“Dún Libhse and the Mermaids Cave”

By Brian Wilkes

Castle Dún Libhse, County Antrim, Ulster sits atop a volcanic basalt outcropping that extends into the ocean. Mermaids Cave connects to the castle by a staircase, allowing supply boats to dock under cover, protected from marauding pirates. In the 13th century, my 25th great-grandfather Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, built the first castle at Dún Libhse / Dunluce, and it became a stronghold for Clan Donald. It is close to Coleraine, County Derry, where another line of my immigrant ancestors originate. “Mermaid” is generally understood to mean selkies (seal kin), but Ireland has a tradition of female pirate leaders as well. I’ve illuminated the cave with firelight.