Once one of Ireland’s finest Norman castles

Northburg Castle is locally known as ‘Greencastle’ and was once one of the most impressive Norman castles built in Ireland. It was built by Richard de Burgh: The Red Earl of Ulster in 1305 on a promontory rock overlooking Lough Foyle. The castle was built using the finest materials and cutting-edge building techniques by master craftsmen. The walls in the polygonal tower are over 12 feet thick! It was attacked and captured by Robert the Bruce of Scotland soon after its completion in 1316. Robert crowned himself ‘King of Ireland’ but the castle was soon after recaptured by De Burgh. In 1333 his grandson, William, was murdered in the castle in revenge for slowly starving his distant cousin to death! This was the point that really ended Norman power in the northwest of Ireland. The castle later fell into the hands of the powerful O’Doherty Clan of Inishowen. In 1555 the O’Donnells attacked the O’Dohertys using cannons and nearly destroyed the complete structure.

Thanks to Castles of Ireland for beautifully Irish video of this castle