Top 4 Castles around Drumcrin
Best castles around Drumcrin include 4 historical sites, offering a glimpse into the region's past. This area features a mix of fortified houses and castle ruins, often set within scenic forests. Visitors can explore these historical landmarks, which provide insights into local history and natural beauty.
Best castles around Drumcrin
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site that was built in the 1600s. Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, it offersβ¦
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 historical sites can I expect to find among the castles around Drumcrin?
The Drumcrin area features a mix of fortified houses and castle ruins, often set within scenic forests. You'll find sites like Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a bawn, and the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, nestled within a large forest.
Which castles around Drumcrin offer the most insight into the region's turbulent past?
Tully Castle Ruins provides a poignant glimpse into a turbulent period; it was attacked and burned in 1641 and never reoccupied. Similarly, Old Castle Archdale has a history of being captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire during the Williamite Wars.
Are there any castles around Drumcrin with connections to more recent history, like WWII?
Yes, Necarne Castle, originally known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during World War II. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a significant base for flying boats during WWII, accommodating up to 2,500 people.
What makes Old Castle Archdale a significant historical site?
Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, was the main castle on its estate before being succeeded by a newer one. Perched atop a forest cliff, its ruins offer a sense of the original estate's scale and importance, with a history of capture and destruction during significant historical conflicts.
What is the story behind Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. It was tragically attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, resulting in a massacre of its inhabitants. It was never reoccupied after this event, leaving a powerful historical mark. A visitor's centre nearby tells local stories related to the castle.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Drumcrin?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are both categorized as family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre with exhibitions, while the Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions about their WWII history, offering engaging experiences for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Drumcrin?
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, visiting during spring or autumn generally offers pleasant weather for exploring ruins and forests. These seasons often provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful natural scenery, enhancing the experience of historical sites like Old Castle Archdale within its expansive forest.
Are there hiking opportunities near the castles around Drumcrin?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For more details and other trails, explore the easy hikes around Drumcrin guide or the general hiking around Drumcrin guide.
Can I find mountain biking trails near the castles?
Absolutely. The area offers mountain biking trails such as 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop' and 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop'. You can find more options in the MTB Trails around Drumcrin guide.
What kind of natural beauty can I expect to see when visiting these castles?
Many of the castles are set within beautiful natural surroundings. Old Castle Archdale is located within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a combination of historical interest and natural beauty. Necarne Castle, though a ruin, is now overgrown with plant life, showcasing picturesque decay amidst nature.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Drumcrin?
Visitors appreciate the deep historical insights offered by sites like Tully Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale. The combination of exploring ancient ruins within scenic forest settings, along with the stories of past inhabitants and significant historical events, is a major draw. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes for these highlights.
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