Top 6 Castles around Hay Island
Best castles around Hay Island offer a journey through historical fortifications and significant estates. The region features a landscape rich in history, with structures dating back centuries. Visitors can explore various historical sites, from medieval ruins to 17th-century fortified houses. This area provides opportunities to engage with local heritage and architectural traditions.
Best castles around Hay Island
- The most popular castles is Enniskillen Castle, a historical site that has many stories to tell, from Irish rebellions to sieges. This 16th-century castle now functions as a heritage center and museum, open to the public.
- Another must-see spot is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site and castle ruin. Built in the 1600s, this castle sits on a forest clifftop and was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn. This site was attacked and burned in 1641 and has not been inhabited since, offering a glimpse into a dramatic past.
- Hay Island is known for historical sites, castle ruins, and fortified houses. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, each with its own unique history and architectural style.
- The castles around Hay Island are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 8 upvotes and 10 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Enniskillen Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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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Old Castle Archdale
Highlight • Forest
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Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
A visitor’s 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
Highlight • Monument
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Necarne Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
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 – 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
What are the most notable castles featured in this guide?
This guide highlights several significant historical sites. Among them are Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century site with a rich history of Irish rebellions and sieges, now a heritage center and museum. Another is Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century ruin on a forest clifftop, captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Also featured are Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house burned in 1641 and never re-inhabited, offering a dramatic glimpse into the past.
Are there any castles directly on Hay Island, Connecticut?
No, there are no known historical castles on Hay Island, Connecticut. The island is primarily known for a private, luxurious estate with a New England Colonial style residence, rather than ancient fortifications. The castles mentioned in this guide, such as Enniskillen Castle and Old Castle Archdale, are located in a different region.
What kind of history can I explore at these castles?
The castles in this guide offer a deep dive into regional history, including periods of Irish rebellions, sieges, and plantation-era architecture. For example, Enniskillen Castle tells stories from Irish rebellions against English rule, while Old Castle Archdale was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Tully Castle Ruins provides a stark reminder of a violent past, having been attacked and burned in 1641.
Are any of the castles family-friendly?
Yes, several castles are considered family-friendly. Enniskillen Castle, for instance, functions as a heritage center and museum, making it an engaging educational visit for all ages. Tully Castle Ruins also has a visitor's center in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition telling local stories, which can be interesting for families. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer family-friendly historical insights.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around these castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find cycling routes, running trails, and mountain biking trails. For cycling, explore options like the Kingfisher Cycle Trail or the Tully Castle Ruins – Lough Melvin loop. Running enthusiasts can try routes such as the Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop. Mountain bikers have trails like the Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Hay Island, Running Trails around Hay Island, and MTB Trails around Hay Island guides.
Can I visit Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is now a ruin. While it was in use as late as WWII as a military hospital, it has since lost its roof and is largely overtaken by plant life. It is currently closed to urban explorers, with CCTV in operation.
What can I expect at Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins consists of a fortified house and bawn, set on Tully Point. It was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 and has not been inhabited since, offering a poignant historical experience. There is a visitor’s center in a restored farmhouse nearby that houses an exhibition detailing local stories related to the castle.
What is the significance of Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a significant role during WWII, serving as a central location for RAF fighters when Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to highlight the area's historical use during the war.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and architectural insights offered by these sites. Many enjoy imagining life centuries ago while wandering the crumbling walls of places like Old Castle Archdale. The transformation of Enniskillen Castle into a heritage center and museum is also highly valued for its educational experience. The komoot community has shown its appreciation with more than 8 upvotes and 10 photos shared.
Are there any viewpoints or natural features near Old Castle Archdale?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a viewpoint and natural surroundings. The setting allows visitors to experience the historical ruins amidst a scenic natural landscape.
What are the opening hours for Enniskillen Castle?
Enniskillen Castle is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. It functions as a heritage center and museum, providing ample opportunity to explore its history.
Is there a visitor's center at Tully Castle Ruins?
Yes, there is a visitor’s center located in a restored farmhouse near Tully Castle Ruins. It houses an exhibition that tells local stories relating to the castle, providing additional context and information about its dramatic past.
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