Top 4 Castles around Drumard
Castles around Drumard offer insights into the region's historical past, with several notable sites located in its vicinity. The area features a landscape where 17th-century Plantation castles and fortified houses stand as ruins. These historical landmarks provide opportunities for exploration within natural settings like forests and along clifftops. The region around Drumard presents a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor discovery.
Best castles around Drumard
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site situated on aโฆ
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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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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 castles can I explore near Drumard?
The area around Drumard features several 17th-century Plantation castles and fortified houses, many of which are now ruins. These include sites like Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and Monea Castle, offering a glimpse into the region's historical past.
Are there any castles near Drumard that are free to visit?
Yes, Monea Castle, a 17th-century Plantation castle ruin, is free to visit. It is generally open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Which castles near Drumard have visitor centers or exhibitions?
Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's center located in a restored farmhouse. It houses an exhibition detailing local stories related to the castle and its history.
Can I visit castles near Drumard that are set in natural surroundings?
Absolutely. Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, perched on a clifftop. This offers a blend of historical exploration and natural scenery.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale. It served as the main castle on its estate before being succeeded by the 18th-century Castle Archdale. The castle was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689.
What is the story of Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn, was built for Sir John Hume. It was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, resulting in the massacre of its inhabitants. The castle was never re-inhabited after this event.
Are there any castles near Drumard with a connection to World War II?
Yes, Necarne Castle (formerly Irvine Castle) was used as a military hospital during World War II. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people.
Are there walking or cycling routes near the castles around Drumard?
Yes, there are various outdoor activities available. For example, you can find MTB trails like the 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop' or the 'Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. Road cycling routes include the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale'. For runners, there's the 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) โ Necarne Castle loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the MTB Trails around Drumard, Road Cycling Routes around Drumard, and Running Trails around Drumard guides.
What should I know about visiting Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn on Tully Point. While there's a visitor's center, note that the castle itself is accessible on foot only, so you'll need to step off your bike if cycling.
Is there parking available at the castles near Drumard?
Yes, for Necarne Castle, free parking is available. For other locations like Old Castle Archdale, parking is typically available within the surrounding forest park areas.
What do visitors appreciate most about the castles around Drumard?
Visitors often enjoy the historical significance and the natural settings of these castles. Sites like Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff surrounded by thick forest, allow visitors to imagine life hundreds of years ago while wandering the crumbling walls. The visitor's center at Tully Castle Ruins is also appreciated for its local stories.
Are there any family-friendly castle options near Drumard?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are both considered family-friendly. The visitor's center at Tully Castle offers educational exhibitions, and the Castle Archdale area provides space for exploration.
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