Top 4 Castles around Davy'S Island

Davy's Island is primarily known for its significant Early Christian monastic ruins, rather than castles. It features the ruins of a 12th-century church and enclosure, believed to be connected to Kiltierney Abbey. The island was also once the site of Lisgoole Abbey and may have served as a hostel for pilgrims. Recent archaeological work suggests even earlier prehistoric activity, highlighting its long historical importance.

Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly. This fortified house and bawn has a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that offers an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also noted as family-friendly, offering insights into their role as a major WWII base.

The castles around Davy's Island showcase various historical architectural styles and purposes. For instance, Old Castle Archdale was a 17th-century castle built on a forest clifftop, while Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn. Necarne Castle, originally Irvine Castle, was later used as a military hospital during WWII, reflecting different periods of use and adaptation.

The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route, which is an easy 4.6 km hike. There are also road cycling routes like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' (41 km, easy) and running trails including the 'Old Castle Archdale loop from Lisnarrick' (15 km, difficult). For more details on these and other routes, visit the hiking, road cycling, and running guides for Davy's Island.

While specific dog policies for each castle ruin are not detailed, many outdoor historical sites in the region welcome well-behaved dogs on leads. For example, the routes around Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins are often explored on foot, making them potentially suitable for dog walking. It's always advisable to check directly with individual sites for their most current pet policies before visiting.

The castles and their surrounding natural landscapes are generally best visited during the milder months, from spring through autumn (April to October). During this period, the weather is more favorable for exploring the outdoor ruins and enjoying activities like hiking and cycling. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds.

Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings served as a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people, including RAF fighters. Necarne Castle also has WWII significance, having been used as a military hospital during the war.

Several castles have dramatic histories. Old Castle Archdale was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, leading to the massacre of its inhabitants, and was never lived in again.

Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views of the surrounding area. Its location within a 520-hectare forest provides a picturesque setting for exploration. The general region around Lough Erne is known for its natural beauty, so many castle sites offer pleasant surroundings.

Given that most castles are ruins and often situated in natural settings like forests or clifftops, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended. Dress in layers, as the weather can change, and bring waterproof outerwear, especially if visiting during spring or autumn. The terrain around sites like Old Castle Archdale can be uneven.

The time required to visit each castle varies. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins, with its visitor's centre, you might spend 1-2 hours. Exploring the ruins of Old Castle Archdale and its forest surroundings could also take a couple of hours, especially if you combine it with a short walk. If you plan to visit multiple sites, allocate a full day.

While the guide highlights the most prominent castles, the region is rich in history. Beyond the well-known Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and Necarne Castle, the area around Lough Erne, including Davy's Island itself, holds significant early Christian monastic ruins. These sites, though not castles, offer a deep dive into the region's ancient past and are often less crowded.