Top 4 Castles around Drumnacross
Best castles around Drumnacross are found in an area known for its rich history and diverse landscapes, primarily in Northern Ireland. This region features historical sites set amidst forests and along waterways, offering insights into past eras. The area's terrain includes varied natural features, providing a backdrop for historical exploration. It is characterized by a blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
Best castles around Drumnacross
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical castle situated onโฆ
Last updated: July 12, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Necarne Castle
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During WW2 Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats and housed up to 2,500 people. Buildings such as these would have been a central location for the RAF fighters who lived here. Sometimes exhibitions are held in these courtyards to display some of the key historical notes of the use of this area during the war.
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Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The castle was built in the 1600s and was the main castle on this former estate before its successor took it's place in the 1800s, Castle Archdale.
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Old Castle Archdale sits on a forest clifftop. It is named 'old' to distinguish it from its successor, the 18th century Castle Archdale. The castle was built by an Englishman from Suffolk who had been granted the estate in 1612 after paying 5 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence for the 1000 acres of land. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 the castle was captured by Rory Maguire as part of the uprising to retake his lands that had been lost in 1607. The heir to the castle was saved by his nurse however the other children were killed. After the castle was returned to the family it was repaired and lived in until 1689. The castle saw its end during the Williamite Wars when the castle was burnt out and abandoned.
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This fortified house is on Tully Point and built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked by John Maguire and burned on Christmas Eve with all its inhabitants massacred. After that it was not lived in again. There is a visitors centre in a restored farmhouse that has an interesting exhibition telling a number of stories relating to the castle. To visit the castle be sure to step off the bike as it is on foot only!
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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, it's easy to imagine how life would have been hundreds of years ago as you wander the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale. Built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale, the castle was captured by the Irish in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The castle was inhabited until 1689, when it was destroyed by fire and abandoned.
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This fortified house and bawn are set on Tully Point and were built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire and the inhabitants massacred. It was not lived in again. A visitorโs centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Once called Irvine Castle, hence the town of Irvinestown, it is now a ruin closed to urban explorers, including cctv. It was in use as late as WWII, when it was a military hospital, but it has since lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of castles can I expect to find around Drumnacross?
Around Drumnacross, you'll discover a variety of historical castles, including fortified houses and ruins. These sites offer insights into past eras, with examples like the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale and the fortified Tully Castle Ruins.
Are there any castles around Drumnacross that are particularly family-friendly?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly. It features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that houses an exhibition detailing the castle's history, making it an engaging stop for all ages. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer family-friendly historical exploration.
What historical events are associated with the castles in this region?
The castles around Drumnacross have a rich history, often tied to conflicts and rebellions. For instance, Old Castle Archdale was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later burnt out during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, with its inhabitants massacred.
Can I explore the ruins of Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is now a ruin. While it has a fascinating history, having served as a military hospital during WWII, it is currently closed to urban explorers and is monitored by CCTV.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see near these castles?
Many castles in the region are set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest, perched atop a cliff. Tully Castle Ruins is located on Tully Point, offering scenic views.
Are there hiking opportunities near the castles around Drumnacross?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For more details and route options, visit our guide on Hiking around Drumnacross.
Are there cycling routes that pass by or near these castles?
Absolutely. The area offers various cycling routes, including 'Old Castle Archdale โ Castle Archdale Marina loop from Kesh' and sections of the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. You can explore more options in our guides for Road Cycling Routes around Drumnacross and Cycling around Drumnacross.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Drumnacross?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the atmospheric ruins. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes, highlighting the appeal of these landmarks. People enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of places like Old Castle Archdale and imagining life hundreds of years ago.
Is there parking available at the castles?
For Necarne Castle, there is free parking available. For other locations, it's advisable to check local signage or visitor information centers for specific parking arrangements.
Are there any other notable castles in the broader region of Northern Ireland that I might consider visiting?
While focusing on Drumnacross, the broader region of Northern Ireland offers other significant castles. Dundrum Castle, for instance, is a strategically important 12th-century site for coastal defense. You can find more information about it at communities-ni.gov.uk.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Drumnacross?
The castles are generally accessible year-round, but visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural areas. These seasons also tend to offer beautiful scenery with fewer crowds.
Can I learn about the history of the area during World War II at any of these sites?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insights into this period. During WWII, Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to display key historical notes from the war.
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