Attractions and Places To See around Whitehill North - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see around Whitehill North include a collection of historical sites, ancient ruins, and natural features. The region is characterized by its historical castles and priories, often situated within forested landscapes or on strategic points. These sites offer insights into past eras, including periods of conflict and early Christian settlement. Whitehill North provides opportunities to explore significant historical landmarks set within varied terrain.
Best attractions and places to see around Whitehill North
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: July 6, 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 explore around Whitehill North?
Whitehill North is rich in historical sites, primarily featuring castles and ancient ruins. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin situated on a forest clifftop. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641. Don't miss Necarne Castle, which served as a military hospital during WWII and is now a ruin.
Are there any ancient religious sites in the area?
Yes, you can explore Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features several interesting stones, including the noted Bishops stone and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting its reuse as an early Christian cross slab.
What is the history behind the castles in Whitehill North?
The castles in Whitehill North have a turbulent history. Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later burned out in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house, was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 and never inhabited again. Necarne Castle, originally Irvine Castle, was in use as late as WWII as a military hospital before falling into ruin.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Whitehill North?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are both noted as family-friendly. The Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions detailing the area's history during WWII, which can be engaging for all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Whitehill North offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, running, and hiking. For detailed options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Whitehill North, Running Trails around Whitehill North, and Easy hikes around Whitehill North guides.
Are there easy hiking trails around Whitehill North?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. Popular options include the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km), 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' (5.2 km), and the 'Castle Archdale loop' (4.3 km). You can find more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Whitehill North guide.
Can I go running near the historical sites?
Absolutely. There are dedicated running trails that pass by or are close to historical sites. For example, the 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) – Necarne Castle loop from Irvinestown' is an 11.8 km moderate running trail. Check the Running Trails around Whitehill North guide for more options.
Are there cycling routes available?
Yes, Whitehill North offers a range of road cycling routes. You can find routes like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' (41.2 km, easy) or the 'Dromare and Omagh loop from Irvinestown' (89.8 km, moderate). Explore the Road Cycling Routes around Whitehill North guide for a comprehensive list.
What are the parking options for these attractions?
For Necarne Castle, free parking is available. For other historical sites like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, parking is generally available nearby, often within the associated forest parks or visitor centers.
What natural features or forested areas can I enjoy?
Old Castle Archdale is located within a vast 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering ample opportunities for walks and enjoying nature. The castle itself sits on a forest clifftop, providing a scenic backdrop to the historical ruins.
What do visitors enjoy most about Whitehill North?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and the natural settings of the attractions. The crumbling walls of sites like Old Castle Archdale, perched atop cliffs and surrounded by thick forest, allow for an immersive experience into past eras. The blend of ancient ruins with scenic landscapes, often within forest parks, is a major draw.
Is there a visitor's center for any of the historical sites?
Yes, for Tully Castle Ruins, there is a visitor's center located in a restored farmhouse. It houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle and its history.
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