Kinbane Castle
Castle Clifftop medieval ruins overlooking the Antrim coast
A 16th‑century curtain‑walled castle on County Antrim’s rocky coast; Kinbane Castle’s ruins, cliffside setting and seabird colonies draw walkers and photographers along the Causeway Coastal Route.
How to Get to Kinbane Castle #
Kinbane Castle is on a rocky headland a few kilometres north of Ballycastle on the Antrim coast. From Ballycastle town centre it is a short drive (about 5-10 minutes, roughly 3-4 km) along the coastal road; there is a small roadside car park near the castle and a steep short path down to the ruins (a 5-10 minute walk from the parking area). Public buses to Ballycastle run from Coleraine and other regional centres, but the final approach to the castle is by car or on foot from Ballycastle.
Tips for Visiting Kinbane Castle #
- Time your visit for late afternoon/early evening light for dramatic coastal photography and quieter conditions; be aware that changing tides and rough seas can affect shoreline views from the headland.
- Access to the ruin involves a short walk from a roadside parking/lay-by and exposed coastal paths-follow the signed public footpath and keep well back from cliff edges; many visitors miss the elevated cliff-top viewpoint that looks out toward Rathlin Island and the high coastal cliffs.
Best Time to Visit Kinbane Castle #
Visit Kinbane Castle in late spring through summer (May-September) for the best weather and easiest walking along the coastal routes.
Weather & Climate near Kinbane Castle #
Kinbane Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1195 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (138 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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