26/10/2025
A long tele shot of the ruins of Red Bay Castle with the wonderful backdrop of Glenariff.
The ruins we see today are recorded as being built by James MacDonnell circa 1561, brother of Sorley Boy. The MacDonnell clan inherited the glens and other lands through the marriage of John Mor Tanister MacDonnell (Lord of the Isles) and Margery Bissett (Byset) circa 1390, she was the sole heir to her father's estate (Hugh Mac Eoin Bissett) which stretched from Larne to Dunluce and included Red Bay.
The castle is recorded as being destroyed twice in its history, first during a conflict between Shane O'Neill and Sorley Boy MacDonnell, after being rebuilt, it was later destroyed by the forces of Oliver Cromwell circa 1650.
The strategic location overlooked the old trade route from the hinterland to Red Bay, as well as views in either direction along the coast and over to Scotland and the Isles.
Thank you for your visit, especially everyone who has shared and followed the page: It helps improve the reach of pages like mine (voluntary and non-commercial).
More information about the area can be found on my main website: www.causewaycoastalroute.com including links to local accommodation.
