Dunluce Castle

In Dunluce Castle ( Irish: Dún Lios (meaning " strong fort " ) ), is one of the largest ruins of a medieval castle in Ireland. It is located on a basalt rock at the highly rugged north coast of the island, between the villages of Portballintrae and Portrush in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.

The origins of the castle go far back on the basalt rocks should even have a pre-Christian ring fort have been found. It is documented that it was in the hands of McQuillian family in 1513. The castle was often besieged and taken over in 1584 by the MacDonnells. On October 26, 1588 treasure ship of the Spanish Armada ran near Dunluce Castle on reason; this was plundered and the proceeds used to embellish the castle.

In the middle of the 17th century the castle was abandoned, according to legend, because the owners of the roaring of the sea had become too loud. According to another version, the task of the castle is related to it, that in 1639 the newly built kitchen has slipped into the sea, together with staff.

1857 fell far from Dunluce Castle, the Exmouth, an emigrant ship on the way to Quebec City - 240 people lost their lives in this tragedy.

Currently, extensive stabilization work is done on the rock.