Top 4 Castles around Letterkeen
Best castles around Letterkeen are found in the broader region, as Letterkeen itself is primarily known for its natural beauty and as a starting point for hiking routes within Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park in County Mayo, Ireland. The area features strenuous walking trails, mountain vistas, and river scenery. While Letterkeen is a destination for nature enthusiasts, the surrounding region offers several historical castle sites. These sites provide a glimpse into the area's past, complementing the natural landscapes of the Letterkeen Forest trails.
Best castles around Letterkeen
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest and historical site that was built in the 1600s on Castle Hill within a large forest. It was destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 after being captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site that was once known as Irvine Castle. It served as a military hospital during WWII and is now a ruin, largely overtaken by plant life.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a castle and historical site built for Sir John Hume. It was attacked and burned in 1641 and now features a visitor's centre with local stories.
- Letterkeen's surrounding area offers a variety of castle types, including fortified houses, ruins, and historical sites. These range from 17th-century structures to those used as late as WWII, providing diverse historical contexts to explore.
- The castles around Letterkeen are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared across the various highlights.
Last updated: June 28, 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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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 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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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 types of historical sites can I expect to find among the castles near Letterkeen?
The region around Letterkeen offers a diverse range of historical castle sites. You'll find fortified houses, ruins, and structures that served various purposes throughout history. For example, Old Castle Archdale is a 17th-century castle built on Castle Hill, while Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, was even used as a military hospital during WWII.
Are there any family-friendly castle sites to visit near Letterkeen?
Yes, there are family-friendly options. Tully Castle Ruins is a great choice, featuring a visitor's centre with local stories that can engage all ages. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which were a significant WWII base, sometimes host exhibitions that are suitable for families.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Today, its crumbling walls stand within a large forest, offering a glimpse into its tumultuous past.
Can I explore the area around Tully Castle Ruins on foot?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is located on Tully Point and is accessible on foot. There's also a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby that provides interesting local stories related to the castle.
What is the significance of Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a crucial role during WWII, serving as a major base for flying boats and housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and exhibitions are occasionally held to showcase the area's wartime history.
What is the current state of Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, originally known as Irvine Castle, is now a ruin. It was used as a military hospital during WWII but has since lost its roof and is largely overgrown with plant life. While it's a historical site, access for urban exploration is restricted, with CCTV in place.
Are there hiking or walking trails near these castles?
Yes, many of the castles are situated in areas with walking opportunities. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is located within a 520-hectare forest, offering scenic walks. You can find various routes, including easy loops like the 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop', by exploring the Running Trails around Letterkeen or MTB Trails around Letterkeen guides.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Letterkeen?
Beyond exploring the castles, the broader region offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for mountain biking, running, and road cycling. Check out the MTB Trails around Letterkeen, Running Trails around Letterkeen, and Road Cycling Routes around Letterkeen guides for detailed route information.
Is there parking available near the castle sites?
Parking availability varies by site. For Necarne Castle, free parking is available. For other locations, it's advisable to check local signage or visitor information upon arrival, as many are within larger forest or park areas that typically provide facilities.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and surrounding natural areas?
The Letterkeen area, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails, is generally pleasant from spring through autumn. These seasons offer milder weather for exploring both the castle ruins and the extensive forest trails. Winter can be challenging due to weather conditions, especially for strenuous walks in Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park.
Are there any natural features or viewpoints near the castles?
Yes, the region is rich in natural beauty. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The broader Letterkeen area itself is known for mountain vistas and river scenery, complementing the historical sites.
What should I wear for exploring the castle sites and nearby trails?
Given that many castles are ruins and often located within natural settings like forests, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Layered clothing is also advisable, as weather conditions can change, especially if you plan to explore the more strenuous trails in the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park area.
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