Top 5 Castles around Innishmacsaint
Best castles around Innishmacsaint are found in the surrounding County Fermanagh area, which features a rich historical landscape. Innishmacsaint itself is known for its early Christian heritage, including ancient church ruins and a high cross. The region offers a variety of historical sites, from medieval fortresses to 17th-century Plantation-era structures. These sites provide insight into centuries of local and military history within a natural setting.
Best castles around Innishmacsaint
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site and castle situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest. Built in the 1600s, it was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site that served as a military hospital during WWII. This ruin is now closed to urban explorers but remains a notable historical landmark.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a 17th-century fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point. It was attacked and burned in 1641, providing a glimpse into the Plantation history of Ulster.
- Innishmacsaint is known for Plantation-era fortified houses, medieval strongholds, and 17th-century ruins. The area offers a diverse range of historical castles to explore, each with its own unique story.
- The castles around Innishmacsaint are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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A visitorโs 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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Monea Castle Ruins
Highlight โข Historical Site
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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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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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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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 visitorโs 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I explore around Innishmacsaint?
The area around Innishmacsaint, particularly County Fermanagh, offers a rich variety of historical sites. You can explore medieval fortresses, 17th-century Plantation-era fortified houses, and ruins that tell stories of local and military history. Innishmacsaint itself is known for its early Christian heritage, including ancient church ruins and a high cross.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Innishmacsaint?
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are both listed as family-friendly historical sites. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, with their WWII history, can be engaging for families, especially when exhibitions are held.
Which castles offer free entry around Innishmacsaint?
You can visit Tully Castle and Monea Castle Ruins for free. Tully Castle is a National Monument, and Monea Castle Ruins are open to visitors without charge from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes around Innishmacsaint, including routes like "Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island" and "Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle." For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the "Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop." Runners can explore trails such as "Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop." You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, cycling, and running trails guides.
Are there any castles with museums or visitor centers nearby?
Yes, Enniskillen Castle, located in the heart of Enniskillen town, houses two museums: the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum, offering deep dives into local and military history. Tully Castle also has a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse, which features an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Innishmacsaint?
The castles and surrounding areas are enjoyable throughout the year. However, for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and summer (May to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather. Visiting during these months allows for comfortable exploration of the ruins and the scenic landscapes.
Can I find parking at the castles?
Parking availability varies by site. For example, Necarne Castle offers free parking. It's advisable to check specific details for each castle you plan to visit, but generally, historical sites in the region provide visitor parking.
Which castles offer a glimpse into the Plantation history of Ulster?
Tully Castle Ruins, a 17th-century fortified house, provides a direct insight into the Plantation era, having been built by Sir John Hume in 1612 and later attacked in 1641. Similarly, Monea Castle Ruins, built in 1616, is another excellent example of a Plantation-era castle with a distinctly Scottish style.
Are there any castles that played a role in World War II?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were a significant base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people. Necarne Castle also served as a military hospital during WWII, highlighting its later historical use beyond its original purpose.
What should I wear when visiting castles and historical sites in the area?
Given that many sites are ruins or involve outdoor exploration, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Layers of clothing are also a good idea, as the weather in Northern Ireland can be changeable. A waterproof jacket is advisable, especially if you plan to spend extended time outdoors or visit during cooler months.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to discover?
While popular sites like Enniskillen Castle attract many visitors, exploring ruins such as Tully Castle Ruins or Monea Castle Ruins can offer a more tranquil experience. These sites provide a rich historical context in picturesque settings without the larger crowds of more commercialized attractions.
What makes Old Castle Archdale unique?
Old Castle Archdale is unique due to its dramatic location on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest. Built in the 1600s, it was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689, leaving behind evocative ruins that allow visitors to imagine its turbulent past.
Most popular attractions around Innishmacsaint
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