Attractions and Places To See around Coolisk - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Coolisk include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features several ancient castles and priories, often situated within forested areas. These locations offer insights into the area's past and provide opportunities for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Coolisk
- The most popular attractions is Old Castle Archdale, a forest that contains a historical castle built in the 1600s. It is situated on Castle Hill within a large…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Necarne Castle
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Coolisk?
Coolisk is rich in history, featuring several ancient castles and religious sites. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a clifftop within a large forest. Another significant historical site is Necarne Castle, which served as a military hospital during WWII. Don't miss Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn with a visitor's center, or the ancient Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Coolisk area?
Yes, there are family-friendly options. Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn with a visitor's center that tells local stories, making it an engaging stop for families. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, a former WWII base, sometimes host exhibitions that can be interesting for all ages.
What kind of natural features or viewpoints can I find around Coolisk?
The region offers natural landscapes, often intertwined with historical sites. Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest and offers views from its clifftop location. The area's historical sites are frequently found within forested settings, providing opportunities for exploration amidst nature.
Are there hiking trails near the attractions in Coolisk?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km) or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' (5.2 km). For more options, explore the various routes listed in the Hiking around Coolisk guide.
Where can I find easy walks or beginner hikes around Coolisk?
For easier walks, consider routes such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km) or the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' (2 km). These are generally less challenging. More easy options are available in the Easy hikes around Coolisk guide.
Are there running trails available near Coolisk's attractions?
Yes, there are running trails for various fitness levels. You can find moderate routes like the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Lisnarrick' (6.9 km) or more difficult ones such as the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick' (16.1 km). Discover more options in the Running Trails around Coolisk guide.
What is the history behind the castles in Coolisk?
The castles in Coolisk have a rich and often turbulent history. Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689. Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house, was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, after which it was never inhabited again. Necarne Castle, originally Irvine Castle, was even used as a military hospital during WWII.
Is there parking available at the attractions?
At Necarne Castle, free parking is available. For other attractions, it's advisable to check local signage or specific highlight details for parking information.
What are the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones?
The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones are located in a graveyard and feature several historically significant stones. These include the 'Bishops stone,' which has been altered and reused, and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was once a bullaun stone before being repurposed as an early Christian cross slab. A holed stone and a broken stone pillar are also present.
Can I visit the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are accessible. These buildings were a central part of a major WWII base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards, showcasing the area's wartime history.
What should I know before visiting Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn on Tully Point. It's important to note that while there is a visitor's center in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition about the castle's history, the castle itself is accessible on foot only. It was attacked and burned in 1641 and never re-inhabited.
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