Top 5 Castles around Tabagh
Best castles around Tabagh offer a journey through centuries of history, featuring a collection of historical sites and castle ruins. This region is characterized by its historical significance, with many castles dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore fortified structures and learn about their past roles in local conflicts and settlements. The area provides opportunities to discover ancient architecture and the stories embedded within these historical landmarks.
Best castles around Tabagh
- The most popular castles is Old Castleβ¦
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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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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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 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)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical castles can I explore around Tabagh?
Around Tabagh, you can explore a variety of historical sites, including 17th-century fortified houses and castle ruins. These structures offer insights into the region's past, particularly the Plantation era and subsequent conflicts. Examples include Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle built on a forest clifftop, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit in the Tabagh area?
Yes, several castles around Tabagh are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are both categorized as family-friendly. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offers family-friendly experiences, sometimes hosting exhibitions related to its WWII history.
Which castles offer the best historical context about the region?
For deep historical context, Old Castle Archdale provides a look into 17th-century architecture and the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Tully Castle Ruins tells a poignant story of a fortified house attacked in 1641 and never re-inhabited. Monea Castle Ruins, built in a distinct Scottish style during the Plantation, also offers significant historical insights into the region's past.
Can I find any castles with unique natural surroundings or viewpoints?
Absolutely. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest, offering sweeping views and a sense of how life was hundreds of years ago amidst crumbling walls. While not a castle itself, the nearby easy hikes around Tabagh can lead to scenic viewpoints.
Are there any castles around Tabagh that were used during more recent historical periods?
Yes, Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, was notably used as a military hospital during WWII. Although now a ruin overtaken by plant life, its varied past includes this significant modern historical role. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings served as a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Tabagh?
The area around Tabagh's castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes and MTB trails, including a 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop'.
Are there specific hiking trails that incorporate castle visits?
Yes, you can combine hiking with castle visits. For example, the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' is an easy hike that takes you to Old Castle Archdale. There's also an easy 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' which allows you to explore Tully Castle Ruins. You can find more options in the easy hikes around Tabagh guide.
Is there parking available at the castles?
Yes, for some castles, parking is available. For instance, Necarne Castle offers free parking. It's always a good idea to check specific details for each site before your visit.
What are the general visiting hours or accessibility for the castle ruins?
While specific hours can vary, Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and generally open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. For Tully Castle Ruins, while there's a visitor's centre, the castle itself is on foot only. It's recommended to check local signage or visitor information for the most current access details.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Tabagh?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the opportunity to explore ancient architecture. The komoot community has upvoted these castles 12 times and shared 13 photos, highlighting their appeal as historical destinations. Many enjoy imagining life centuries ago while wandering the crumbling walls of sites like Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff surrounded by thick forest.
Are there any castles that are free to visit?
Yes, Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit. They are open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, allowing easy access to explore this 17th-century Plantation castle.
What is the history behind <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, originally known as Irvine Castle, has a rich history. It was in use as late as WWII, serving as a military hospital. Today, it stands as a ruin, having lost its roof and been reclaimed by plant life, but its past as a significant local landmark remains evident.
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