Dundrum Castle
Located on a wooded hill north-west of Dundrum village, Dundrum Castle was built as part of John de Courcy’s coastal defenses after he invaded Ulster. It is believed to have been built in, or around 1177, and controls access to Lecale as well as dominating Dundrum Bay. Its purpose was to guard the land routes from Drogheda via Greencastle to Downpatrick.
The earliest part of the castle is the upper ward, which is located on the highest point of hill and has surrounding rock-cut ditches. The marks of the buildings that were attached to the wall can still be seen The circular keep originally had a first floor entrance, while excavations have revealed a rock cut well.
The twin-towered gatehouse was added in the 13th century and is approached by a narrow east tower. The polygonal lower ward was added in added in the 15th century by the Magennises. The latest building built at the site is the house in the south-east corner, built by the Blundell family in the 17th century, possibly on the site of an earlier structure.
| Choose a Virtual Tour: | Turret | Wall | Panorama |
Castle Hill
Dundrum
BT33 0NF
Tel: (028) 9181 1491
Opening times:
Easter to end September: 10am to 6pm daily
October to Easter: 12pm to 4pm Sundays only
Admission is free.
In special circumstances the site may be opened on request outside of these hours. Please contact the number below to discuss your requirements.
Booking and queries:
For information on visits to Dundrum Castle, please contact NIEA on (028) 9181 1491.
Disabled Access:
The castle is on a sloping, rocky knoll and the gatehouse is intended to make access difficult. Wheelchair users may find access difficult.
Please call the number above for further information.
- Guided tours available
- Toilets
- Picnic area
- Parking
This medieval coastal castle with circular keep and massive walls is set high on a hill overlooking the sea at Dundrum, Co Down. It was built shortly before 1210, on an earlier fortified earthwork, from which the placename element 'dun' derives. It was begun by John de Courcy, who led the 1177 Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster. Its purpose was to guard the land routes from Drogheda via Greencastle to Downpatrick. It was visited by King John in 1210, who spent money for minor works to the castle and paid for a garrison there. Subsequently the castle was held by the Earls of Ulster and, from the middle of the 14th century, by the Magennises of Mourne.
Curriculum Topic Links
This site provides an excellent example of Norman medieval architecture. It would be ideal for Key Stage 3 pupils studying the Normans. It is also popular with schools completing a local study for GCSE students.
