Top 5 Castles around Druminshinardagh
Best castles around Druminshinardagh are found in a region of Ireland rich in history and natural landscapes. While no castles are directly within Druminshinardagh itself, the surrounding area offers several historically significant sites. These locations provide insights into past centuries, from fortified houses to strategic strongholds. The region's varied terrain, including forests and clifftops, often frames these historical structures.
Best castles around Druminshinardagh
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest site that sits on a forestโฆ
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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Monea Castle Ruins
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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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Like many other castles in the area, Monea Castle was built during the Plantation in the 17th century, when settlers from Great Britain colonised lands in Ireland. The Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton built the castle in 1616 in a distinctly Scottish style. The castle was attacked and occupied during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and was lived in by the family of colonel Gustav Hamilton until 1704. A few decades later, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it ruined as it is today. The ruins are free to visit and open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Druminshinardagh?
While there are no castles directly within Druminshinardagh, the surrounding region offers a variety of historical structures. You can find 17th-century plantation castles like Monea Castle Ruins, fortified houses such as Tully Castle Ruins, and strategic strongholds like Old Castle Archdale, which sits on a forest clifftop.
Are there any well-preserved or restored castles in the wider region?
Yes, beyond the immediate vicinity, you can find significant castles like Drimnagh Castle in South Dublin, which is Ireland's only remaining moated castle and has been meticulously restored. Enniskillen Castle, located on the banks of the River Erne, has also undergone significant refurbishment and is open to the public.
What are some historically significant castles to visit near Druminshinardagh?
Historically significant sites include Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641, and Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s and destroyed during the Williamite Wars. Monea Castle Ruins is another 17th-century plantation castle with a rich history of occupation and conflict.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Druminshinardagh?
Yes, several castle sites are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are both tagged as family-friendly. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer a family-friendly historical experience, sometimes hosting exhibitions.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The areas around these castles offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running and hiking trails. For example, near Old Castle Archdale, there are hiking routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and running loops. Near Necarne Castle, you can explore 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' for hiking. For more options, check out the hiking guide or running guide for Druminshinardagh.
Are there hiking trails around these castles?
Absolutely. Many castles are situated within or near natural areas with hiking opportunities. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is located within a large forest, offering trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (easy, 4.6 km). You can also find hiking routes around Necarne Castle, such as 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' (easy, 5.2 km). Explore more options in the hiking guide for Druminshinardagh.
Can I combine a castle visit with nature exploration?
Definitely. Many castles in the region are set in scenic natural environments. Old Castle Archdale is a prime example, perched on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest, perfect for combining history with woodland walks. Tully Castle Ruins are also beautifully situated on Tully Point, offering picturesque views.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Druminshinardagh?
The best time to visit is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is milder and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer (June-August) is also popular, though it can be busier. Winter visits are possible, but be prepared for colder, wetter conditions and potentially shorter opening hours for visitor centers.
What should I wear for castle walks, especially in winter?
For castle walks, especially in winter, it's advisable to wear layers to adapt to changing temperatures. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential, along with sturdy, waterproof walking boots. A warm hat, gloves, and a scarf will also be beneficial. Even in other seasons, comfortable walking shoes and rain gear are recommended due to Ireland's unpredictable weather.
Are any castles around Druminshinardagh accessible for wheelchairs?
Accessibility can vary significantly between sites, especially for older ruins. While specific accessibility details for each highlight are not provided, many historical sites in Ireland have made efforts to improve access. For fully restored castles like Enniskillen Castle or Drimnagh Castle (further afield), you may find better accessibility. It's always best to check the specific castle's official website for detailed accessibility information before your visit.
Can I find cafes or refreshments near the castle sites?
Some larger or more popular castle sites may have visitor centers with cafes or nearby establishments. For example, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's center in a restored farmhouse, which might offer refreshments. Areas like Castle Archdale, with its marina and park, often have facilities. For more remote ruins, it's wise to bring your own provisions or plan to visit a nearby town for food and drink.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and the atmospheric ruins that tell stories of past centuries. The setting of many castles within beautiful natural landscapes, such as the forest clifftop of Old Castle Archdale, is also a major draw. The opportunity to wander crumbling walls and imagine life hundreds of years ago is a highlight for many.
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