Top 4 Castles around Lavaran
Best castles around Lavaran offer a journey through centuries of history, showcasing structures that have witnessed significant events. The area features historical sites ranging from 17th-century fortified houses to ruins that served as military bases during World War II. Visitors can explore castles set amidst forests and on clifftops, providing insights into past conflicts and architectural heritage. This region provides a unique blend of historical exploration and natural settings.
Best castles around Lavaran
- The most popular castles is Old Castleβ¦
Last updated: June 28, 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 visitorβs 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 is the historical significance of the castles around Lavaran?
The castles around Lavaran offer a rich history, primarily from the 17th century. For example, Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, was a significant estate that witnessed the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Tully Castle Ruins also played a role in the 1641 rebellion, being attacked and burned on Christmas Eve of that year. Necarne Castle, originally Irvine Castle, was even used as a military hospital during World War II.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Lavaran?
Yes, several castles around Lavaran are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre with an exhibition. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also categorized as family-friendly, sometimes hosting exhibitions about their WWII history.
What kind of natural settings can I expect around the castles?
The castles around Lavaran are often set in picturesque natural environments. Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a vast 520-hectare forest, perched on a clifftop. Necarne Castle, though a ruin, is largely overtaken by plant life, blending into its surroundings. Tully Castle Ruins are located on Tully Point, offering scenic views of the area.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Lavaran offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Old Castle Archdale β Castle Archdale Marina loop'. For hiking, options include 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. Mountain biking trails are also available, like the 'Drumskinny stone circle and Lough Bradan loop'. You can explore more routes on the cycling, hiking, and MTB guides for Lavaran.
Are there hiking trails near the castles around Lavaran?
Yes, there are several hiking trails that incorporate or pass near the castles. Popular options include 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. These trails offer a chance to explore the natural beauty surrounding these historical sites. Find more details on the hiking guide for Lavaran.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Lavaran?
While specific opening times vary, the region's castles, often set amidst forests and clifftops, are enjoyable during spring and summer for pleasant weather and lush scenery. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and some sites might be accessible in winter, though weather conditions should be checked. Always verify individual castle opening hours before your visit.
Are there any castles around Lavaran that were used during World War II?
Yes, Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, was in use as a military hospital during World War II. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major flying boat base during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people, and sometimes host exhibitions about this period.
Can I find viewpoints near the castles around Lavaran?
Many of the castles are situated in locations that offer scenic views. Old Castle Archdale is perched on a forest clifftop, providing excellent vantage points over the surrounding area. The natural settings of other castles like Tully Castle Ruins on Tully Point also offer picturesque views.
Is parking available at the castles around Lavaran?
Parking availability can vary by site. For Necarne Castle, free parking is mentioned, though the castle itself is a ruin and closed to urban explorers. For other sites like Tully Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale, it's advisable to check local signage or official websites for specific parking information, especially given their natural and historical settings.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles around Lavaran?
The duration of a visit depends on the castle and your interest. For ruins like Old Castle Archdale or Necarne Castle, you might spend 1-2 hours exploring the site and its immediate surroundings. Tully Castle Ruins, with its visitor's centre, might warrant a slightly longer visit. If you combine a castle visit with nearby hiking or cycling, plan for a half-day or full-day excursion.
Are there any hidden gem castles in the Lavaran region?
While the guide highlights the most popular castles, the region itself is rich in history. Old Castle Archdale, nestled deep within a forest on a clifftop, offers a sense of discovery as you wander its crumbling walls. Necarne Castle, now a ruin overtaken by plant life, provides a unique, atmospheric experience for those seeking less-trodden paths.
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