Dunluce Castle

It seems to me that Friday is a good day to post about a castle. 

One time, part of this castle fell off into the ocean. During dinnertime. Oh, and it was the kitchen that fell so it was kind of a big deal.

Dunluce Castle is yet another wonderful Antrim Coast site. It has been owned by the same family since the 13th century! As with any proper stone structure in Antrim, it wouldn't be complete without pieces of the Giant's Causeway used as building material. I mean, what kind of noble would you be without some of that famous hexagonal stone?

 

I really loved that we were basically the only people at this castle. We were the only people on the guided tour once again and we all know how I feel about that. The tour guide seemed kind of lost as far as things to tell us because we had no questions. Either that or I am just reeeeally intimidating. 

The only thing I really remember was when he told us about how the castle is haunted. The Lord of Dunluce locked his daughter into a tower because he found out she was going to marry a servant. They gave her a broom so that she could sweep to keep herself occupied, which I guess is better than nothing. Except who likes sweeping?

She was finally rescued one stormy night by her love in a small boat but, whoops, they got caught in the rushing tide, crashed into the rocks, and died. It was tragic. So now she haunts her tower and people hear the sound of her sweeping. Because doing household chores is the best way to spend your afterlife, apparently.

There was also a cave underneath the castle that led out to the ocean (that may have been how she escaped!). But it turns out that pictures of a dark cave aren't very exciting. And they don't really look like pictures of a cave either. So I found a photo somewhere else and this is what it really looks like.

via

Cool, right? We weren't able to go in because the ocean was too high and there was a sign telling us not to. 

But I did go in a little.

SO, I am finally done with Antrim and we are now moving south into County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher.. eventually.