Kinbane Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kinbane Castle |
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| County Antrim, Northern Ireland | |
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 Kinbane Castle
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| Coordinates | 55°13′45″N 6°17′29″W / 55.229167°N 6.291389°W |
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| Condition | Ruin |
Kinbane Castle is an old castle found in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It sits on a long, narrow piece of white limestone land that sticks out into the sea. This spot is about 5 kilometers from Ballycastle. The name "Kinbane" means "White Head," which describes the white rock the castle is built on.
Today, not much of the castle is left, mostly just ruins. The path to reach it is quite narrow and has steps. Kinbane Castle is a special historic monument cared for by the state. It is located in the area called Cregganboy, within the Moyle District Council. From the castle, you can see Rathlin Island and an old fort from the Iron Age called Dunagregor.
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History of Kinbane Castle
Building the Castle
Kinbane Castle was built in 1547 by a man named Colla MacDonnell. He was the brother of another important leader, Sorley Boy MacDonnell. The castle originally had two floors and a large open area (courtyard). There were also signs of other buildings, likely made of wood, in the courtyard.
Early Attacks and Sieges
In 1551, English soldiers, led by Sir James Croft, attacked the castle. They surrounded it in what is called a siege. This was part of their fight against the MacDonnell family. The castle was attacked again in 1555 by English forces. This time, cannons were used, and parts of the castle were destroyed. After these attacks, the castle was rebuilt. Colla MacDonnell, who built the castle, died there in 1558.
The Hollow of the English
There is a hollow area below the castle known as Lag na Sassenach. This name means "Hollow of the English." It is said that during the 1500s, a group of English soldiers were attacking the castle. Clansmen from the area heard calls for help and came from all directions. They surrounded the English soldiers and defeated them in this hollow.
Changing Owners
Later, Sorley Boy MacDonnell traded Kinbane Castle for another property. He gave the castle to Gillaspick MacDonnell, who was Colla MacDonnell's son. The castle was then given to Owen MacIan Dubh MacAllister, who was a chief of the Clan MacAlister. This was a reward for his family's loyalty and help to the MacDonnell clan. Owen MacIan Dubh MacAllister died in 1571 while fighting alongside Sorley Boy. The castle stayed with the MacAllister family members who lived in Kenbane until the 1700s.
