Top 4 Castles around Drumskool
Castles around Drumskool offer a glimpse into historical architecture and regional heritage. The area features several historical sites, including fortified houses and castle ruins, often set within natural landscapes like forests. These structures provide insight into past eras, from 17th-century estates to sites involved in historical conflicts. Visitors can explore these landmarks to understand the local history and architectural evolution.
Best castles around Drumskool
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site that was built in the 1600s and served as the main castle on its former estate. It sits on a forest clifftop and was destroyed by fire in 1689.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site. This ruin, once known as Irvine Castle, was in use as late as WWII as a military hospital.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. It was attacked and burned in 1641 and was not lived in again.
- Drumskool is known for its castle ruins, fortified houses, and historical estates. The variety of castles to see and explore provides insight into different periods of regional history.
- The castles around Drumskool are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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A visitorβs centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle.
(discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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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 historical insights do the castles around Drumskool offer?
The castles in the Drumskool area provide a window into various historical periods. For instance, Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, was a significant estate castle that was destroyed by fire in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house, was attacked and burned in 1641 and never reoccupied. These sites reflect periods of conflict, rebellion, and changing land ownership in the region.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Drumskool?
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, making it an engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also considered family-friendly and sometimes host exhibitions.
What kind of natural surroundings can I expect when visiting castles in this area?
Many castles around Drumskool are set within beautiful natural landscapes. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering scenic views and opportunities for walks. The broader region, as seen with Castle Coole, features expansive parklands with oak, ash, and beech trees, providing serene natural beauty.
Are there walking or hiking trails near the castles?
Absolutely! There are several trails available. For example, you can explore the area around Old Castle Archdale with routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island'. Near Necarne Castle, you'll find the 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' trail. You can find more options for hiking and running in the area by visiting the Hiking around Drumskool or Running Trails around Drumskool guides.
What is the history of Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is a historical ruin. It was in use as late as WWII, serving as a military hospital. Today, it has lost its roof and is largely overgrown, though it remains a significant historical site.
What are the parking options when visiting these castles?
For Necarne Castle, free parking is available. For other sites like Tully Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale, parking is generally available nearby, often within the surrounding forest or estate grounds, allowing access to the sites on foot.
Can I visit the castles with my dog?
While specific dog-friendly policies for each castle ruin may vary, the surrounding natural areas and trails, such as those around Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle, are generally suitable for dog walks, provided dogs are kept on a leash and waste is properly disposed of. Always check local signage for specific restrictions at the castle sites themselves.
What is the significance of Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. Its historical significance lies in the tragic events of 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire, leading to a massacre of its inhabitants. It was never lived in again after this event, preserving a poignant moment in regional history.
Are there any easy walks or routes near the castles?
Yes, several easy routes are available. Near Old Castle Archdale, you can find easy walks like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island'. The 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' route is also an easy option. For more easy hiking suggestions, refer to the Easy hikes around Drumskool guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Drumskool?
Visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural areas. The foliage in autumn can be particularly beautiful, and spring brings new growth. Summer is also popular, but can be busier. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
What can I expect to see at Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are part of a site that served as a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there. Sometimes, exhibitions are held in these courtyards to display key historical notes from the area's use during the war.
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