Top 4 Castles around Cornacrea
Castles near Cornacrea offer a glimpse into historical architecture and past events. The region features several historical sites, including fortified houses and castle ruins, often situated within natural landscapes like forests. These landmarks provide opportunities for exploration and understanding the area's heritage. Visitors can discover structures that have witnessed significant historical periods and transformations.
Best castles around Cornacrea
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site that was built in the 1600s and later destroyedβ¦
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 types of historical sites and castles can I explore around Cornacrea?
Around Cornacrea, you can explore a variety of historical sites, including fortified houses and castle ruins. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the region's heritage and past events. Examples include the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, the historical site of Necarne Castle, and the fortified house and bawn of Tully Castle Ruins.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites in Cornacrea?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly. It features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also family-friendly and sometimes host exhibitions.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Cornacrea?
The area around Cornacrea's castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, road cycling, and general cycling. For example, there are running trails like the 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop' and cycling routes such as the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop'. You can explore these and more on the respective guide pages: Running Trails around Cornacrea, Road Cycling Routes around Cornacrea, and Cycling around Cornacrea.
Are there hiking or walking trails near the castles?
Yes, several castles are situated within natural landscapes that offer walking opportunities. Old Castle Archdale is located on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest, providing a historical viewpoint and opportunities for forest walks. While Necarne Castle is a ruin, its surrounding area is suitable for walking. For specific running trails that include castle areas, refer to the Running Trails around Cornacrea guide.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. It sits on a forest clifftop and is known for its crumbling walls, offering a historical viewpoint within a large forest.
What is unique about Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. It was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, with its inhabitants massacred, and was never lived in again. Today, a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse provides exhibitions telling local stories related to the castle.
What is the significance of Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during WWII. It is now a ruin, with its roof lost and overtaken by plant life. While the castle itself is closed, the surrounding area offers walking opportunities and is known for its horse farm.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots near the castles?
Old Castle Archdale, situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest, offers a historical viewpoint. Its location on a forest clifftop provides scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles around Cornacrea?
The time needed can vary depending on the castle and your interest. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins with its visitor's centre, you might spend an hour or two. Exploring the grounds and forest around Old Castle Archdale could take longer, especially if you combine it with a walk or hike.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Cornacrea?
Visitors appreciate the opportunity to glimpse into historical architecture and past events. The natural settings, such as the forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale, enhance the experience. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical significance of these sites.
Are there any easy walks around the castles for beginners?
While specific 'easy walk' routes are not detailed for each castle, the general area around the castles, particularly within the forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale, can offer accessible paths. For structured routes, you can check the Running Trails around Cornacrea guide, which includes routes with varying difficulty grades, some of which might be suitable for beginners.
What is the historical context of the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a significant role during WWII, serving as a central location for RAF fighters when 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 that period.
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