Top 5 Castles around Drumreask
Castles around Drumreask are primarily located in the broader region, particularly in County Fermanagh, Ireland, as Drumreask itself is a townland in County Monaghan. This area features a historical landscape with several 17th-century castle ruins. These sites offer insights into the Plantation period and the Irish Rebellion. The region's castles provide a historical context for the surrounding natural environment.
Best castles around Drumreask
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site built in the 1600s onβ¦
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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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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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 visit near Drumreask?
While Drumreask itself is a townland, the broader region, particularly County Fermanagh, offers several significant 17th-century castle ruins. You can explore sites like Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and Monea Castle Ruins. These locations provide a glimpse into the Plantation period and the Irish Rebellion.
What kind of history do the castles around Drumreask represent?
The castles in this region primarily represent the turbulent 17th century, a period marked by the Plantation of Ulster and the Irish Rebellion of 1641. For example, Old Castle Archdale was built by an English planter and later captured during the rebellion. Tully Castle Ruins suffered a devastating attack on Christmas Eve 1641, and Monea Castle Ruins, built in a distinct Scottish style, was also attacked during this period.
Are the castles around Drumreask suitable for families?
Yes, several castles in the area are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are both listed as family-friendly historical sites. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which are part of the wider Castle Archdale estate, also offer family-friendly experiences, sometimes hosting exhibitions.
Are there accessible castles near Drumreask?
While specific accessibility details for each ruin can vary, many of these sites are open-air ruins. Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's center in a restored farmhouse, which may offer better accessibility. It's always recommended to check specific site information for detailed accessibility before visiting.
Can I bring my dog to the castles near Drumreask?
Information on dog-friendliness varies by site. Many outdoor ruins and surrounding parklands may permit dogs on leads, but it's best to check with individual sites before your visit. For example, Old Castle Archdale is situated within a large forest, which often allows for dog walks.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Drumreask?
The castles are primarily outdoor ruins, so visiting during milder weather is generally recommended. Spring and summer (April to September) offer more pleasant conditions for exploring, with longer daylight hours. However, the historical sites can be visited year-round, with winter visits offering a different, often quieter, atmosphere.
Is there parking available at the castles?
Yes, parking is generally available at or near the main castle sites. For example, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's center, which would typically include parking facilities. Monea Castle Ruins is free to visit and likely has nearby parking. For Old Castle Archdale, located within a forest, parking would be available at the forest park entrance.
How long should I plan for a visit to these castles?
For each individual castle ruin, you can typically expect to spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the site and its immediate surroundings. If you plan to visit multiple castles or combine your visit with nearby outdoor activities, you should allocate a full day.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Drumreask?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB Trails around Drumreask, including routes like the 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. There are also excellent Hiking around Drumreask, such as the 'Cliffs of Magho loop'. For road cyclists, explore Road Cycling Routes around Drumreask, including a 'Tully Castle Ruins β The Big Tree loop'.
Are there hiking trails near the castles?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. For instance, the area around Old Castle Archdale is within a large forest, offering trails. You can find various options for Hiking around Drumreask, ranging from easy loops like the 'Cliffs of Magho loop' to more challenging routes.
Are there any castles with visitor centers or additional facilities?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's center located in a restored farmhouse. This center houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle, providing additional context and information about its history.
Are there any castles that are free to visit?
Yes, Monea Castle Ruins is free to visit and is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. This makes it an accessible option for exploring the region's history without an entrance fee.
What do visitors enjoy the most about the castles around Drumreask?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the atmospheric ruins. Many enjoy imagining life centuries ago while wandering the crumbling walls of sites like Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff. The stories of turbulent times, such as the attacks on Tully Castle Ruins, also captivate visitors, especially with the added context from the visitor center.
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