Top 4 Castles around Toms Island
Castles around Toms Island are primarily located within the scenic Castle Archdale Forest in Northern Ireland, an area historically significant for its fortifications. This region, once an island, is now accessible by foot and features dense woodlands and shores along Lower Lough Erne. The landscape offers panoramic views and is home to various wildlife. Exploring the area provides insight into 17th-century history and architecture amidst a natural setting.
Best castles around Toms Island
- The most popular castles is Old Castleโฆ
Last updated: June 29, 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 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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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
Where is Toms Island located?
Toms Island is located within the scenic Castle Archdale Forest in Northern Ireland. Historically an island, it is now fully accessible by foot and sits along the shores of Lower Lough Erne.
What historical castles can I explore near Toms Island?
You can visit several historical sites, including the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century fortification. Another significant ruin is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre. Additionally, Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, offers a glimpse into the area's past, including its use as a military hospital during WWII.
How much time should I allocate to visit the castles around Toms Island?
Visiting the main castle ruins like Old Castle Archdale or Tully Castle Ruins can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours each, especially if you explore the surrounding grounds or visitor centers. If you plan to visit multiple sites and enjoy the forest trails, a full day would be recommended.
Is parking available at the castles around Toms Island?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Necarne Castle offers free parking. The wider Castle Archdale Forest, where Old Castle Archdale is located, also has designated parking areas for visitors.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Toms Island?
Yes, both Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre that tells local stories, which can be engaging for all ages. The Courtyard Buildings also host exhibitions about the area's WWII history.
Can I bring my dog to the castles around Toms Island?
Many of the castle ruins, being outdoor historical sites within forest settings like Old Castle Archdale, are generally dog-friendly, especially if kept on a leash. However, it's always best to check specific site regulations before your visit, particularly for indoor visitor centers or protected areas.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Toms Island offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes like the 'Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. For cycling, there are options such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or longer road cycling routes like 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop'. You can explore more routes in the Running Trails around Toms Island, Cycling around Toms Island, and Road Cycling Routes around Toms Island guides.
What natural features can I see around the castles?
The castles are set within a beautiful natural landscape. Old Castle Archdale is located within Castle Archdale Forest, offering dense woodlands and panoramic views over Lower Lough Erne. The forest is also home to diverse wildlife, including pine martens, red squirrels, and foxes, which you might spot along the trails.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Toms Island?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of rich history and stunning natural scenery. Exploring the crumbling walls of 17th-century ruins like Old Castle Archdale, set against the backdrop of Lower Lough Erne and dense forests, offers a unique historical experience. The area's tranquil atmosphere and opportunities for walking and wildlife spotting are also highly valued.
Are there any less crowded castles to visit in the area?
While Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins are popular, the expansive nature of Castle Archdale Forest and the rural setting of these sites generally allow for a less crowded experience compared to more urban attractions. Visiting during off-peak hours or seasons can further enhance tranquility.
What is the best season to visit the castles around Toms Island?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and enjoying the surrounding forest and lough views. The foliage is lush, and wildlife is more active. However, the historical sites are accessible year-round, with autumn providing beautiful colors and winter offering a stark, atmospheric beauty.
Are there any castles with connections to World War II history?
Yes, Necarne Castle was used as a military hospital during WWII. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are remnants of a major WWII flying boat base that housed up to 2,500 people, often hosting exhibitions about this period.
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