Top 4 Castles around Shallany
Castles around Shallany offer a journey through historical sites set within varied landscapes. The region features several notable castles, including structures situated on forest clifftops and fortified houses on points. These sites provide insight into past eras, from 17th-century constructions to ruins with significant historical events. Shallany's geographical area allows for exploration of these historical monuments.
Best castles around Shallany
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest that sits on a forest clifftop. The castle wasβ¦
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 Shallany?
The Shallany region offers a variety of historical sites, including ancient castles, fortified houses, and castle ruins. You can find structures like Old Castle Archdale, which sits on a forest clifftop, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn on Tully Point. These sites provide a glimpse into different historical periods and architectural styles.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites in the Shallany area?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is noted as 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 considered family-friendly and sometimes host exhibitions about the area's history during WWII.
What are the historical highlights of the castles around Shallany?
Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, with its inhabitants massacred, and was never lived in again. Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during WWII before falling into ruin.
Can I find walking or hiking routes near the castles in Shallany?
Absolutely. Several easy hiking routes are available near the castles. You can explore trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island', 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle', and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. For more options, check out the easy hikes around Shallany guide.
Are there cycling routes that pass by the castles in Shallany?
Yes, the region offers various cycling routes. You can find routes such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop', 'Rossmore Point Beacon β Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island', and 'Old Castle Archdale β Castle Archdale Marina loop from Kesh'. Discover more cycling adventures in the cycling around Shallany guide.
What kind of natural features or scenic viewpoints can I expect near the castles?
Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering scenic views. The area around Tully Castle Ruins is set on Tully Point, providing views of the surrounding landscape.
Are there any running trails near the castles in Shallany?
Yes, there are several running trails available. Popular options include 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick', 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) β Necarne Castle loop from Irvinestown', and 'The Big Tree loop from Drumcose'. For a comprehensive list, refer to the running trails around Shallany guide.
What do visitors appreciate most about the castles around Shallany?
Visitors often enjoy the historical depth and the natural settings of the castles. For instance, at Old Castle Archdale, people appreciate wandering the crumbling walls and imagining life hundreds of years ago, surrounded by thick forest. The visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins also provides engaging local stories.
Is there parking available at the castles?
While specific parking details for every castle are not provided, Necarne Castle does offer free parking, making it convenient for visitors.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles around Shallany?
The duration of your visit will depend on the specific castle and how much you wish to explore. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins, with its visitor's centre, you might spend a couple of hours. For ruins like Old Castle Archdale, which is integrated into a forest, you could combine your visit with a longer walk or hike.
Are there any castles that are particularly good for photography?
The castles around Shallany, with their historical architecture and natural surroundings, offer excellent photographic opportunities. Old Castle Archdale, perched on a forest clifftop, and the ruins of Necarne Castle, overtaken by plant life, provide unique and atmospheric subjects for photography.
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