Red Bay Castle, also known as Red Bay Tower, is a historic ruin located prominently on a headland between Cushendall and Waterfoot and can easily be seen from Antrim Coast Road. Although the castle itself is situated on private land, visitors can still catch a glimpse of the south side of the structure from the inland Middlepark Road.
The History of Red Bay Castle
The founding story of Red Bay Castle is quite interesting. John and Walter Bisset probably built the first Red Bay Castle in the 13th century on an Anglo-Norman motte. Legends say they came to Ireland from Scotland in 1224 for the accusation of murdering their uncle.
Then, they created a wooden fort named “motte” on top of the hill. Around the rest of the mountain, they put up a fence to keep their fort safe. Like this, they built the very first Red Bay castle.
However, what we see today is not the castle they built; instead, a castle that was probably built on this site by James McDonnell around 1561.
After the wooden era, the McDonnells family took over the castle. They constructed the very first castle with stone in 1561. Soon after that, the castle was burned down in a conflict in 1565 by Shane “The Proud” O’Neill.
In that battle, Sir James McDonnell and his brother Sorley were taken away as prisoners. After negotiation, Sorley was freed. He then repairs the burning castle. Over time, it changed hands, and each family added their own touch. Eventually, in 1652, a group of soldiers led by a man named Cromwell left the castle in ruins.
Local Legends and Stories
I love to hear myths & legends. There are many stories about Red Bay Castle. I have selected the most famous and thrilling stories for you.
The Cursed Treasure
According to local folklore, there is a hidden treasure buried on the castle grounds. The back story is like this: A group of pirates took shelter at Red Bay Castle around the 17th century. They buried their loot chest filled with gold and jewels on the castle grounds and placed a curse on it to protect it from the enemy.
Some believe this treasure is really cursed, and whoever will find it would suffer a terrible fate. Others think it is protected by supernatural powers.
However, despite many attempts, the treasure remains undiscovered, and many who have searched for it have experienced strange incidents and bad luck.
The Lady in White
Long ago, when Red Bay Castle stood in all its glory, the surrounding hills echoed with stories of battles, bravery, and tragic love. Among these stories, one tale has been whispered for generations—a tale about a mysterious figure known as the Lady in White. Her ghost is said to haunt the ruins of the castle, her sorrow forever tied to its stones.
Centuries ago, the castle was ruled by a chieftain who had a beautiful daughter, Eibhlin. Eibhlin was the pride of the castle—her beauty was known throughout the land. As a side effect, many people ask for her hand. But she rejected all of them, despite their position and wealth. Everyone was clueless as to why she did not accept any of them. The reason was simple: she already gave her heart to a man; he was a young soldier who served her father’s garrison.
They had to keep their affair secret because of their different social statuses. But when it was discovered, like a typical love story, her father did not accept their relationship. After that, Thomas was banished nowhere, and Eleanor was locked in the castle. She died heartbroken, and her spirit is said to roam the halls, wearing white dress, of Red Bay Castle and still searching for her lost love.
Mythical Creatures – Giant Eagles
Another Intriguing legend is that giant eagles transferred the stone used to build the castle from a nearby island. Hilarious, Right? These giant birds possess mysterious powers. They were the protectors and guardians of the castle and loyal to castle loads.
The Haunted Chamber
Another fascinating myth of Red Bay Castle is the Haunted Chamber. According to locals, it was mainly a prison cell for traitors and criminals. They were kept locked in this cell.
As you all know, clashes were held on a daily basis in that era. So, the enemy who were captured in the battle was also kept here. Terrible torture was done to them(Prisoners). The conditions were so harsh that many prisoners died there(in that era, it was simple). Today, locals say the spirits of these unfortunate souls trapped forever in the Haunted Chamber of Red Bay Castle linger in the chamber.
Drive VS Ride: Choose the best route to Red Bay Castle
When planning your journey to Red Bay Castle, you have two major transportation options. You can go there either by car or train/public transport. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best option:
Driving
Driving gives you more flexibility throughout your journey. As Red Bay Castle is in a remote area, going there by driving car is the best match. In fact, this statement is true about the whole of Ireland.
Needless to say, the drive from Dublin to Red Bay Castle offers fascinating views. You can explore nearby attractions like Waterfoot, Ballycastle can easily be explored. It saves time compared to public transport.
Public Transport
If you want to avoid driving, public transport is still a good option.
Start by taking the train from Dublin to Belfast, then hop on a bus or taxi to reach the castle. While it takes a bit longer and offers less flexibility, this route is excellent for those who want to relax and enjoy the journey without the hassle of driving.
Conclusion and Advice for you
Of course. It is worth visiting. Standing among the ancient ruins with panoramic sea views made me feel like I was stepping into history. You can also visit nearby attractions like Waterfoot, Ballycastle, and the famous Giant’s Causeway.
If I say this castle is one of the Ireland hidden gems, I wouldn’t be wrong. Here, you will be surrounded by centuries of stories and secrets. Next time you’re in the area, make time to visit Red Bay Castle 🙂
