Top 5 Castles around Clenaghisle
Best castles around Clenaghisle offer a glimpse into centuries of history, featuring a collection of historical sites and castle ruins. The Clenaghisle location is characterized by its historical significance, with many structures dating back to the 17th century Plantation era. Visitors can explore various types of castles, from fortified houses to abandoned ruins, providing diverse insights into the region's past.
Best castles around Clenaghisle
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical castle situated on a forestโฆ
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight โข Forest
Tip by
Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight โข Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight โข Monument
Tip by
Necarne Castle
Highlight โข Historical Site
Tip by
Monea Castle Ruins
Highlight โข Historical Site
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
1
1
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.
1
0
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.
0
0
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 visitorโs 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)
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Clenaghisle?
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre that tells local stories related to the castle. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions detailing the area's history during WWII. Monea Castle Ruins are also considered family-friendly and are free to visit.
What kind of historical sites can I expect to see besides castles?
Beyond the main castle structures, the region offers a glimpse into various historical periods. For instance, Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were a significant base during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people. Many castles, like Monea Castle Ruins, date back to the 17th-century Plantation era, showcasing distinct architectural styles from that period.
Are there easy walking trails around the castles?
Yes, there are easy walking trails near some of the castles. For example, Old Castle Archdale is situated within a large forest, offering opportunities for walks. You can find several easy hikes in the area, including 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For more details, explore the Easy hikes around Clenaghisle guide.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
The area around Clenaghisle offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or 'Old Castle Archdale โ Castle Archdale Marina loop'. There are also road cycling options, such as the 'Dromare and Omagh loop'. For more information on cycling, check out the Cycling around Clenaghisle guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Clenaghisle guide.
Are there any castles that are mostly ruins versus restored sites?
The castles around Clenaghisle offer a mix of ruins and sites with visitor facilities. Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle are primarily ruins, with Necarne Castle having lost its roof and being overtaken by plant life. Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn that was burned and not re-inhabited, but it does have a visitor's centre nearby.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles?
The duration of your visit depends on the castle and your interest. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins, which has a visitor's centre, you might spend a couple of hours exploring the ruins and learning its history. For more extensive ruins like Old Castle Archdale, which is set within a forest, you could combine your visit with a longer walk or hike.
Is there parking available at the castles?
Parking information varies by site. For Necarne Castle, free parking is available. For other locations, it's advisable to check specific visitor information closer to your visit, as details can change.
Can I visit the castles in winter?
While many castles, especially ruins, are accessible year-round, conditions can vary. Monea Castle Ruins are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. However, weather in winter can impact accessibility to outdoor sites, especially those on clifftops or within forests like Old Castle Archdale. It's best to check local weather conditions before planning a winter visit.
Are there any hidden gem castles in the Clenaghisle area?
While the guide highlights popular sites, exploring the less-frequented paths around places like Old Castle Archdale, perched on a forest clifftop, can feel like discovering a hidden gem. Its remote setting and rich history offer a unique, immersive experience away from more crowded attractions.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a> unique?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, has a fascinating history, serving as a military hospital during WWII. Today, it stands as a ruin, largely overtaken by plant life, offering a picturesque and somewhat melancholic glimpse into the past. It's also notable for being near a horse farm.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Clenaghisle?
The best time to visit the castles around Clenaghisle is generally during the spring and summer months when the weather is milder and more predictable, making outdoor exploration more comfortable. This allows for better enjoyment of the surrounding natural landscapes, especially for castles situated in forests or on clifftops like Old Castle Archdale.
Are there any viewpoints near the castles?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering potential viewpoints of the surrounding area. The natural settings of many of these historical sites often provide scenic vistas.
Most popular routes around Clenaghisle
Most popular attractions around Clenaghisle
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Clenaghisle:
