Top 4 Castles around Cady
Best castles around Cady offer a glimpse into historical architecture and past events. This region features a collection of historical sites, including fortified houses and castle ruins, set within varied landscapes. Exploring these locations provides insight into the area's heritage. The castles are often situated in natural settings, inviting visitors to combine historical exploration with outdoor activity.
Best castles around Cady
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site situated on Castle Hill within a 520β¦
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 visitorβs 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 kind of historical sites can I expect to find around Cady?
The Cady region features a collection of historical sites, including fortified houses and castle ruins. These structures offer a variety of historical periods and architectural styles to explore, providing insight into the area's heritage.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the Cady area?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly and features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition telling local stories. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also has a 'family_friendly' tag.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in the 1600s by an Englishman and served as the main stronghold on its estate. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. It sits on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest.
What happened at Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn on Tully Point, was built for Sir John Hume. In 1641, it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire, and its inhabitants were massacred. It was never lived in again after this event.
What is the significance of Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were a central location for RAF fighters during WWII, when Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to display historical notes from that period.
What is Necarne Castle known for?
Necarne Castle, once called Irvine Castle, was used as a military hospital during WWII. It is now a ruin, largely overtaken by plant life, and is closed to urban explorers.
Are there walking trails near the castles around Cady?
Yes, there are several walking trails. For example, you can find easy hiking routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Cady guide.
Can I go cycling near the castles in Cady?
Absolutely. The area offers various cycling routes, including the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' and routes connecting to Tully Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale. Find more details on the Cycling around Cady guide.
Are there mountain biking trails available near Cady's castles?
Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails such as the 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop' and the 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop'. Check the MTB Trails around Cady guide for more options.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Cady?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and the natural settings of these sites. For instance, at Old Castle Archdale, people enjoy imagining life centuries ago while wandering the crumbling walls perched atop a forest cliff.
Is there parking available at the castles?
While specific parking details for every castle are not always listed, Necarne Castle is mentioned as having free parking. It is advisable to check local signage or official websites for parking information at other sites.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Cady?
The castles around Cady are often situated in natural settings. Visiting during spring or autumn can offer pleasant weather for exploring both the historical sites and the surrounding landscapes. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter visits might offer a more serene, less crowded experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Most popular attractions around Cady
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