Top 5 Castles around Drumskea
Castles around Drumskea, located in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, provide insight into the region's historical landscape. The area features a mix of natural settings, from forest clifftops to lake points, that host these historical structures. Exploring these sites offers a direct connection to centuries of local history. This guide presents 5 notable castles in the vicinity.
Best castles around Drumskea
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest. This 17th-century castle sits on a forest clifftop and was abandoned after being burnt out during the Williamite Wars.
- Another must-see spot is Tully Castle Ruins, a castle and historical site. This fortified house and bawn were built for Sir John Hume and suffered an attack and burning in 1641, leading to its abandonment.
- Visitors also love Monea Castle Ruins, a historical site built in the 17th century in a distinct Scottish style. The castle was attacked during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later ruined by fire, standing today as a free-to-visit historical landmark.
- Drumskea is known for its Plantation-era castles, fortified houses, and historical ruins. Visitors can explore sites ranging from 17th-century structures to those with significant World War II connections.
- The castles around Drumskea are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared across the highlights.
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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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 historical castles can I explore near Drumskea?
You can visit several significant historical sites. These include Monea Castle Ruins, a 17th-century Plantation castle, Tully Castle Ruins, known for its tragic 1641 attack, and Old Castle Archdale, situated on a forest clifftop. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insights into World War II history, and Necarne Castle is another ruin with a rich past.
Are there walking trails or outdoor activities near the castles around Drumskea?
Yes, many castles are set within areas perfect for outdoor activities. Old Castle Archdale is located within a 520-hectare forest, offering scenic walks. You can find various hiking and cycling routes in the vicinity. For example, there are easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' routes. For more options, explore the hiking guides around Drumskea or the cycling guides around Drumskea.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Drumskea?
The castles can be visited year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural areas like Castle Archdale Forest Park. Some sites, like Monea Castle Ruins, are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, so checking specific opening hours before your visit is recommended, especially during off-peak seasons.
Are there family-friendly options among the castles near Drumskea?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's center in a restored farmhouse with exhibitions sharing local stories, which can be engaging for all ages. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions about their World War II history. The extensive forest around Old Castle Archdale also provides space for family walks.
Can I bring my dog to the castles or nearby areas?
While specific dog policies for each castle ruin may vary, the surrounding forest parks and outdoor trails, such as those near Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle, are generally dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. Always check for local signage regarding pet restrictions at specific sites.
What are the parking options for visiting these castles?
Parking is generally available at or near the castle sites. For example, Necarne Castle offers free parking. For sites like Old Castle Archdale and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, parking is typically found within the larger Castle Archdale Forest Park area. It's advisable to check specific location details for the most convenient parking.
What kind of historical significance do the castles around Drumskea hold?
The castles in this region are primarily Plantation-era structures from the 17th century, offering a direct link to a turbulent period in Irish history. Monea Castle Ruins and Tully Castle Ruins both bear witness to the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also played a crucial role as a flying boat base during World War II.
Are there any viewpoints or notable natural features near the castles?
Yes, the natural settings are a key part of the experience. Old Castle Archdale is perched on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views within a 520-hectare forest. Tully Castle Ruins is located on Tully Point, providing picturesque surroundings near the water. These locations combine historical exploration with natural beauty.
What are the opening hours for castles in the Drumskea area?
Opening hours can vary by site. For instance, Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Other sites, especially ruins in public parks like Old Castle Archdale, may be accessible during daylight hours. It's always best to check specific visitor information for each castle before planning your trip.
Are there cafes, pubs, or accommodation options near the castles?
The castles are situated in the broader Fermanagh region, which offers various amenities. While direct cafes or pubs might not be immediately adjacent to every ruin, you will find options in nearby towns and villages. Castle Archdale Forest Park, which encompasses Old Castle Archdale and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, often has visitor facilities. For accommodation, you'll find choices ranging from guesthouses to hotels in the wider Drumskea and Fermanagh area.
What makes the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2666981" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Old Castle Archdale</a> unique?
Old Castle Archdale is unique for its dramatic setting on a forest clifftop within a vast 520-hectare forest. Built in the 1600s, it was the primary castle on the estate before its 18th-century successor. Its history includes being captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later abandoned after being burnt out during the Williamite Wars, leaving behind evocative ruins.
What can I learn at the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2844090" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tully Castle Ruins</a> visitor's center?
The visitor's center at Tully Castle Ruins, housed in a restored farmhouse, features an exhibition that shares local stories related to the castle. This provides valuable context to its turbulent past, including the tragic events of Christmas Eve in 1641 when it was attacked and burned, and its inhabitants massacred.
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