Best castles around Buninubber offer a glimpse into centuries of history, with structures dating back to the 17th century. The region features historical sites often set within forests or on clifftops, providing a backdrop for exploration. These castles reflect periods of significant historical events, including the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Plantation era. Visitors can explore ruins that tell stories of past inhabitants and conflicts.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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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 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)
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The castles in the Buninubber region primarily date back to the 17th century, reflecting the Plantation era and significant events like the Irish Rebellion of 1641. They offer a glimpse into centuries of history, including fortified houses and castle ruins.
Among the must-see historical sites are Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615 and significant during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another is Necarne Castle, which served as a military hospital during WWII. Also, Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641, is highly regarded.
Yes, several castles in Buninubber are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins, Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, and Monea Castle Ruins are all categorized as family-friendly, offering historical exploration for all ages.
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 by Rory Maguire and later abandoned after being burnt out in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. It sits on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest.
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitorโs centre located in a restored farmhouse. This centre houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle, which was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641.
Monea Castle Ruins was built in 1616 during the Plantation era by Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton, featuring a distinctly Scottish architectural style. It was attacked during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire, leaving it in its current ruined state. It is free to visit and open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Yes, the Buninubber region offers various outdoor activities. You can find running trails, cycling routes, and easy hikes. For example, there are running loops near Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle. Cycling routes include the Kingfisher Cycle Trail, and easy hikes can take you to Tully Castle Ruins. You can explore more options in the Running Trails around Buninubber, Cycling around Buninubber, and Easy hikes around Buninubber guides.
There are several easy hiking trails that incorporate the castles. For instance, you can find routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. There's also a 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. More details can be found in the Easy hikes around Buninubber guide.
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a crucial role during WWII, serving as a major base for flying boats and housing up to 2,500 RAF personnel. These buildings were central to the military operations in the area, and sometimes exhibitions are held there to highlight this historical period.
Visitors appreciate the deep historical context and the dramatic settings of the castles. For example, Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, allows visitors to easily imagine life centuries ago. The ruins tell stories of past inhabitants and conflicts, making them engaging for exploration.
Yes, there is free parking available at Necarne Castle. While the castle itself is a ruin and closed to urban explorers, the surrounding area is known for its interesting horse farm and walking routes.


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