Top 4 Castles around Mantlin
Castles around Mantlin are found in a region with a rich history, featuring historical sites often set amidst forests and on clifftops. The area's landscape includes significant natural features, providing a backdrop for these ancient structures. Mantlin's historical context is evident in its castles, many of which played roles in past conflicts and events. Exploring these sites offers insight into the region's heritage and architectural evolution.
Best castles around Mantlin
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, aβ¦
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 among the castles around Mantlin?
The castles around Mantlin offer a glimpse into a rich past, featuring fortified houses, historical ruins, and former estates. For example, Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn that was attacked and burned in 1641, while Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, was the main castle on a significant estate.
Are there any castles around Mantlin with connections to military history?
Yes, Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during WWII. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major flying boat base during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people.
What natural features can I expect to see when visiting castles in the Mantlin area?
Many castles around Mantlin are set amidst significant natural features. Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest and perched on a clifftop. Tully Castle Ruins are located on scenic Tully Point.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Mantlin?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and features a visitor's centre with an exhibition. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also noted as family-friendly, sometimes hosting exhibitions relevant to their WWII history.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Mantlin?
The area around Mantlin's castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' in the Easy hikes around Mantlin guide. For more challenging options, explore the Hiking around Mantlin guide, which includes routes like 'Rossmore Point Beacon β Old Castle Archdale loop'.
Are there running trails near Mantlin's castles?
Yes, several running trails are available. You can find routes such as 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop' or 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) β Necarne Castle loop' in the Running Trails around Mantlin guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Mantlin?
Visitors appreciate the historical narratives and the atmospheric settings of the castles. For instance, Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, allows visitors to easily imagine life hundreds of years ago as they wander its crumbling walls.
Can I visit the interior of all the castles around Mantlin?
Not all castles offer interior access. Necarne Castle is a ruin closed to urban explorers, and Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house that was not inhabited after 1641, though it does have a visitor's centre with an exhibition.
Is there a visitor's center available at any of the castle sites?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitorβs centre located in a restored farmhouse, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle.
What is the historical significance of Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by an Englishman and was the main castle on its estate. It played a role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 when it was captured, and later saw its end during the Williamite Wars when it was burnt out and abandoned in 1689.
Are there any castles around Mantlin that are specifically ruins?
Yes, both Necarne Castle and Tully Castle Ruins are historical ruins. Necarne Castle has lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life, while Tully Castle is a fortified house that was burned and never re-inhabited.
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