Dunskey Castle, a three-storied L-shaped tower house, stands as a haunting ruin on the cliffs near Portpatrick, jutting boldly into the Irish Sea. With natural defenses on three sides provided by steep cliffs and a 15-meter-wide, 2.5-meter-deep rock-cut ditch on the landside, the castle was once a formidable stronghold.
The Adair family called Dunskey Castle home for over 300 years, though it briefly fell under the control of the Kennedy family in 1455. The original fortress was ravaged and destroyed in 1489 by Sir Alexander McCulloch, but it was rebuilt in 1510 by Ninian Adair. The reconstructed castle took on its current L-shaped tower house form, complete with a curtain wall and a watchtower perched on the cliff edge to guard against invaders.
In 1620, Hugh Montgomery purchased Dunskey Castle and expanded it by adding a north wing. His grandson, another Hugh, was a staunch Royalist during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Unfortunately, after his defeat by Oliver Cromwell’s forces, he lost the castle and was exiled.
The Blair family later acquired Dunskey Castle, but as they expanded their holdings, the castle became less important and was eventually abandoned. The very location that once made Dunskey a strategic stronghold contributed to its downfall. The castle’s exposure to the relentless coastal weather accelerated its decay, and by 1684, it was already described as a ruin.
Dunskey Castle is not only known for its dramatic location but also for its ghostly legends. One story tells of a tragic nursemaid who accidentally dropped a baby from a window, sending the child plummeting to the beach below. Another eerie tale involves a piper who ventured into the caves beneath the castle and was never seen again, though his haunting music is still said to be heard echoing from the depths.
The castle’s rugged and romantic setting has also made it a popular choice for filmmakers. It has been featured in several films, including Kidnapped (1951), Hunted (1952), and Double-X: The Name of the Game (1992).
Know Before You Go Parking for Dunskey Castle is available at the end of Castle Bay Holiday Park, providing easy access for those wishing to explore this evocative ruin and its stunning coastal views.