House & Family History: Dunluce was the ancestral home and stronghold of the MacDonnell family, later earls of Antrim. The castle is dramatically situated at the end of a rocky promontory that juts out into the sea. The oldest part of Dunluce probably dates from the 13th century, but it was successively added to and altered over the centuries, acquiring a Scottish flavor along the way. As was common with many castles, it was adapted as a country house before it was abandoned by the family after the Civil Wars. Dunluce is today a ruin.

House Listed: Monument in State Care

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, 13th century. McQuillan (MacQuillan) family, 16th century. Sorely Boy MacDonnell, late 16th century; Alexander MacDonnell, 3rd Earl of Antrim, 17th century.

Current Ownership Type: Government

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

Ownership Details: Dunluce is in the care of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 02820-731-938

Email: [email protected]

Historic Houses Member: No