Best castles around Rossdagamph are found in a region characterized by its historical significance and natural landscapes, including forests and riverbanks. The area features numerous historical sites, often situated on clifftops or within wooded estates. Visitors can explore a variety of architectural styles and historical periods, reflecting centuries of local heritage. The landscape provides a backdrop for these structures, offering insights into the past.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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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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The region around Rossdagamph, particularly near Enniskillen, is rich in history. Notable sites include Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s and captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641. Monea Castle Ruins, a 17th-century Plantation castle, also offers a deep dive into the area's past.
Yes, Castle Coole, located within the broader region, is an exceptional Neo-classical house from the 18th century. It was once the home of the Earls of Belmore and provides insight into aristocratic life with its magnificent architecture and opulent interiors. The estate also features sprawling parklands perfect for walks.
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and natural settings of the castles. For instance, at Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, many enjoy imagining life hundreds of years ago while wandering its crumbling walls. The visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins also offers engaging local stories related to the castle.
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are both categorized as family-friendly. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which were a major base during WWII, offer historical insights that can be interesting for all ages.
The area offers various outdoor activities, especially hiking and road cycling. You can find numerous routes, such as the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' hike or the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop' for road cycling. For more details on routes, you can explore the Hiking around Rossdagamph and Road Cycling Routes around Rossdagamph guides.
Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, you can hike to Old Castle Archdale via the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route, or explore the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. These trails are generally easy and allow you to combine historical exploration with nature walks. More hiking options are available in the Hiking around Rossdagamph guide.
Opening times can vary. For Monea Castle Ruins, for instance, the ruins are free to visit and open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. For other sites like Tully Castle Ruins, a visitorโs centre is available, and it's advisable to check their specific operating hours before your visit.
Parking is generally available at many of the castle sites. For example, Necarne Castle offers free parking. It is recommended to check specific visitor information for each castle you plan to visit to confirm parking facilities.
If you prefer a quieter experience, exploring the ruins like Tully Castle Ruins or Monea Castle Ruins might be ideal. These sites offer a historical atmosphere without the crowds often found at more extensively restored attractions. Necarne Castle, now a ruin overtaken by plant life, also offers a more secluded experience.
The best time to visit is typically during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and the days are longer, making it more pleasant for exploring outdoor ruins and castle grounds. However, the region's natural beauty, especially the forests surrounding sites like Old Castle Archdale, can also be enjoyed in autumn with its changing foliage.
While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to every ruin might be limited, the castles are generally located within a reasonable distance of towns like Enniskillen or Irvinestown, where you can find various options for refreshments and meals. For example, Necarne Castle is near Irvinestown.
Enniskillen Castle, located in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne, is a significant historical site. Founded in the 15th century, it now houses a museum where visitors can explore the castle grounds and delve into the rich history and heritage of the region.


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