bases and repairing loose stonework, ensuring the site remains safe for visitors while retaining its historic character.
Seasonal Highlights
Visiting in March offers quieter paths, fresh spring air and the occasional dramatic coastal wind that adds atmosphere to the ruins. The surrounding hills begin to show early greenery, and the longer daylight hours make for comfortable walking.
What to See & Do
- Ruined stone walls – Walk among the remaining masonry to imagine the original tower house’s height and layout.
- Panoramic viewpoints – Several natural ledges around the ruin provide uninterrupted vistas of Red Bay, the village of Cushendall, and the distant peaks of the Glens of Antrim. Sunset photographs are especially dramatic.
- Coastal walks – The headland links to the wider Causeway Coastal Route. Follow the shoreline path for a gentle stroll, or head inland toward Glenariff Forest Park for a longer hike among waterfalls and ancient woodlands.
- Nearby attractions – After exploring the castle, consider a short drive to:
- Cushendun Caves (≈7 km) – famous Game of Thrones filming location.
- Glenariff Forest Park (≈12 km) – the “Queen of the Glens” with waterfalls and marked trails.
- Cushendall Village (≈1 km) – traditional pubs, cafés and craft shops for a quick bite.
Practical Information
Red Bay Castle is free to enter and open all year; there are no ticket offices or opening‑hour restrictions. The site sits on privately‑owned farmland, but a public right‑of‑way provides legal access. Visitors should stay on the established trail and respect any signage.
- Parking – No dedicated car park exists. Roadside parking is available on the A2 near Cushendall; spaces are limited, so arrive early in peak season.
- Dogs – Welcome on a leash.
- Facilities – None on site. Bring water, snacks and sturdy shoes; the ground can be uneven and slippery.
- Accessibility – The terrain includes stone steps and uneven ground; the site is not wheelchair‑accessible.
- Safety – No safety barriers. Keep a safe distance from loose stones and watch your step, especially near higher wall sections.
Getting there
- By car: From Belfast, follow the A2 north‑west along the Causeway Coastal Route for about 1½ hours. The castle is visible from the road; roadside parking is available near Cushendall, but be aware of local parking signs.
- By public transport: Translink operates bus services from Belfast Europa Buscentre to Cushendall. The bus stop is a 10‑15 minute walk to the castle along the A2.
- On foot: If you are staying in Cushendall, a pleasant 30‑40 minute walk north along the coastal road leads directly to the ruins. The path passes the Red Arch tunnel – a short, low‑arched tunnel on the A2 that gives the area its name.
| Admission | Fee |
|---|---|
| General public | Free |
There are no official guided tours, but informational panels at the site outline the key phases of the castle’s history. For those who enjoy self‑guided exploration, a quick online read of the castle’s background (e.g., Wikipedia) enriches the experience.
Nearby services – The village of Cushendall offers cafés, pubs and a small shop within a short walk. No restroom facilities exist at the castle itself.
Enjoy the blend of history, rugged coastline and quiet solitude that makes Red Bay Castle a distinctive spot on the Antrim coast.