Top 4 Castles around Lettermoney
Best castles around Lettermoney offer a glimpse into the rich history of County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This region is characterized by its historical sites, including 17th-century Plantation castles and later estates. The landscape provides a backdrop for exploring these historical structures, many of which are now ruins. These sites collectively represent various eras, from medieval strongholds to World War II remnants.
Best castles around Lettermoney
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest and historical site thatβ¦
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Necarne Castle
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Monea Castle Ruins
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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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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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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 Lettermoney located, and what castles are in its vicinity?
Lettermoney is a townland in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. While there are no castles directly within Lettermoney itself, the surrounding region of County Fermanagh is rich in historical sites. Notable castles nearby include Old Castle Archdale, Monea Castle Ruins, and Necarne Castle, along with others like Enniskillen Castle and Tully Castle.
What is the historical significance of the castles in the Lettermoney area?
The castles in this region primarily date back to the 17th-century Plantation of Ulster, showcasing Scottish and English architectural styles. They offer a tangible connection to the tumultuous Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the subsequent Williamite Wars. Sites like Old Castle Archdale and Monea Castle Ruins are prime examples of this era, while Necarne Castle even served as a military hospital during World War II.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Lettermoney?
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. Monea Castle Ruins is freely accessible and considered family-friendly, allowing children to explore the ruins. The broader Castle Archdale Country Park, which hosts Old Castle Archdale and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, offers various outdoor activities in addition to historical exploration.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Lettermoney offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including road cycling and touring bicycle options, with varying difficulties. There are also easy hiking trails, such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For more details on routes, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes around Lettermoney, Cycling around Lettermoney, and Easy hikes around Lettermoney guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Lettermoney?
The best time to visit is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer, making outdoor exploration of the ruins more pleasant. However, some sites like Monea Castle Ruins are accessible year-round, offering a different, often more atmospheric, experience in cooler months.
Are there any castles that are freely accessible?
Yes, Monea Castle Ruins are freely accessible to the public, typically open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. This allows visitors to explore its distinctive Scottish architectural style without an entrance fee.
Can I visit the castles in winter?
Many of the castle ruins, being outdoor sites, can be visited in winter, though facilities might be limited. For example, Monea Castle Ruins are open year-round. Be prepared for colder, potentially wet weather and shorter daylight hours. Always check specific opening times for any indoor attractions or visitor centers, such as those at Enniskillen Castle, as these may vary seasonally.
Are there any castles with museums or visitor centers?
Yes, Enniskillen Castle, located in the heart of Enniskillen town, houses both the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum. This provides a comprehensive historical experience with indoor exhibits, making it a great option for learning more about the region's past.
What are the walking difficulties around the castle sites?
Many of the castle sites, especially the ruins like Old Castle Archdale and Monea Castle Ruins, involve walking on uneven terrain. Trails within parks like Castle Archdale Country Park or Necarne Woods are generally easy to intermediate. For specific trail difficulties, refer to the route details in the Easy hikes around Lettermoney guide.
Are there any castles that are not fully accessible to the public?
Yes, Necarne Castle is currently a ruin that is closed to urban explorers and monitored by CCTV. While its exterior can be viewed, interior access is restricted due to its dilapidated state and safety concerns.
Are there any castles that offer insights into World War II history?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, near Old Castle Archdale, served as a major base for flying boats during World War II, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions detailing this wartime history are sometimes held there. Additionally, Necarne Castle was used as a military hospital during the war.
What other notable historical estates are in the region, besides castles?
Beyond the traditional castles, the region features other significant historical estates. Castle Coole, near Enniskillen, is a magnificent 18th-century neo-classical mansion with expansive parkland. Crom Estate includes the ruins of the 17th-century Old Crom Castle and the 19th-century New Crom Castle, set within a vast natural park managed by the National Trust.
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