Top 5 Castles around Rossinnan
Castles around Rossinnan offer insights into the region's history, often set within natural landscapes. The Rossinnan geographical area features historical sites, including fortified houses and castle ruins, many dating back to the 17th century. These structures are frequently found within forests or on prominent points, providing a blend of historical exploration and outdoor activity. Visitors can explore these sites to understand the area's past.
Best castles around Rossinnan
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site that sits on a forest clifftop. Built in the 1600s, it was destroyed by fire and abandoned after 1689.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site. This ruin was once a military hospital during WWII and is now largely overtaken by plant life.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn. This site was attacked and burned in 1641 and was not lived in again, now featuring a visitor's centre.
- Rossinnan is known for fortified houses, castle ruins, and historical sites. These include structures built during the 17th-century Plantation period, offering varied historical contexts to explore.
- The castles around Rossinnan are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos contributing to their appeal.
Last updated: June 28, 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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Monea Castle Ruins
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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 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical sites can I explore around Rossinnan?
The Rossinnan area features a variety of historical sites, including fortified houses and castle ruins, many dating back to the 17th-century Plantation period. These structures offer insights into the region's past and are often set within natural landscapes.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit in Rossinnan?
Yes, several castles around Rossinnan are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre with local stories. Monea Castle Ruins is also family-friendly, free to visit, and open weekdays. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions relevant to their WWII history.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Rossinnan?
The castles are often situated in areas perfect for outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the Kingfisher Cycle Trail, or loops around Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins. For more details, explore the Cycling around Rossinnan guide.
Are there hiking trails around the castles?
Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, you can hike to Old Castle Archdale via Tom's Island, or explore Necarne Woods which includes Necarne Castle. Castle Archdale also offers a dedicated loop trail. Find more options in the Hiking around Rossinnan guide.
Can I go running near any of the castles?
Absolutely. There are running trails that incorporate castle sites. You can find routes around Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle. Check the Running Trails around Rossinnan guide for detailed routes.
Which castles have visitor facilities or information centres?
Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. Monea Castle Ruins is free to visit and open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
What is the history behind <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2666981" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Old Castle Archdale</a>?
Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, sits on a forest clifftop. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Its ruins offer a glimpse into 17th-century life and conflict.
What is unique about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is now a ruin largely overtaken by plant life. It served as a military hospital during WWII. While closed to urban explorers, its overgrown state makes it a unique historical landmark.
Are there any castles in Rossinnan with connections to World War II?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held there to display key historical notes from the war period.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Rossinnan?
Many castles around Rossinnan are ruins or open-air sites, making them enjoyable in milder weather. Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for exploring the grounds and nearby trails. Always check specific opening hours for visitor centres, such as Monea Castle Ruins which is open weekdays.
What should I wear when visiting castles in Rossinnan?
Given that many castles are ruins or located in natural settings like forests and clifftops, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Layered clothing is advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions, especially if you plan to explore nearby trails.
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