Top 5 Castles around Gall Island
Castles around Gall Island offer a glimpse into 17th-century history, featuring fortified houses and ruins from the Plantation era. These historical sites provide insight into periods of conflict, including the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Visitors can explore the remains of structures that once served as residences and strongholds. The area's castles are notable for their architectural styles and the stories of their former inhabitants.
Best castles around Gall Island
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historicalβ¦
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight β’ Forest
Tip by
Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight β’ Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight β’ Monument
Tip by
Necarne Castle
Highlight β’ Historical Site
Tip by
Monea Castle Ruins
Highlight β’ Historical Site
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
1
1
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.
1
0
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.
0
0
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)
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites are the castles around Gall Island?
The castles around Gall Island are primarily 17th-century fortified houses and ruins from the Plantation era. They offer a glimpse into periods of conflict, including the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Sites like Old Castle Archdale and Monea Castle Ruins exemplify this period, showcasing architectural styles and the stories of their former inhabitants.
Which castles around Gall Island are particularly popular with visitors?
Visitors frequently enjoy Old Castle Archdale, known for its forest clifftop setting and history during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins is also a favorite, with its visitor's centre sharing local stories related to its attack in 1641. These sites are appreciated by the komoot community, with many photos and upvotes.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Gall Island?
Yes, several castles around Gall Island are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre that can engage families with local stories. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings and Monea Castle Ruins are also suitable for families looking to explore historical sites.
What are the typical opening hours for castles around Gall Island?
Opening hours can vary by site. For example, Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and generally open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. For other sites like Tully Castle Ruins, it's advisable to check their specific opening times, especially for visitor centres, as these can differ seasonally.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Gall Island offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as those listed in the Cycling around Gall Island guide, including routes connecting to Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins. There are also dedicated hiking trails, like the easy 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' loops.
Are there hiking trails near the castles around Gall Island?
Yes, there are several hiking trails that allow you to explore the areas around the castles. For instance, you can find an easy 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' hike near Old Castle Archdale, and a 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' trail near Necarne Castle. The Hiking around Gall Island guide provides more options.
What interesting facts are there about the castles around Gall Island?
The castles are rich in history. Old Castle Archdale was built in the 1600s and was burnt out during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, with its inhabitants massacred. Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during WWII before falling into ruin.
Can I find cafes or amenities near the castles?
While specific cafes directly adjacent to every ruin might be limited, areas like Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions, and larger forest parks or nearby towns often provide visitor facilities. For Tully Castle Ruins, there is a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that might offer some amenities or information on nearby options.
What is the best season to visit the castles around Gall Island?
Visiting during spring or summer generally offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural areas. However, the historical context of these sites, such as the 17th-century Plantation era and conflict history, can be appreciated year-round. Winter visits might offer a more dramatic and solitary experience, though some visitor centres or facilities may have reduced hours.
Are there any hidden gem castles or lesser-known historical sites in the area?
While the main castles like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins are well-known, exploring the wider area might reveal other historical remnants. Monea Castle Ruins, built in a distinctly Scottish style during the Plantation, offers a fascinating, free-to-visit site that might feel like a hidden gem for some.
What are the historical origins of the castles around Gall Island?
Many of the castles around Gall Island, such as Monea Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale, were built during the 17th-century Plantation period. This was a time when settlers from Great Britain colonized lands in Ireland, leading to the construction of fortified houses and castles that played significant roles in local conflicts, including the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
Most popular routes around Gall Island
Most popular attractions around Gall Island
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Gall Island:
