The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.6 / 5 · 952 reviews FREE ENTRY

Dundrum Castle

County Down, Northern Ireland


Dundrum Castle
Dundrum Castle, further view Dundrum Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Department for Communities (Historic Environment Division)
Condition
Ruin
Access
Free, open access

Pinpoint

2 Castle Hill, Dundrum, Newcastle BT33 0NF

Telephone 028 9181 1491

Dundrum Castle is a 12th-century Norman fortress on a man-made motte above the town, with 360-degree views over Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. It's free and open dawn to dusk, with the tower and facilities accessible when staff happen to be on site.

Worth the trip

The climb to the top of the main tower for the 360-degree view - reviewers rate it among the best in the area.

Before you go

The site is open dawn-to-dusk regardless of staffing, but tower access depends on whether staff are around, so go earlier in the day for the best chance of getting up top.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.6 / 5 across 952 Google reviews

Reviewers are unanimous in praising Dundrum Castle for its free entry, sweeping 360-degree views over the bay and surrounding mountains, and how well maintained and accessible the site is, with railings and paths letting visitors explore the full grounds. Free parking and a short woodland walk to reach the castle are also mentioned positively, with no complaints raised.

Free Norman hilltop ruin, open dawn-dusk

“Beautiful, big castle. Great view of the sea and mountains. Big parking”— Artemio Vicol, visitor review

Further reading

Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain cover book
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
The Norman Conquest cover book
The Norman Conquest

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon