In contemplating the ruins of Dunluce Castle, visitors can observe a striking contrast between the fortress's rudimentary protective works, such as flanking towers of rough masonry, and the more sophisticated domestic architecture of the Elizabethan period within the enclosure. Notably, "The Banqueting Hall" features cut stone dressings and a series of three two-storied bay windows on its western side, providing views of the castle yard and coastline. The hall also includes mullioned windows in its gables and an ornate entrance doorway, likely characterized by a semi-circular-headed opening with moulded jambs and archivolt, framed by pilasters or attached columns, topped with a moulded entablature and a panel displaying the MacDonnells' armorial bearings, surrounded by heraldic carvings. Additionally, the quoins of this structure are crafted from cut stone. The square barbican tower, contemporaneous with the hall, utilizes cut stone more sparingly. This work is a reproduction of an important historical text, digitally reconstructed to preserve its original format while addressing imperfections found in the aged copy.
W. H. Lynn Bücher
