Top 6 Castles around Carrickreagh
Best castles around Carrickreagh are located in the surrounding County Fermanagh region, as Carrickreagh is primarily a viewpoint and bay on Lower Lough Erne. This area is known for its natural beauty, woodlands, and scenic trails. While Carrickreagh itself does not contain castles, the broader region offers several historic sites. These landmarks provide insight into the area's diverse past.
Best castles around Carrickreagh
- The most popular castles is Enniskillen Castle, a historical site that served as a medieval stronghold and military barracks. Today, it houses two museums, offering insights into the region's history.
- Another must-see spot is Old Castle Archdale, a forest-situated historical site. Built in the 1600s, these ruins offer a glimpse into 17th-century architecture and the turbulent history of the period.
- Visitors also love Necarne Castle, a historical site. Once known as Irvine Castle, it was in use as a military hospital during WWII before becoming a ruin.
- Carrickreagh is known for medieval strongholds, Plantation castles, and fortified houses. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from well-preserved sites to atmospheric ruins.
- The castles around Carrickreagh are appreciated by the komoot community, with 10 photos and 8 upvotes.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Enniskillen Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
In the 1950s, the castle was decommissioned as an army barracks and opened as a heritage centre. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about the region's history. The castle is open from 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11am - 5pm on weekends.
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Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
A visitor’s 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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The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
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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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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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Built in the 16th century, Enniskillen Castle has many stories to tell – from Irish rebellions against English rule to sieges and protection from the threat of French invasion. In the 1950s, the castle was decommissioned as an army barracks and opened as a heritage centre. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about the region's history. The castle is open from 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11am - 5pm on weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I expect to find around Carrickreagh?
While Carrickreagh itself is known for its natural beauty and viewpoints, the surrounding County Fermanagh region offers a rich array of historical sites. You'll find medieval strongholds, Plantation-era castles, and fortified houses, ranging from well-preserved sites with museums to atmospheric ruins. These include places like Enniskillen Castle, Old Castle Archdale, and Tully Castle Ruins.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Carrickreagh?
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. Enniskillen Castle houses two museums that offer engaging insights into the region's history. Tully Castle Ruins also has a visitor's centre with exhibitions. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are part of a larger park with amenities that can be enjoyable for families.
Can I explore castle ruins in the Carrickreagh area?
Absolutely. The region is home to several evocative castle ruins that offer a glimpse into the past. Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, sits on a forest clifftop. Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house, was attacked and burned in 1641 and never reoccupied. Monea Castle Ruins, a distinct Scottish-style Plantation castle, also stands as a testament to 17th-century history.
What are the best castles for history enthusiasts?
For history enthusiasts, Enniskillen Castle is a must-visit. It served as a medieval stronghold, a Plantation castle, and a military barracks, now housing two museums. Monea Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale provide deep insights into the turbulent Plantation era and Irish rebellions of the 17th century.
Are there walking or hiking trails near the castles?
Yes, many castles are situated within or near areas with excellent walking and hiking opportunities. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is located within a large forest, offering scenic trails. You can find various routes, including easy hikes and more challenging options, around these historical sites. Explore more options on the Hiking around Carrickreagh guide.
Which castles offer insights into the Plantation era?
Several castles in the region are significant examples of the Plantation era. Monea Castle Ruins, built in 1616, is a prime example of Scottish-style Plantation architecture. Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house built for Sir John Hume, both played roles in the turbulent events of the 17th-century Plantation.
Is there a castle with a museum near Carrickreagh?
Yes, Enniskillen Castle, located a short drive from Carrickreagh Bay, houses two museums: the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum. These museums offer comprehensive insights into the region's diverse past, from its medieval origins to its military history.
What kind of natural surroundings can I expect when visiting castles in this region?
The castles around Carrickreagh are often nestled within beautiful natural landscapes. You can expect to find sites surrounded by woodlands, forests, and close to the shores of Lower Lough Erne. For example, Old Castle Archdale is set within a large forest, and Carrickreagh itself is known for its scenic viewpoints over the lough.
Are there easy walks or short trails around any of the castles?
Yes, there are several easy walking options. For instance, you can find easy trails around Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins. The Easy hikes around Carrickreagh guide provides specific routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop'.
What is the history of <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, has a varied 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, offering a glimpse into its past as a significant historical site.
Can I visit <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2844090" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tully Castle Ruins</a>?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is open to visitors. This fortified house and bawn, set on Tully Point, was built for Sir John Hume and was attacked and burned in 1641. There's a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby that houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. Note that access to the castle itself is on foot only.
Are there any castles near Carrickreagh that were involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1641?
Yes, several castles in the area were directly impacted by the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Old Castle Archdale was captured by Rory Maguire during the uprising. Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve of 1641 by Rory Maguire, with its inhabitants massacred. Monea Castle Ruins was also attacked during this period.
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