Top 5 Castles around Drummonaghan
Best castles around Drummonaghan are found in the broader region, as Drummonaghan itself is primarily a scenic woodland area near Ramelton in County Donegal, Ireland. This area is known for peaceful walks through coniferous and broadleaf plantations, offering picnic spots and viewing points. While Drummonaghan is valued for its natural landscape, the surrounding areas provide access to historical castle sites.
Best castles around Drummonaghan
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site that was built inโฆ
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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Monea Castle Ruins
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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 kind of castles can I find around Drummonaghan?
While Drummonaghan itself is a scenic woodland area, the surrounding region offers a variety of historical castle sites. You can explore 17th-century castle ruins, fortified houses, and historical sites, many with connections to the Plantation era and the Irish Rebellion.
Which historical castles are particularly worth visiting near Drummonaghan?
Several historical sites are highly regarded. Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s on a forest clifftop, has a rich history of capture and destruction. Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house, was attacked and burned in 1641, and its story is told at a visitor's centre. Monea Castle Ruins, a 17th-century Plantation-era castle, is also free to visit.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Drummonaghan?
Yes, several castle sites are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are both suitable for families. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, part of a larger estate, offer historical insights in a family-friendly setting.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The areas around these castles offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those around Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Drummonaghan or the running trails around Drummonaghan. Road cycling routes are also available, including those starting near Old Castle Archdale.
Can I find hiking trails around the castles near Drummonaghan?
Absolutely. Many castles are situated within or near scenic areas with hiking opportunities. For instance, you can find trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the easy hikes around Drummonaghan guide.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale, an Englishman granted the estate. It was captured by the Irish during the Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689 during the Williamite Wars, after which it was abandoned. It sits on a forest clifftop, offering a glimpse into 17th-century life.
What is the story of 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 by Rory Maguire, and its inhabitants were massacred. The castle was never reoccupied after this event. A visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse now tells local stories related to the castle.
Is Necarne Castle accessible to visitors?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is currently a ruin and is closed to urban explorers. While the grounds may be accessible for walking, the castle structure itself is not open to the public.
What is the best time to visit castles around Drummonaghan?
The best time to visit castles around Drummonaghan generally aligns with pleasant weather for exploring ruins and walking trails. Spring and summer offer milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, ideal for outdoor exploration. However, some sites like Monea Castle Ruins are open year-round during specific hours.
Are there any castles built during the Plantation era near Drummonaghan?
Yes, the region features several castles from the Plantation era. Monea Castle Ruins, built in 1616 by Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton, is a prime example of a Plantation-era castle with a distinct Scottish style. Old Castle Archdale also dates back to the early 17th century Plantation period.
What other notable castles are in the broader County Monaghan region?
Beyond the immediate vicinity, County Monaghan (a different county from Donegal where Drummonaghan is located) offers other significant castles. These include Mannan Castle, an impressive medieval motte and bailey, and Castle Leslie in Glaslough, a 19th-century castellated mansion now operating as a luxury hotel. You can also find the ruins of Rossmore Castle within Rossmore Forest Park.
Where can I find more information about Mannan Castle?
Mannan Castle is considered one of the most impressive medieval earthworks in Ireland, featuring a double bailey. For more detailed information, you can visit the Heritage Ireland website: heritageireland.ie/unguided-sites/mannan-castle/.
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