In a beautiful setting with excellent views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough, Greencastle is mainly 13th-century in date. It was built at royal expense and guarded the southern approach to the Anglo-Norman Earldom of Ulster.

After capturing the town of Carrickfergus in 1315/16, a Scottish army under Edward Bruce headed to the important town of Dundalk, one of the seats of Anglo-Norman power in Ireland. It was also a source of much-needed supplies. The Scottish force marched south, wreaking havoc on the Anglo-Norman Earldom of Ulster. It is likely that the settlements at Dundonald, Downpatrick and Dundrum were razed at this time, with Greencastle captured by the Scottish army of Edward Bruce and a garrison was placed in it under the command of Robert de Coulrath.

It was afterwards retaken by the Anglo-Normans.

Even after the ignominious end to the campaign in 1318, Edward’s brother Robert Bruce continued to maintain an interest in Ireland, even visiting the island on at least two occasions near the end of his life. It is known that in 1327 he visited Glendun on the east coast of County Antrim, and landed at Larne the following year. In 1328 he proposed holding a meeting at Greencastle in County Down to agree a peace treaty between the English and the Scots.

The castle continued to be used until the 1600s. It is now in state care. The most substantial part of the castle to survive is the rectangular keep. Only portions of the surrounding curtain wall remain. The ditch around the curtain wall was cut from rock.

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Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

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4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Matt Harron (5 months ago)
Nice beach, not many people there, which was nice.
Maureen Jameson (20 months ago)
Went with family for a girly weekend. House we stayed in had a magnificent view of carlingford Lough. Had good facilities in the house for disabled. We travelled to Newcastle on Saturday for a walk around shops etc. Kilkeel had a good variety of shops too, especially a seafood shop, as I love fresh fish. Highly recommend a visit.
stephen higgins (2 years ago)
What lovely wee place. Got the ferry over from Greenore and spent a couple of hours on the little beach beside where the ferry docks. Very peaceful and nice scenery
James Brendan Shorte (2 years ago)
Stayed at Greencastle B&B right on the beach.Host Jackie was excellent with lovely accommodation and super breakfast.Can highly recommend
John Mc Cormack (2 years ago)
Convenient and easy access to the area
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