About
Greencastle is the ruins of a medieval castle on Castle Road in Greencastle, near Kilkeel, in County Down. The site is listed under the name Castle Ruins as well, so you may see either name on maps and signs.
The castle dates from the 13th century and was built by the Anglo-Normans around 1305. Its position was chosen with care. It stands at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, a spot where a stronghold could watch the water and the land approaches around it.
What to expect on a visit
The appeal of Greencastle lies in its setting and its age rather than in any elaborate displays. You come to see the remains of a castle that has stood for centuries in a commanding location, and to take in the view that made the site worth building on.
- The ruins: the surviving stonework shows the scale of the original fortification and its medieval origins.
- The views: from the site you can look across the water to the Mourne Mountains, which is often the highlight for visitors.
- The coast: the castle sits at the meeting of land and Carlingford Lough, so the visit suits a slow walk and time to look at the water.
Planning your trip
Greencastle works well as a short stop in a day spent around Kilkeel and the Mourne coast, where the mountains and shoreline offer more to explore. Because the site is a ruin rather than a staffed attraction, go prepared for an outdoor visit and take in the setting at your own pace.