Top 4 Castles around White Island
Best castles around White Island are found in a region rich in history and natural beauty, characterized by its lakes and forests. This area, often associated with County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, offers a glimpse into centuries of historical events and architectural heritage. The landscape provides a scenic backdrop for exploring these ancient structures. Visitors can discover various historical sites, from fortified houses to castle ruins, each telling a part of the region's past.
Best castles around White Island
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site situated on a forest clifftop. Built in the 1600s, it was the main castle on its estate before being burnt out and abandoned in 1689.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical ruin. Once known as Irvine Castle, it was used as a military hospital during WWII and is now overtaken by plant life.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house. This castle was built for Sir John Hume and was attacked and burned in 1641, never to be lived in again.
- White Island is known for its castle ruins and historical sites. These include fortified houses and abandoned castles, showcasing different periods of the region's past.
- The castles around White Island are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 10 highlights photos and 10 upvotes, reflecting their historical significance and scenic appeal.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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A visitorβs centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle.
(discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Necarne Castle
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Tips from the Community
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 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)
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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
What is the historical significance of the castles around White Island, County Fermanagh?
The castles in this region, such as Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, offer a glimpse into centuries of historical events, including the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite Wars. They represent fortified houses and estates from the 1600s, showcasing the architectural heritage and turbulent past of the area.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near White Island?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly. It features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle, making it an engaging visit for all ages. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer family-friendly historical insights.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around White Island offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' routes. For cycling enthusiasts, the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' is a popular option. You can explore more routes in the hiking guide and cycling guide for White Island.
What natural features can I expect to see when visiting castles in this region?
The castles are set amidst a landscape rich in natural beauty, characterized by lakes and forests. Old Castle Archdale, for instance, is situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views. The region's natural setting provides a picturesque backdrop for exploring these historical sites.
Are there any easy walking trails to reach the castles?
Yes, several easy walking trails lead to or around the castles. For example, the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' routes are both rated as easy. The 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' is also an easy option. You can find more details in the easy hikes guide for the area.
What is the best time to visit the castles around White Island?
While specific seasonal considerations are not detailed, visiting during milder weather would enhance the experience of exploring outdoor ruins and trails. The region's lakes and forests are beautiful in spring and summer, and autumn offers vibrant foliage. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Can I bring my dog to the castle sites?
Information on dog-friendly facilities for specific castle interiors is limited. However, many of the surrounding trails and outdoor areas, such as those in Castle Archdale Country Park, are generally dog-friendly for walks, provided dogs are kept on a leash. Always check specific site regulations before visiting.
What is the history of <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, has a varied history. It was used as a military hospital during WWII but has since fallen into ruin, with its roof lost and overtaken by plant life. It is now a historical ruin, closed to urban explorers.
How long does it typically take to visit a castle ruin in this area?
The duration of a visit can vary. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins, which includes a visitor's centre, you might spend 1-2 hours. Exploring Old Castle Archdale, situated on a clifftop within a forest, might involve a longer walk, so plan for a few hours to fully appreciate the site and its surroundings.
Are there any viewpoints near the castles?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is located on a forest clifftop, which suggests it offers viewpoints of the surrounding landscape. The general region, with its lakes and forests, provides many scenic vistas.
What should I wear when visiting the castle ruins?
Given that many of these are ruins and involve walking on trails, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Dress in layers suitable for the weather, as conditions can change, especially near lakes and in forested areas. A waterproof jacket might also be useful.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the castles for refreshments?
While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to each ruin are not detailed, the region around White Island, particularly in nearby towns and villages, will offer options for refreshments and accommodation. Castle Archdale Country Park, for example, is likely to have facilities or be close to amenities.
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