Top 4 Castles around Knockroe Archdall
Best castles around Knockroe Archdall offer a glimpse into historical periods, primarily focusing on 17th-century plantation history. This region features a collection of historical sites, including castle ruins and fortified houses. Visitors can explore these structures, often set within forest parks, providing a blend of cultural heritage and natural surroundings. The area presents 4 distinct castles for exploration.
Best castles around Knockroe Archdall
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site that was built in 1615β¦
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 kind of castles can I expect to find around Knockroe Archdall?
The region around Knockroe Archdall primarily features 17th-century plantation castles and fortified houses, many of which are now atmospheric ruins. These sites offer a glimpse into a turbulent period of history, often set within scenic forest parks.
What is the history behind the castles in this region?
The castles in this region, such as Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, are largely associated with the 17th-century Plantation of Ulster. They were built by English planters and often faced destruction or capture during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite Wars, leaving many as ruins today.
Are there any particularly significant historical events associated with these castles?
Yes, several castles have poignant histories. Old Castle Archdale was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689. Similarly, Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, with its inhabitants massacred, and was never re-inhabited.
Which castles are most popular with visitors?
Among the castles in the area, Old Castle Archdale is a highly popular choice. Visitors also appreciate Tully Castle Ruins, which includes a visitor's centre detailing its history. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes across the castles in this guide.
Are the castles around Knockroe Archdall suitable for families?
Yes, several sites are family-friendly. Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are noted as family-friendly. Many castles are located within forest parks, offering additional recreational opportunities for families.
Can I bring my dog to the castle sites?
While specific dog policies for each castle vary, many of these historical sites are located within forest parks like Castle Archdale Forest Park. Generally, dogs are welcome in these outdoor areas, often on a leash. It's always best to check local signage at each specific site for any restrictions.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area offers various outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. You can find easy hiking routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For cyclists, there are easy to moderate routes such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or 'Old Castle Archdale β Castle Archdale Marina loop'. You can explore more options in the cycling guide and hiking guide for the region.
Are there hiking trails near these castles?
Yes, there are several hiking trails available. For example, you can enjoy easy hikes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. These trails often lead through scenic forest parks surrounding the castle ruins. More hiking options can be found in the easy hikes guide around Knockroe Archdall.
What natural features can I see around the castles?
Many castles are nestled within beautiful natural settings. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. Castle Caldwell, though its ruins are inaccessible, is located on a peninsula overlooking Lower Lough Erne within a scenic forest park, offering tranquil natural environments.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Knockroe Archdall?
The best time to visit is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months when the weather is milder and the surrounding forest parks are in full bloom. This allows for comfortable exploration of the outdoor ruins and trails. Winter visits are possible but may involve colder temperatures and potentially less accessible paths.
Are there visitor centers or exhibitions at any of the castle sites?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse. This centre houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle's tragic history, providing valuable context to the ruins.
Is there parking available at the castle locations?
Most castle sites, especially those within forest parks like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, typically offer parking facilities for visitors. For example, Necarne Castle also mentions free parking. It is advisable to check specific site information for detailed parking arrangements.
Are there any other significant historical sites nearby, beyond the immediate castles?
While not a castle, the Knockroe Passage Tomb in County Kilkenny is a significant Neolithic site known for its megalithic art and midwinter alignment. For more information on this ancient site, you can visit Heritage Ireland.
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