Red Bay Castle

The Tales of Bravery, Conflict, and Endurance

Indeed, the transition from a cozy wooden fort to the magnificent stone structure that we see today at Red Bay Castle is a testament to the evolution of defensive architecture over the centuries. Red Bay Castle began as a wooden fort. When I looked at this magnificent building, it was difficult for me to imagine that it was once just a cozy wooden fort. Wooden forts were often the first line of defense in medieval times, providing a basic but essential means of protection against enemy incursions.

The role of the Scoto-Norman “Bissets” in creating the wooden fort, or “motte,” atop the hill at Red Bay Castle highlights their bravery and ingenuity as builders and defenders of their territory. Mainly, the Scoto-Norman “Bissets”, a group of brave builders, created the wooden fort named “motte” on top of the hill. Around the rest of the hill, they put up a fence called a “stockade” to keep their fort safe. This arrangement allowed the defenders to control access to the fort and provide additional protection for themselves and their resources. Even now, you can easily observe this layout from the land side.

The transition from a wooden fort to a sturdy stone castle under the McDonnell family marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Red Bay Castle. After the wooden fort era, a family named McDonnells took over. They built a sturdy stone castle in 1561, but unfortunately, However, the castle’s strength would be put to the test in 1565 when it came under attack by Shane “The Proud” O’Neill, a powerful Irish chieftain known for his military prowess and ambitions for territorial expansion.

Shane “The Proud” O’Neill’s attack on Red Bay Castle was indeed part of his broader efforts to assert control over the region of Ulster and challenge English authority in the 16th century. Shane was a powerful Irish nobleman of the 16th century, and all this was part of his efforts to assert control over the region of Ulster and challenge English authority. Sir James McDonnell and his brother Sorley were taken away as prisoners. While Sorley McDonnell was later set free, the capture of Sir James and the damage inflicted upon the castle would have posed significant challenges for the McDonnell family.

The resilience of the McDonnell family shines through in the aftermath of Red Bay Castle’s capture. Sorley’s son James did the work, he fixed it up, and it stood tall once more. With James McDonnell taking up the task of rebuilding, the castle once again stood tall, a symbol of strength and endurance in the face of adversity. For a time, Red Bay Castle stood as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants, a symbol of their determination to overcome adversity and defend their home against all odds. Eventually, in 1652, the castle was left in ruins by a group of soldiers led by a man named Cromwell.

Today, when one visits Red Bay Castle, he can still see parts of the old walls and imagine what life was like for the people who lived there long ago. Standing amidst the weathered stones and crumbling archways, visitors can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the history that surrounds them. imagining the hustle and bustle of daily life within its walls. 

The majestic setting of Red Bay Castle is perched high on a rocky cliff overlooking the Irish Sea, From there, you can see breathtaking panoramic views all around. Seeing the old ruins against the beautiful natural scenery made me feel like I was in a magical place.

The journey to Red Bay Castle is indeed a delightful experience in itself, as each twist and turn of the winding path reveals new vistas of rolling green hills and serene countryside views. But that’s not the end, the journey to Red Bay Castle offers its own delightful experience. As one winds his way toward the castle, each twist and turn reveals glimpses of rolling green hills and serene countryside views. The serene beauty of the countryside provides a perfect backdrop for the castle, adding to its mystique and allure.