Red Bay Castle

Red Bay Castle lies on the headland north of the village of Glenariff, south of the village of Cushendall, on the Causeway Coastal Route, in County Antrim, in Northern Ireland.

The first Red Bay Castle was probably built by John and Walter Bisset in the 13th century on an Anglo-Norman motte. They came here after they were banished from Scotland in 1224 for the murder of their uncle. The present remains however are from a castle which is believed to have been built on this site by Sir James McDonnell around 1561.

During the 16th century the area was the scene of various battles and this led to Red Bay Castle being burned to the ground by Shane O'Neill in 1565. Though rebuilt by Sorley Boy McDonnell it later fell into disuse.

In 1604 the castle was restored only to be destroyed by Cromwell in 1652.

This is a small ruin, with little distinctive features but there are great views from the site of the great landscape around you. It seems to be on private farmland and I don't think that access is allowed.

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