Top 4 Castles around Whitehill North
Best castles around Whitehill North are primarily historical sites and ruins located in a region characterized by its rich past and natural landscapes. This area features a collection of ancient fortifications, many of which played significant roles in historical events. Visitors can explore castle ruins set within forests and on clifftops, offering insights into centuries of regional history. The landscape often includes forested areas and views, providing a backdrop for these historical structures.
Best castles around Whitehill North
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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 kind of historical sites can I expect to find around Whitehill North?
The Whitehill North region is rich in history, featuring a variety of historical castle ruins, fortified houses, and man-made monuments. Many of these sites are set within natural landscapes, including forests and on clifftops, offering a glimpse into centuries of regional history. You can explore sites like the 17th-century Old Castle Archdale and the fortified Tully Castle Ruins.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in Whitehill North?
Yes, several sites around Whitehill North are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre that tells local stories related to the castle. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also noted as family-friendly and sometimes host exhibitions.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, is situated on Castle Hill within a large forest. It was a significant estate castle, captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and later destroyed by fire in 1689 during the Williamite Wars, after which it was abandoned.
What can I learn at Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn with a dramatic history, having been attacked and burned in 1641. A visitor's centre, located in a restored farmhouse nearby, houses an exhibition that shares local stories and historical context related to the castle.
What is the significance of Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, has a long history, even serving as a military hospital during WWII. While it is now a ruin and closed to urban explorers, its past connection to the town of Irvinestown and its wartime use make it a notable historical landmark.
Are there hiking trails near the castles in Whitehill North?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities near the castles. For example, you can find trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. You can explore more hiking routes in the area by visiting the Hiking around Whitehill North guide.
Can I go cycling near the castles in Whitehill North?
Absolutely. The region offers various cycling routes. For road cycling, options include 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale'. If you prefer touring, consider the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or 'Tully Castle Ruins β Lough Melvin loop'. More details are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Whitehill North and Cycling around Whitehill North guides.
What natural features can I expect to see around the castles?
The castles in Whitehill North are often nestled within beautiful natural settings. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest, offering scenic views. The general landscape includes forested areas and views, providing a picturesque backdrop to these historical structures.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Whitehill North?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty surrounding the castles. Many enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of sites like Old Castle Archdale, imagining life centuries ago. The integration of history with the landscape, such as clifftop locations and forest settings, is a key draw.
Is there parking available at the castles?
While specific parking details vary by site, many historical sites and natural areas in the region, such as Necarne Woods near Necarne Castle, often provide free parking for visitors exploring the area.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Whitehill North?
The castles and surrounding natural areas can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the ruins and trails, while autumn brings beautiful foliage to the forested areas. Even winter can be a good time for quiet walks, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Are there any unique historical aspects to the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a significant role during WWII, serving as a major base for flying boats and housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to showcase this wartime history.
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