Top 4 Castles around Carranboy
Best castles around Carranboy offers a collection of historical fortifications, providing insight into the region's past. The area features various castle types, from ancient ruins to more preserved structures. These sites are often situated within natural landscapes, allowing for exploration of both history and environment. Visitors can discover different architectural styles and learn about the historical events associated with each location.
Best castles around Carranboy
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site that was builtβ¦
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight β’ Forest
Tip by
Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight β’ Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight β’ Monument
Tip by
Necarne Castle
Highlight β’ Historical Site
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
1
1
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.
0
0
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)
3
0
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.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I expect to find around Carranboy?
Around Carranboy, you'll discover a variety of historical fortifications, including ruined tower houses and fortified courtyard buildings. These sites offer insights into the region's past, with structures like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins telling stories of sieges, rebellions, and abandonment.
Which castles around Carranboy are suitable for families?
For families, Tully Castle Ruins is a great option. It features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that tells local stories related to the castle. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also considered family-friendly and sometimes host exhibitions.
Are there walking trails near the castles in Carranboy?
Yes, there are several walking trails that incorporate the castles. For example, you can find easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. You can explore more options on the Easy hikes around Carranboy guide or the Hiking around Carranboy guide.
What is the history behind <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2666981" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Old Castle Archdale</a>?
Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, sits on a forest clifftop. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. It's known for its crumbling walls, offering a glimpse into life hundreds of years ago.
Can I visit <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2844090" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tully Castle Ruins</a> and what can I expect there?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. It was attacked and burned in 1641 and never inhabited again. Today, a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse tells its story, making it an informative stop. Note that access to the castle itself is on foot only.
What is notable about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, has a rich history, including serving as a military hospital during WWII. Although now a ruin with its roof lost and overtaken by plant life, it remains a significant historical site in the area.
Are there cycling routes that pass by or near the castles?
Yes, there are road cycling routes in the vicinity. For instance, the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' is an easy route. You can find more road cycling options on the Road Cycling Routes around Carranboy guide.
What kind of natural surroundings can I find near these castles?
Many castles around Carranboy are situated within natural landscapes. Old Castle Archdale, for example, is located on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a blend of history and nature.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Carranboy?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the atmospheric settings of the castles. The crumbling walls of sites like Old Castle Archdale allow for an imaginative step back in time, while places like Tully Castle Ruins offer educational visitor centers. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes to these historical sites.
Is there parking available when visiting the castles?
While specific parking details for every castle aren't always listed, for Necarne Castle, free parking is available. It's generally advisable to check local signage or visitor information for each specific site upon arrival.
How long should I allocate for visiting a castle in the Carranboy area?
The time needed can vary. For a site like Tully Castle Ruins with its visitor's centre, you might spend 1-2 hours. For ruins like Old Castle Archdale, which are more about exploration of the grounds, an hour or so might suffice, especially if combined with a walk in the surrounding forest.
Most popular routes around Carranboy
Most popular attractions around Carranboy
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Carranboy:
