Top 5 Castles around Drumpeen
Best castles around Drumpeen are located in County Fermanagh, offering insights into Ireland's past. This region features historical sites set within diverse landscapes, including forests and lake shores. Visitors can explore various castle types, from fortified houses to Plantation-era structures. The area provides a blend of historical exploration and natural scenery.
Best castles around Drumpeen
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site situated on Castle Hill within a large forest. Built in the 1600s, it was the main castle on the estate before its successor and was destroyed by fire during the Williamite Wars.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site that served as a military hospital during WWII. Its ruined state, now overgrown with plant life, represents a historical landmark that has witnessed significant events.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point. It was attacked and burned in 1641, and a visitorโs center in a restored farmhouse houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle.
- Drumpeen is known for its castle ruins, fortified houses, and Plantation-era castles. This variety allows visitors to explore different architectural styles and historical periods.
- The castles around Drumpeen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 10 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 are some of the most historically significant castles around Drumpeen?
The region boasts several castles with rich histories. Tully Castle Ruins, for instance, was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, leading to a massacre of its inhabitants. Monea Castle Ruins is a notable example of 17th-century Scottish Plantation architecture, also attacked during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, was destroyed by fire during the Williamite Wars.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Drumpeen?
Yes, several castles offer family-friendly experiences. Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's center in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition telling local stories, which can be engaging for families. Monea Castle Ruins is freely accessible, allowing families to explore the ruins at their own pace. The area around Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offers amenities and space for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Drumpeen offers various outdoor activities. Near Old Castle Archdale, you can find easy hikes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or longer road cycling routes. For running, there are trails near Necarne Castle, such as 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) โ Necarne Castle loop'. You can explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Drumpeen, Running Trails around Drumpeen, and Easy hikes around Drumpeen guide pages.
When is the best time of year to visit the castles around Drumpeen?
The castles can be visited year-round, but spring and summer offer milder weather, making outdoor exploration more comfortable. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter visits are possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions. Always check specific opening times for visitor centers, especially outside peak season.
Is parking available at the castles?
Yes, parking is generally available. For example, Necarne Castle offers free parking. Castle Archdale also has parking facilities. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking instructions and any potential fees.
Can I visit Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is currently a ruin and is closed to urban explorers. The site is monitored by CCTV. While its historical significance is notable, direct access to the ruins for close exploration is not permitted at this time.
What makes Tully Castle Ruins a unique historical site?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn with a dramatic past. It was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, and its inhabitants massacred, after which it was never lived in again. A visitor's center in a restored farmhouse on site houses an exhibition that brings these local stories to life, offering a poignant glimpse into 17th-century Irish history.
Are there any cafes or facilities near the castles?
While specific cafes directly at every ruin might be limited, areas like Castle Archdale, which includes the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, often have amenities. The broader region around Drumpeen, particularly in County Fermanagh, offers various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in nearby towns like Irvinestown or Enniskillen.
Are any castles near Drumpeen accessible for wheelchairs?
Accessibility can vary for historical ruins. While the grounds around some sites like Monea Castle Ruins are freely accessible, the terrain of ancient ruins can be uneven. It is recommended to check specific site information or contact visitor centers directly for detailed accessibility information, especially for wheelchair users, as some areas may have limited access.
What is unique about Monea Castle Ruins?
Monea Castle Ruins stands out as a significant example of Scottish Plantation architecture in Ireland, built in 1616 by the Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton. Its distinct style reflects the period of British colonization. The castle was attacked during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire, leaving behind impressive ruins that are freely accessible to visitors.
How much time should I allocate for visiting the castles?
The time needed depends on the castle and your interest. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins with a visitor's center, you might spend 1-2 hours. Exploring the grounds of Old Castle Archdale within its forest setting could take a similar amount of time, especially if combined with a short walk. For multiple castles, consider dedicating a full day.
Are there dog-friendly walks near the castles?
Many outdoor areas around the castles, particularly in forest parks like Castle Archdale, offer dog-friendly walking trails. For example, the extensive forest around Old Castle Archdale is suitable for walks with dogs. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash and follow local guidelines for pet etiquette.
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