Top 5 Castles around Moynaghan South
Best castles around Moynaghan South offer a glimpse into historical architecture and significant events. This region features a collection of 17th-century castles and fortified houses, many of which are now ruins. Visitors can explore sites set within forests or on clifftops, providing a blend of historical interest and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its historical sites, reflecting periods of conflict and settlement.
Best castles around Moynaghan South
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forestβ¦
Last updated: June 28, 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
Monea Castle Ruins
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
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.
1
0
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I expect to find around Moynaghan South?
Moynaghan South is rich in 17th-century castles and fortified houses, many of which are now ruins. You'll find sites like Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s and captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and Monea Castle Ruins, a Scottish-style castle from the Plantation era.
Are there any castles with significant historical events associated with them?
Yes, several castles in the area have notable histories. Old Castle Archdale was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire. Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, and has not been lived in since. Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during WWII.
Which castles are suitable for families with children?
For families, Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre with local stories. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also provide a family-friendly historical experience. Additionally, Monea Castle Ruins is free to visit and open to the public, making it an accessible option for families.
What kind of natural surroundings can I find near these castles?
Many castles are set within beautiful natural landscapes. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. Hope Castle, though derelict, is located within the expansive Lough Muckno Park, offering serene views across the lake and surrounding woodland areas.
Are there walking or hiking trails near the castles?
Yes, there are several walking and hiking opportunities. You can explore easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. For more options, check out the easy hikes around Moynaghan South guide.
Can I go cycling near the castles in Moynaghan South?
Absolutely. The region offers various cycling routes. You can find options like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins β Lough Melvin loop'. Discover more routes in the cycling guide for Moynaghan South.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Moynaghan South?
While there isn't a specific 'best' time, visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural parks. Summer offers longer daylight hours, but can be busier. Winter visits are possible, but some areas might be less accessible due to weather conditions.
Is there parking available at the castle sites?
Parking availability varies by site. For instance, Necarne Castle offers free parking. For other locations, it's advisable to check local signage or information boards upon arrival, especially for sites within larger parks like Lough Muckno.
Are there any castles that are more than just ruins?
While many sites are ruins, some offer more. Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that tells local stories. Hope Castle, though derelict, is an 18th-century Georgian mansion set within Lough Muckno Park, offering a glimpse into its former grandeur and picturesque views.
What is the history of Hope Castle in Castleblayney?
Hope Castle, originally Blayney Castle, is an 18th-century Georgian mansion built in 1799. It has a rich history, serving as a private home, military barracks, hospital, and even a Franciscan convent. Although it suffered a fire in 2010, its weathered facade and setting within Lough Muckno Park offer a captivating historical experience. The site itself dates back to an earlier defensive stone castle built in 1607.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Moynaghan South?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical interest and natural beauty. They enjoy wandering through crumbling walls, imagining past lives, and exploring the surrounding forests and clifftops. The historical narratives, such as those of the Irish Rebellion of 1641, add depth to the experience, making these sites popular for those interested in history and outdoor exploration.
Are there any running trails near the castles?
Yes, you can find running trails that pass by or are close to some of the castles. Examples include the 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop' and the 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) β Necarne Castle loop'. More options are available in the running trails guide for Moynaghan South.
Most popular attractions around Moynaghan South
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Moynaghan South:
