Top 5 Castles around Castle Irvine Demesne
Castles around Castle Irvine Demesne offer a glimpse into centuries of history within a diverse landscape. The estate, spanning over 230 acres, features mature trees, parkland, and a walled garden. Visitors can explore historical structures with 17th-century origins and 19th-century reconstructions. The area provides scenic walks and trails, making it suitable for exploring historical sites and natural surroundings.
Best castles around Castle Irvine Demesne
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site within a 520 hectare forest, built in the 1600s. It sits on a forest clifftop and was destroyed by fire in 1689 during the Williamite Wars.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site that was once called Irvine Castle. It features 17th-century origins with 19th-century reconstruction and served as a military hospital during WWII.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point. It was attacked and burned in 1641 and has not been lived in since.
- Castle Irvine Demesne is known for historical sites, fortified houses, and castle ruins. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, each with its own unique history.
- The castles around Castle Irvine Demesne are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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A visitor’s 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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Monea Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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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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 visitor’s 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 historical significance do the castles around Castle Irvine Demesne hold?
The castles in this region are rich in history, often dating back to the 17th century as part of the Plantation of Ulster. They witnessed significant events like the 1641 Rebellion and the Williamite Wars. For example, Necarne Castle (formerly Irvine Castle) served as a military hospital during WWII, while Old Castle Archdale was destroyed by fire in 1689. Tully Castle Ruins were attacked and burned in 1641 and never reoccupied.
Are there opportunities for walking or hiking near the castles?
Yes, the Castle Irvine Demesne estate itself offers superb walks through stunning woodlands and parkland. You can find several easy hiking loops, such as the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Castle Irvine Demesne guide or the broader Hiking around Castle Irvine Demesne guide.
Are any of the castles family-friendly for visitors with children?
Several castles are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are both marked as family-friendly. The extensive parkland at Castle Irvine Demesne also provides ample space for family days out and exploration.
Can I bring my dog to the castles or surrounding areas?
The Castle Irvine Demesne estate is generally dog-friendly, offering pleasant strolls through its woodlands and parkland. Specific rules for individual castle ruins may vary, but the outdoor nature of these sites often accommodates well-behaved dogs on leads.
What architectural styles can be observed among the castles?
The castles showcase a blend of architectural styles reflecting their long history. Necarne Castle, for instance, has 17th-century origins with 19th-century Victorian-style and Tudor-Gothic additions, featuring a classical interior with Corinthian columns. Monea Castle Ruins, built during the Plantation, exhibits a distinctly Scottish style.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Castle Irvine Demesne?
The region's castles and demesnes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for exploring the extensive parklands and gardens. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter visits can offer a tranquil, atmospheric experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours. The parkland at Castle Irvine Demesne can be freely visited during the daytime.
Are there any cycling routes near the castles?
Yes, there are several road cycling routes available. You can find options like the 'View of Enniskillen Castle loop from Irvinestown' or 'Celtic Crosses Cemetery – Racecourse Lough loop from Irvinestown'. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Castle Irvine Demesne guide.
What facilities are available at Castle Irvine Demesne?
While the 19th-century castle building at Castle Irvine Demesne is currently empty and inaccessible, the surrounding 230+ acre parkland is freely accessible during the daytime. The estate also serves as a popular events venue, particularly for equestrian shows, fair days, and concerts, so check their schedule for specific event facilities.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2666981" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Old Castle Archdale</a> a notable site?
Old Castle Archdale is significant for its dramatic history, built in the 1600s and situated on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. Its crumbling walls offer a tangible link to centuries past.
What is the current state of <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, also known as Castle Irvine, is currently empty and has fallen into disrepair, with its interior inaccessible. However, the surrounding parkland of Castle Irvine Demesne can be freely visited during the daytime, offering scenic walks and a tranquil setting.
Are there any hidden gem castles or less-known historical sites worth visiting?
While the main castles are well-documented, exploring the extensive parklands and woodlands, such as those around Castle Irvine Demesne, can reveal smaller historical remnants or picturesque spots. Monea Castle Ruins, built in a distinct Scottish style, offers a unique architectural perspective and is free to visit.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see around the castles?
The region is characterized by extensive parkland, mature trees in woodlands, and beautiful gardens. Castle Irvine Demesne itself boasts a fine walled garden, a classical bridge, and magnificent sweeping parkland. Many castles are set amidst forests or near loughs, providing scenic views and opportunities to enjoy nature.
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