Dunluce Castle

Situated on the North Antrim Coast Dunluce Castle the first building began in In the 13th century, Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster. The castle has had various “owners” McQuillan family in 1513. The earliest features of the castle are two large drum towers about 9 metres (30 ft) in diameter on the eastern side, both relics of a stronghold built here by the McQuillans after they became lords of the Route. (a medieval territory in Country Antrim)

The McQuillans were the Lords of Route from the late 13th century until they were displaced by the MacDonnell after losing two major battles against them during the mid- and late-16th century.

the Girona, a galleass from the Spanish Armada, was wrecked in a storm on the rocks nearby. The cannons from the ship were installed in the gatehouses and the rest of the cargo sold. In 1967 and 1968, off the coast of Portballintrae, a team of Belgian divers brought up one of the greatest finds of Spanish Armada treasure ever recovered from a wrecked ship. The Girona’s recovered gold jewellery is on show in the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

The castle was used as the Seat of House Greyjoy, the great castle of Pyke in the HBO series The Game of Thrones.

Photos Courtesy and (C) of Dragos Shock Rosculet