OTHER ANCIENT LANDMARKS.
Two other old strongholds of the chieftains of other days may be mentioned, both within easy distance of Ballycastle - the castles of Dunseverick and Dunanynie. Little of either remains above ground, which prompts the thought that if similar protective measures had been taken in their case as have latterly been bestowed on other ancient monuments, more of their architecture would be visible to the antiquarian and the tourist. As it is, only a grim-looking stone wall on a prorninent headland stands to mark the site of Dunseverick Castle - and to indicate the skill of the builder and the class of material used in those old days, for part of the structure remains after centuries of the wild storms which beat in from the North Atlantic.
Dunanynie Castle has fared even worse. A projecting plot of ground along the edge of the cliff, showing traces of ruins on its verdant surface, is all that now remains of the once formidable Castle. This stronghold on its commanding site was used for purposes of defence from very early times. Long before the castle of stone arose on the edge of the cliff, a deep ditch and high earthen rampart repelled many a stubborn attack. In later times the MacDonnells of Antrim made Dunanynie one of their favourite residences and strongest retreats. It will be ever associated with the name of Sorley Boy MacDonnell, Lord of the Route, who through storm and sunshine clung to it and the little bay ; and at last, having survived his enemies, he died peacefully at the mature age of four score years and five, and was borne from his sea-girt home to Bun-na-Margy Abbey. Access to this historic spot can be obtained by the Clare Park grounds, a few minutes' walk from the town, and one of the many enjoyable rambles in the neighbourhood.
So with these and other interesting relics of a storied and eventful past scattered over the neighbourhood, we are tempted to drop into rhyme of a sort, and write -
Ruins of castles and stately shrines,
To recall the glories of former times.
In this still favoured place abound.
And much of its soil is hallowed ground.
Two other old strongholds of the chieftains of other days may be mentioned, both within easy distance of Ballycastle - the castles of Dunseverick and Dunanynie. Little of either remains above ground, which prompts the thought that if similar protective measures had been taken in their case as have latterly been bestowed on other ancient monuments, more of their architecture would be visible to the antiquarian and the tourist. As it is, only a grim-looking stone wall on a prorninent headland stands to mark the site of Dunseverick Castle - and to indicate the skill of the builder and the class of material used in those old days, for part of the structure remains after centuries of the wild storms which beat in from the North Atlantic.
Dunanynie Castle has fared even worse. A projecting plot of ground along the edge of the cliff, showing traces of ruins on its verdant surface, is all that now remains of the once formidable Castle. This stronghold on its commanding site was used for purposes of defence from very early times. Long before the castle of stone arose on the edge of the cliff, a deep ditch and high earthen rampart repelled many a stubborn attack. In later times the MacDonnells of Antrim made Dunanynie one of their favourite residences and strongest retreats. It will be ever associated with the name of Sorley Boy MacDonnell, Lord of the Route, who through storm and sunshine clung to it and the little bay ; and at last, having survived his enemies, he died peacefully at the mature age of four score years and five, and was borne from his sea-girt home to Bun-na-Margy Abbey. Access to this historic spot can be obtained by the Clare Park grounds, a few minutes' walk from the town, and one of the many enjoyable rambles in the neighbourhood.
So with these and other interesting relics of a storied and eventful past scattered over the neighbourhood, we are tempted to drop into rhyme of a sort, and write -
Ruins of castles and stately shrines,
To recall the glories of former times.
In this still favoured place abound.
And much of its soil is hallowed ground.