Top 5 Castles around Rossachrin
Castles around Rossachrin offer insights into 17th-century history and architectural remains. The region features several historical castles, many of which played roles in significant events like the Irish Rebellion of 1641. These sites are often found within forested landscapes or on strategic points, providing a glimpse into past fortifications. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the area's historical significance.
Best castles around Rossachrin
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical castle situated on Castle Hill within a large forest. Built in 1615, it was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site that served as a military hospital during WWII. This former Irvine Castle is now a ruin, with its structure overtaken by plant life.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point. Built for Sir John Hume, it was attacked and burned in 1641 and was not inhabited again.
- Rossachrin is known for historical castles, fortified houses, and castle ruins. These structures provide a variety of historical sites to see and explore, from 17th-century Plantation castles to those with WWII significance.
- The castles around Rossachrin are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 17, 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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Monea Castle Ruins
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The castle was attacked and occupied during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and was lived in by the family of colonel Gustav Hamilton until 1704. A few decades later, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it ruined as it is today.
The ruins are free to visit and open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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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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Like many other castles in the area, Monea Castle was built during the Plantation in the 17th century, when settlers from Great Britain colonised lands in Ireland. The Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton built the castle in 1616 in a distinctly Scottish style. The castle was attacked and occupied during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and was lived in by the family of colonel Gustav Hamilton until 1704. A few decades later, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it ruined as it is today. The ruins are free to visit and open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical period do the castles around Rossachrin represent?
The castles around Rossachrin primarily represent 17th-century history, particularly the Plantation period in Ireland. Many, like Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and Monea Castle Ruins, were built by British settlers during this time and played roles in events like the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
Are there any castles around Rossachrin with unique historical significance beyond the 17th century?
Yes, Necarne Castle, originally known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during World War II. While now a ruin, its later use adds another layer to the region's historical narrative.
Which castles are suitable for families with children?
Several castles around Rossachrin are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with exhibitions telling local stories. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions related to its WWII history, which can be engaging for families. Monea Castle Ruins are also family-friendly and free to visit.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see near these castles?
The castles are often situated within beautiful natural settings. Old Castle Archdale is located on Castle Hill within a large 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a clifftop view. Tully Castle Ruins are set on Tully Point, providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Are there hiking opportunities near the castles?
Absolutely! The region offers various hiking trails. For example, you can find easy routes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Rossachrin guide or the Easy hikes around Rossachrin guide.
Can I cycle near the castles in Rossachrin?
Yes, there are cycling routes available. The 'Rossmore Point Beacon โ Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island' is an easy cycling route that passes by Old Castle Archdale. For more cycling adventures, check out the Cycling around Rossachrin guide.
What are the typical access fees for visiting these castles?
Many of the castle ruins in the Rossachrin area, such as Monea Castle Ruins, are free to visit. For sites with visitor centers, like Tully Castle Ruins, there might be a small fee for entry to the center itself, but access to the ruins is often open.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Rossachrin?
Visiting during spring, summer, or early autumn generally offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural areas. Clear weather enhances the remote beauty and poignant atmosphere of these historical sites, allowing for better appreciation of their strategic coastal locations and architectural remains.
Are the castles around Rossachrin dog-friendly?
While specific dog access policies can vary, many outdoor castle ruins and surrounding forest trails are generally dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. For example, the trails around Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle are often suitable for walks with dogs. It's always best to check local signage upon arrival.
Where can I find parking when visiting the castles?
Parking availability varies by site. For Necarne Castle, free parking is available. For other sites like Old Castle Archdale, parking is typically found near the forest entrances or designated visitor areas. It's advisable to look for specific parking information for each castle before your visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Rossachrin?
Visitors appreciate the deep historical insights offered by these 17th-century Plantation castles, many of which were involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The remote beauty and poignant atmosphere of the ruins, often set within forested landscapes or on strategic points, provide a tangible link to medieval life and offer a chance to reflect on their past significance.
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