Castles around Rosspoint are situated in a region characterized by historical sites and natural landscapes. This area features a collection of 17th-century castles and ruins, often found within forests or on prominent points. The terrain includes forest clifftops and points overlooking water, providing varied settings for these historical structures. This region offers insights into past conflicts and architectural styles.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Highlight β’ Forest
Tip by
Highlight β’ 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
Highlight β’ Monument
Tip by
Highlight β’ Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight β’ Historical Site
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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 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)
3
0
The castles around Rosspoint are primarily 17th-century structures, including fortified houses, tower houses, and castle ruins. They offer a glimpse into the Plantation era and historical events like the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite Wars. Examples include Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and Monea Castle Ruins.
Yes, several castles around Rosspoint are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are noted as family-friendly. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer family-friendly experiences, sometimes hosting exhibitions.
Many castles in the Rosspoint area are set within beautiful natural landscapes. Old Castle Archdale, for instance, is situated on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. Tully Castle Ruins are located on Tully Point, offering scenic views.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities near the castles. You can find easy hikes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. For more options, explore the 'Easy hikes around Rosspoint' guide at komoot.com/guide/3645048/easy-hikes-around-rosspoint or the general 'Hiking around Rosspoint' guide at komoot.com/guide/800669/hiking-around-rosspoint.
Absolutely. The area offers various running trails. You can find routes such as 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop' and 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) β Necarne Castle loop'. Check out the 'Running Trails around Rosspoint' guide for detailed routes at komoot.com/guide/800674/running-trails-around-rosspoint.
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. It sits on a forest clifftop, offering a vivid sense of its past.
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. It was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, and its inhabitants massacred. The castle was never reoccupied. A visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby tells local stories related to the castle.
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is now a ruin. It was used as a military hospital during WWII before falling into disrepair. While the ruins are closed to urban explorers, the surrounding area offers a horse farm and walking routes.
The castles are generally accessible year-round. For sites like Monea Castle Ruins, which are free to visit, they are open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Visiting during milder weather allows for more comfortable exploration of the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural areas.
Yes, several castles in the Rosspoint area date back to the Plantation in the 17th century. Monea Castle Ruins, for example, was built in 1616 by Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton in a distinct Scottish style, reflecting the period when settlers from Great Britain colonized lands in Ireland.
During WWII, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. The Courtyard Buildings were central to the RAF personnel stationed there. Sometimes, exhibitions are held in these courtyards to highlight the area's historical role during the war.
The castles around Rosspoint showcase 17th-century architectural styles, often reflecting the fortified houses and tower houses of the Plantation period. Monea Castle Ruins is a notable example, built in a distinctly Scottish style.


Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Rosspoint: