Top 4 Castles around Gorteen
Best castles around Gorteen are found in a region characterized by its historical significance and varied landscapes. While the village of Gorteen is in County Sligo, the broader area and surrounding counties offer a range of historical fortifications. These sites provide insights into Ireland's past, from Gaelic strongholds to Norman constructions. The region features a mix of ruined castles and fortified houses, often set amidst natural scenery.
Best castles around Gorteen
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale,…
Last updated: May 1, 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 visitor’s 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 are the most historically significant castles in the Gorteen area?
The region around Gorteen is rich in history. Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century stronghold, played a significant role during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house, was attacked and burned in 1641. While not directly in Gorteen, Moygara Castle, just south of Gorteen in County Sligo, is a prominent Gaelic castle from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, strongly associated with the O'Gara clan.
Are there any castles near Gorteen that are suitable for families?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with exhibitions about the castle's history. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which served as a major base during WWII, also offer a family-friendly historical experience.
Can I explore the interiors of these castles, or are they mostly ruins?
Many castles in the area are ruins. For instance, Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins are primarily ruins, though Tully Castle has a visitor's centre. Necarne Castle is also a ruin, closed to urban explorers. Moygara Castle in County Sligo is on private land with no public access currently. Ballymote Castle, a large Norman ruin in County Sligo, can be explored externally, but interior access is limited due to its condition.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes near Old Castle Archdale, such as the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route. Necarne Castle is located near Necarne Woods, offering easy walking routes. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Gorteen or the cycling routes around Gorteen.
Are there any castles near Gorteen that are still inhabited or operate as hotels?
While the castles listed in the guide are ruins, Markree Castle in County Sligo, though not directly in Gorteen, is a 17th-century castle transformed into a luxury hotel and wedding venue. It offers accommodation and extensive grounds.
What is the best way to experience the history of Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins offers a unique historical experience. A visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse, provides exhibitions relating to the castle's history, including local stories. Note that the castle itself is on foot only.
Are there any castles near Gorteen that are free to visit or have free parking?
Many castle ruins, like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, are generally accessible without an entrance fee, though visitor centres might have charges. Necarne Castle offers free parking.
What is the significance of Moygara Castle near Gorteen?
Moygara Castle, located just three miles south of Gorteen in County Sligo, is considered one of the finest Gaelic castles in the northwest of Ireland. It dates primarily from the late 16th and early 17th centuries and was a significant stronghold for the O'Gara clan, serving as a political and administrative center. While currently on private land with no public access, it holds immense historical value.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these castles?
Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a scenic backdrop. Tully Castle Ruins are set on Tully Point, likely offering views of the surrounding waters. The broader County Sligo region features rugged Atlantic coastlines and various natural landscapes.
Are there any castles in the area that were used during World War II?
Yes, Necarne Castle served as a military hospital during WWII. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people.
What is the best time of year to visit castles around Gorteen?
The best time to visit County Sligo for walking and exploring castles is generally during the warmer, drier months from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This period offers more pleasant weather for outdoor exploration, though Irish weather can be unpredictable year-round.
Are there any coastal castles near Gorteen?
While the castles directly mentioned in the guide are inland, Enniscrone Castle (O'Dowd Castle) in County Sligo is a 15th-century coastal tower house ruin. It offers a scenic view against the rugged Atlantic coast.
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