Upon our arrival at Belfast airport, we wasted no time in picking up our rental car and embarking on a road trip. Our first destination was Kinbane Castle, a historical site that had captured our interest and was a must-see attraction on a 3-day itinerary in Northern Ireland.
If you’re curious about the other fantastic places we explored in Northern Ireland, make sure to check out our articles on Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, and Torr Head. On the other hand, if you’re interested in finding out more about Kinbane Castle, be sure to continue reading this post.
I believe that this landmark is truly a hidden gem in UK. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Kinbane Castle for anyone looking to escape the typical tourist hotspots and discover a more serene side of Northern Ireland.
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How to Get to Kinbane Castle?
🚗💨 BY CAR
📍 Kinbane Castle Car Park: Ballycastle BT54 6LP
To get to Kinbane Castle, it takes about 1 hour from Belfast Airport and 1 hour and 10 minutes from City of Derry Airport. The most convenient way to reach the castle is by using a rented car.
The Kinbane Castle Car Park is free and has plenty of available spaces, as well as public toilets. Additionally, the car park offers stunning views of the coast. However, reaching Kinbane Castle requires using steep steps.
Where to Stay Near Kinbane Castle?
The area spanning between Kinbane Castle and Giant’s Causeway is full of attractions in Northern Ireland. When looking for a place to stay near Kinbane Castle, two charming towns come to mind: Ballycastle and Bushmills.
Ballycastle is the closest option, providing easy access to Kinbane Castle. Staying at the Marine Hotel Ballycastle will put you just a short 10-minute drive away from the Kinbane Castle Car Park.
On the other hand, Bushmills located just a 20-minute drive from the Kinbane Castle Car Park, provides a peaceful setting for visitors to relax after a day of exploration. During our visit to Northern Ireland, we found Bush House Accommodation to be a lovely place to stay.
After arriving at Belfast airport and picking up our rental car, we headed to Kinbane Castle, making stops at various attractions like Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Larrybane Quarry, Dunseverick Falls, and Giant’s Causeway on the way to Bushmills.
What to Expect During Your Visit to Kinbane Castle?
When you plan your visit to Kinbane Castle, be prepared for a bit more than just a quick photo stop. Once you reach Kinbane Castle Car Park, set aside at least an hour to fully explore the area. The castle ruins are rich in history and offer breathtaking views of the Northern Irish coastline.
The journey down to the castle ruins involves navigating 140 steep steps down the cliffs, which can take around 10-15 minutes depending on your pace. The climb back up can be more challenging, so it’s good to factor in an additional 20 minutes or so for the return journey. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and take your time to enjoy the stunning views along the way.
Keep in mind that the weather at Kinbane Castle can be unpredictable, especially due to the strong winds in the area. During our visit in May, the windy conditions made it challenging to spend too much time exploring. Even if your visit ends up being shorter than expected, the beauty of Kinbane Castle and its surroundings will surely leave a lasting impression on you.
Name Origin of Kinbane Castle
Kinbane is derived from the Irish An Cionn Bán, which translates to ‘white head’ and is a reference to the narrow, white chalk headland where the castle is located. The castle is strategically positioned, making it hard to access by sea. The only way to reach it by land is through a pathway that descends the steep basalt cliff face.
Leg-na-Sassenach
The stretch of land between the cliffs and the headland is famously referred to as Leg-na-Sassenach. It is derived from the Irish Lag na Sasanach, translating to ‘hollow of the English’. The name holds a significant historical background, as it is believed to have originated from a notable event involving an English garrison besieging a castle from the foot of the cliffs.
According to local folklore, the defenders of Kinbane Castle managed to signal for reinforcements by lighting a beacon on the promontory, prompting their allies to rush to their aid. One version of the tale recounts how the allies swiftly ascended to the top of the cliffs and hurled large rocks down onto the English soldiers, resulting in their demise.
Geology of the Area
The geological features of the Kinbane Castle area are truly fascinating. The area is predominantly made up of white chalk from the Cretaceous Period, which is estimated to be around 80 million years old. However, the most famous chalk cliffs can be found in England, and they are the White Cliffs of Dover.
This chalk was formed in an ancient ocean and is composed of the shells of tiny organisms. It’s incredible to think that large fossils, particularly belemnites, can still be found in this area. These belemnites, which resemble cigars, are quite common and add to the rich geological history of the region.
