Red Bay Castle | Everything You Need to Know
Have you ever longed to immerse yourself in the blend of history and nature all at once, and relish every moment? Yeah, Red Bay Castle is the perfect place for that.
The ruins of Red Bay Castle stands prominently on the headland between Cushendall and Waterfoot. It’s like a history adventure waiting to happen – calling out for you to come and explore its enchanting vibes!
This majestic stronghold withstood the ages and harbors mysteries and tales whispered through generations(local people claiming its existence for nearly one thousand years) . Apart from its fascinating history and captivating natural beauty, what truly took me by surprise was the castle’s grand architecture and thorough design.
I visited it 1\5 years ago but the memory is still fresh. Let’s dive deep.
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Myths that surround Red Bay Castle
According to local folklore, the castle’s stones were believed to have been transported from a nearby island by giant eagles. These majestic birds were said to possess magical powers, serving as loyal guardians and protectors to the castle’s lords. When I heard this, it felt like stepping into the pages of a Harry Potter adventure. If you’re a fellow Harry Potter enthusiast, I bet you’d feel the same charm too.
Another popular myth is that of a hidden treasure buried somewhere within the castle’s walls. Many have tried to find it, but none have succeeded. Some believe that the treasure is cursed and whoever finds it will suffer a terrible fate, while others think that it’s protected by supernatural forces.
Such tales add an enchanting layer of mystery to the castle’s history and make one think about what the actual story is. So, let’s dive into it…
The architectural beauty of Red Bay Castle
Red Bay Castle used to be around 12 meters by 7 meters wide and stood about 6 meters tall.
Today, what’s left of the castle is one wall of the cool two-story Tower House. If one takes a closer look, one will see some cool stone decorations up high plus some holes.
After a good inspection, I realized here they used to stick in the floorboards. And attached to the castle wall is a piece of the curtain wall that used to wrap around the courtyard. Pretty neat, huh?
This entire structure was crafted entirely from local sandstone, showing off the amazing talent of its builders and sparking some interesting myths too. Shall we delve into a couple of those myths?
The Tales of Bravery, Conflict, and Endurance
Red Bay Castle began as a wooden fort. When I looked at this magnificent building, it was difficult for me to imagine that it was once just a cozy wooden fort.
Mainly, the Scoto-Norman “Bissets”, a group of brave builders, created the wooden fort named “motte” on top of the hill. Around the rest of the hill, they put up a fence called a “stockade” to keep their fort safe. Even now, you can easily observe this layout from the land side.
Shane was a powerful Irish nobleman of the 16th century, and all this was part of his efforts to assert control over the region of Ulster and challenge English authority. Sir James McDonnell and his brother Sorley were taken away as prisoners. Sorley was set free later, but the castle needed fixing.
After the wooden fort era, a family named McDonnells took over. They built a sturdy stone castle in 1561, but unfortunately, it was attacked and burned down in 1565 by Shane “The Proud” O’Neill.
The castle sits high on a rocky cliff, looking out over the Irish Sea. From there, you can see breathtaking panoramic views all around. Seeing the old ruins against the beautiful natural scenery made me feel like I was in a magical place.
Sorley’s son James did the work, he fixed it up, and it stood tall once more. Over time, it changed hands, and each family added their own touch. Eventually, in 1652, the castle was left in ruins by a group of soldiers led by a man named Cromwell.
Today, when one visits Red Bay Castle, he can still see parts of the old walls and imagine what life was like for the people who lived there long ago.
But that’s not the end, the journey to Red Bay Castle offers its own delightful experience. As one winds his way toward the castle, each twist and turn reveals glimpses of rolling green hills and serene countryside views.
Drive or Ride: What Should be Your Route to Red Bay Castle Adventure?
To visit Red Bay Castle from Dublin, most people consider renting a car which provides more flexibility and convenience in reaching this remote location.
In fact, the above statement is true for the whole Ireland.
If you can’t drive / don’t want to drive, public transport can get you there too.
Yes, it is worth it as you will also be exploring the nearby attractions such as Waterfoot, Ballycastle, and the famous Giant’s Causeway.
Each location has its unique charm, from the pretty villages with their colorful shops to the dramatic rock formations along the coast.
Start from Dublin and take the train to Belfast (a train leaves every hour from Dublin to Belfast). Once you are in Belfast, your only option would be a bus or a taxi.
No matter the weather, each area exudes its own unique charm! Whether it’s the powerful waves and mist on a cloudy day or the bright sunshine lighting up the coastal scenery, every moment at Red Bay Castle is magical and delightful.
Rest assured, if one ever finds him in Northern Ireland, adding Red Bay Castle to his itinerary will absolutely be worth every moment of the journey!
