The McQuillan Castle: The Dunluce Castle

Ok...I know you think I might be pulling your leg....but I found out while visiting here that the Dunluce Castle, in Northern Ireland along the North Antrim Coast was at one time owned by the McQuillan Clan.

Built in the 13th century by Richard Og de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster.  First documented in 1513 to be in the McQuillan family 'The Lords of Route' who came from Scotland.  They lost it after the second major battle to the MacDonnell's members of the MacDonald Clan in the 16th century. 

 I am going to talk to my niece, Kristen, about this travesty. 

In 1534 a McQuillan boy said he saw a women dressed in white, standing at the edge of the cliff looking into the sunset.  Then he saw her fade into the wind.  No one believed him when he shared his story.  Then in 1550 many people began to claim to see a women in white walking down the shores below Castle Dunluce.  The boy, now 30 years of age, saw her again and tried to talk to her.  Her sightings stopped after that and no one has seen her since.

I am definitely not sleeping alone in this castle!

Over a 100 year period the Castle was besieged on numerous occasions by the English.

Legend, myth or history tells us that one night in 1639 during a bad storm, part of the kitchen fell into the sea killing at least 7 servants.  The owners moved out. 

It hangs precariously over the cliff still today.

It is also believed to be the inspiration for Cair Paravel in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia books.

It also doubles for the looming reaver stronghold of Pyke on the iron islands in the HBO series 'Game of Thrones." 

So...I know it needs a little bit of work, but pack your bags, Alexa, Rob, and Jeff, we are moving into our Castle in Northern Ireland!