Top 6 Castles around Inish Free
Best castles around Inish Free are found in the broader region surrounding the famous Lake Isle of Innisfree, a small island on Lough Gill in County Sligo, Ireland. This area is known for its serene atmosphere and literary connection to W.B. Yeats. While the island itself is uninhabited and inaccessible on foot, the surrounding landscape offers picturesque views. The region features a collection of historical castles, providing insight into local history and architecture.
Best castles around Inish Free
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Last updated: June 28, 2026
Enniskillen Castle
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Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Necarne Castle
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The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
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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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Built in the 16th century, Enniskillen Castle has many stories to tell βΒ from Irish rebellions against English rule to sieges and protection from the threat of French invasion. In the 1950s, the castle was decommissioned as an army barracks and opened as a heritage centre. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about the region's history. The castle is open from 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11am - 5pm on weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly are the castles located in relation to Inish Free?
The famous Lake Isle of Innisfree is a small, uninhabited island on Lough Gill. The castles are not directly on the island but are situated in the broader region around Innisfree and Lough Gill. For example, Parke's Castle is on the northern shores of Lough Gill, and others like Enniskillen Castle are a bit further afield but still within the region.
What types of castles can I explore around Inish Free?
The region offers a diverse range of historical experiences. You can visit beautifully restored 17th-century plantation castles like Parke's Castle, significant historical sites that now function as museums such as Enniskillen Castle, or evocative ruins with compelling stories like Tully Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale.
How much time should I allocate to visit the castles?
The time needed varies by castle. For a restored site like Parke's Castle, guided tours typically last around 45 minutes. For ruins such as Old Castle Archdale or Tully Castle Ruins, you might spend 1-2 hours exploring the grounds and any visitor centers. A larger site like Enniskillen Castle, with its museum, could easily take 2-3 hours.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the area?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Enniskillen Castle, Tully Castle Ruins, and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are all listed as family-friendly. These sites often offer historical insights and space for exploration that can engage visitors of all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Inish Free offers various outdoor activities. Near Tully Castle, you can find difficult MTB routes like the 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop'. Near Old Castle Archdale, there are easy MTB and running loops. For road cycling, routes around Enniskillen Castle are available. You can find more details on these and other routes in the MTB Trails, Running Trails, and Road Cycling Routes guides for the Inish Free area.
Are there any easy walks or trails around the castles?
Yes, there are several easy routes that incorporate the castles. For example, near Old Castle Archdale, you can find an easy MTB route called 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick'. Another easy MTB option is the 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop'. These routes offer a chance to explore the historical sites within a natural setting.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles?
Visiting during spring or summer (April to September) generally offers the most pleasant weather for exploring outdoor ruins and castle grounds. Many sites, like Parke's Castle, also offer boat tours around Lough Gill during these warmer months. However, the historical significance of sites like Enniskillen Castle, with its indoor museum, makes it a good option year-round.
Are the castles accessible by public transport?
While some larger towns like Enniskillen may have public transport options, many of the castles and ruins in the broader Inish Free region are best accessed by car. Public transport to more remote sites like Old Castle Archdale or Tully Castle Ruins may be limited or require significant planning.
Can I find cafes or refreshments near the castles?
Larger, more developed sites like Parke's Castle often have visitor facilities including cafes. Enniskillen Castle, being in a town, has many dining options nearby. For more remote ruins such as Old Castle Archdale or Necarne Castle, it's advisable to bring your own refreshments or plan to visit a nearby town before or after your exploration.
What historical events are associated with these castles?
The castles in this region have rich histories. Enniskillen Castle played a role in Irish rebellions and sieges. Tully Castle Ruins were tragically attacked and burned in 1641. Old Castle Archdale was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire. Even Necarne Castle served as a military hospital during WWII.
Are there any hidden gem castles or lesser-known sites worth visiting?
While not a 'hidden gem' in the sense of being unknown, Old Castle Archdale, perched on a forest clifftop, offers an evocative experience of crumbling walls reclaimed by nature. Similarly, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, while not a traditional castle, offer a unique historical perspective as a major WWII flying boat base, sometimes hosting exhibitions.
What kind of views can I expect from the castles?
Many castles offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. From Parke's Castle, you can enjoy excellent views of the courtyard and countryside, and boat tours often depart from there, offering views of Lough Gill. Old Castle Archdale sits on a forest clifftop, providing picturesque vistas of the forest and potentially the lake.
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