Top 5 Castles around Drumarky
Best castles around Drumarky, located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, are historically significant sites. These locations provide insight into the region's past, featuring architectural remains and natural surroundings. The area is characterized by its historical landmarks, many of which are nestled within forests or on strategic points.
Best castles around Drumarky
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest. The ruins are nestled on a forest clifftop, offering a blend of historical architecture and natural surroundings.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site that was once called Irvine Castle. It was in use as late as WWII as a military hospital, but has since lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point. A visitorโs centre in a restored farmhouse houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle.
- Drumarky is known for its castle ruins, fortified houses, and Scottish-style castles. These sites offer a variety of historical periods and architectural styles to explore.
- The castles around Drumarky are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight โข Castle
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
Highlight โข Historical Site
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 kind of historical experiences can I expect from the castles around Drumarky?
The castles around Drumarky offer a deep dive into various periods of Irish history. For instance, Tully Castle Ruins provide a poignant insight into the 1641 Rebellion, with a visitor's centre detailing local stories. Monea Castle Ruins showcase distinct 17th-century Scottish Plantation architecture, reflecting a significant era of settlement.
Are there any castles near Drumarky that are particularly good for combining history with nature?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is an excellent choice. Situated on Castle Hill within a vast 520-hectare forest, its ruins are nestled on a clifftop, offering a picturesque blend of historical architecture and natural surroundings. It's ideal for those who enjoy combining historical exploration with outdoor activities like hiking.
Which castles are suitable for families visiting Drumarky?
Both Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre with exhibitions that can engage younger visitors, while Monea Castle offers a tangible link to history that is freely accessible during specified hours.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Drumarky?
The area around Drumarky's castles is rich with outdoor opportunities. You can find numerous cycling and hiking routes. For cycling, explore options like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins โ Lough Melvin loop'. If you prefer hiking, there are easy trails such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Drumarky and Easy hikes around Drumarky guides.
Are there any castles near Drumarky with unique architectural styles?
Absolutely. Monea Castle Ruins stands out with its distinct Scottish-style architecture from the 17th-century Plantation period. It's a testament to the cultural influences of that era in Ireland.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Drumarky?
While specific seasonal data isn't available, visiting during spring or autumn generally offers pleasant weather for exploring ruins and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. The vast forests, like those around Old Castle Archdale, would be particularly scenic during these seasons.
Can I find any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles near Drumarky?
While the main castles are well-documented, exploring the wider Castle Archdale estate might reveal interesting historical remnants. For example, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, though not a traditional castle, offer a glimpse into the area's more recent history, including its use during WWII.
What are the parking options for visiting castles around Drumarky?
Parking availability varies by site. For instance, Necarne Castle has free parking available near its location. For other sites like Old Castle Archdale, parking is typically available within the larger forest park area.
Are there any castles near Drumarky that were used for purposes other than defense or residence?
Yes, Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, was notably used as a military hospital as late as WWII. This provides a unique perspective on the adaptive reuse of historical structures.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Drumarky?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and nature. For example, at Old Castle Archdale, people enjoy wandering the crumbling walls and imagining life hundreds of years ago, especially with its setting atop a cliff surrounded by thick forest. The historical context provided by visitor centres, like the one at Tully Castle Ruins, is also highly valued.
How long should I allocate for visiting the castles near Drumarky?
The time needed can vary. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins, with its visitor's centre, you might spend 1-2 hours. Exploring Old Castle Archdale within its forest setting could easily extend to a half-day if you combine it with a walk or hike.
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