Overlying the white chalk is black basalt from the Palaeogene Period, which is approximately 60 million years old. This basalt was erupted from fissures in the earth’s crust, a result of volcanic activity that dominated much of the north of Ireland at the start of the Palaeogene.
As I walk along the cliff line from the path leading from the car park, I can see the fine material called tuff, which erupted from the volcano. It’s clear that the individuals who chose to build the castle here were not geologists, as the shattered chalk and volcanic tuffs do not provide a very stable foundation. For safety reasons, wire netting has been installed to reduce the risk of rock falls, a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the geological features in this area.
What did Kinbane Castle Used to Look Like?
Kinbane Castle has been a part of the Northern Ireland landscape for nearly five centuries. The rugged beauty of Kinbane Castle’s ruins tells a story of what it must have looked like in its prime.
Although the guardroom has suffered significant damage over the years, the presence of two gun loops in the walls serves as a reminder of the castle’s defensive capabilities.
Kinbane Castle used to have a curtain wall and wall-walk surrounding the courtyard, which was situated on the edge of a cliff. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the curtain wall has collapsed into the sea over time.
When I think about Kinbane Castle, I imagine a grand courtyard bustling with life and activity. However, there are no visible remnants of any structures within the courtyard today. In 2011, some excavation work was carried out in the courtyard in an attempt to uncover the history of the castle’s settlement.
The findings were quite intriguing, with evidence of burning late medieval pottery or the bones of cattle and sheep. However, the lack of any significant finds dating beyond the 16th century supports the notion that the castle may not have been inhabited for an extended period following the 1551 incident.
Tower
Despite the collapse of the south-east corner in the 19th century, the tower remains largely intact up to the roof level. The black basalt stone used in its construction, along with the cream-coloured sandstone quoins, create a striking visual contrast.
Exploring the tower, I can picture the second-storey floor marked by three joist holes and a door in the west wall leading out to the curtain wall-walk. This vantage point provided defenders with a strategic advantage during times of attack. The small chamber on the eastern wall, now partially collapsed into the sea, adds to the mystery of Kinbane Castle.
Kinbane Castle History
I’m surprised by how little written evidence remains for the history of Kinbane Castle. However, we do know that it was constructed around 1547 by Colla MacDonnell, the son of Alexander MacDonnell and the elder brother of the more renowned Sorley Boy.
The MacDonnells belonged to the powerful Scottish clan of MacDonald, who were the rulers of the Western Isles of Scotland – Islay, Jura, and Kintyre – all of which can be seen from Kinbane Castle on a clear day.
History of the MacDonnells
The MacDonnells acquired land in north Antrim in 1399 by forming a marriage alliance with the Bysets. By the early 1500s, they had gained control of the north-east Antrim coastal glens and proceeded to expand westward, seizing the adjacent territory from the MacQuillans. This strategic move allowed them to establish a stronghold in the region known as the ‘Route’.
Situated on the coast and conveniently reachable from Islay, Kinbane emerged as the perfect location for the MacDonnells to set up a base of operations. The rugged terrain of the area offered natural defenses, making it an ideal spot for fortification and protection against potential threats.
Damage to the Kinbane Castle
The Elizabethan government became increasingly worried about the growing power of the Antrim MacDonnells, who were able to gather fighters from the Scottish Isles to strengthen their forces. This posed a significant threat to the government’s attempts to establish control over Ulster.
In response to this escalating danger, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, Sir James Croft, launched an attack against the MacDonnells in September 1551. Upon arriving in the north with a fleet of four ships, Croft aimed his cannons at Kinbane Castle, causing considerable damage to the fortress.
Kinbane Castle During Elizabethan Era
Despite the destruction suffered by Kinbane Castle, the MacDonnells’ influence in north Antrim continued to expand. By 1555, Colla had been appointed as the Captain of the Route, further solidifying the MacDonnells’ dominance in the area.
After Colla’s passing in May 1558, his younger brother Sorley Boy assumed the role. The MacDonnells’ strategic partnerships and military strength enabled them to maintain their stronghold despite opposition from the Elizabethan government.
In recognition of their loyalty and assistance, Kinbane Castle was eventually granted to the MacAlister family. While historical records mention the MacAlisters of Kinbane in 1589 and 1636, it remains uncertain whether the castle was inhabited during this period.
Local tradition suggests that the castle was occupied until the 18th century, although archaeological excavations in 2011 found no evidence dating beyond the 16th century. The complex history of Kinbane Castle mirrors the intricate power struggles and changing alliances that characterized the fight for control in Ulster during the Elizabethan era.
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