Top 5 Castles around Shankill
Best castles around Shankill offer a glimpse into centuries of history, from medieval fortifications to 17th-century plantation structures. The region features a variety of historical sites, including castle ruins and fortified houses. These locations provide opportunities for exploration and understanding the area's past.
Best castles around Shankill
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest that was built in the 1600s and served as the main castle on its former estate. It sits on a forest clifftop and was destroyed by fire in 1689.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site. Once known as Irvine Castle, it is now a ruin that was used as a military hospital during WWII.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house built for Sir John Hume. This castle was attacked and burned in 1641 and now features a visitor's centre with local stories.
- Shankill is known for castle ruins, fortified houses, and historical sites. Visitors can explore a variety of castles, from 17th-century plantation structures to those with WWII significance.
- The castles around Shankill are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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A visitorβs 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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Monea Castle Ruins
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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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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 castles can I explore around Shankill?
The Shankill area features a variety of historical fortifications, including 17th-century Plantation castles like Monea Castle Ruins, fortified houses such as Tully Castle Ruins, and older structures like Old Castle Archdale, which sits on a forest clifftop. You'll find ruins that tell stories of rebellions, fires, and even their use as military hospitals during WWII, like Necarne Castle.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit around Shankill?
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre with local stories, providing an engaging experience for all ages. Monea Castle Ruins are also considered family-friendly and are free to visit. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions, which can be interesting for families.
What historical events are associated with the castles in this region?
The castles around Shankill are steeped in history. Many, like Monea Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale, were built during the 17th-century Plantation period. They witnessed significant events such as the Irish Rebellion of 1641, during which Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins were attacked and burned. Necarne Castle even served as a military hospital during WWII.
Can I combine a castle visit with outdoor activities like hiking or cycling?
Absolutely. The area around Shankill offers numerous opportunities to combine historical exploration with outdoor adventures. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is situated within a large forest, perfect for walks. You can find various cycling routes, including those passing by Tully Castle Ruins, in the Cycling around Shankill guide. For easy walks, check out the Easy hikes around Shankill guide, which includes routes like the Castle Archdale loop.
Are there any castles that are free to visit?
Yes, Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. While other sites might have visitor centres with fees, the ruins themselves are often accessible for exploration.
What are the opening hours for castles in the Shankill area?
Opening hours can vary by site. For example, Monea Castle Ruins are open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. For specific visitor centres, such as the one at Tully Castle Ruins, it's best to check their individual websites or contact them directly for the most current information.
Are there any castles with visitor centres or exhibitions?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions detailing the area's use during WWII.
What is the best way to explore the castles around Shankill?
Exploring the castles around Shankill often involves a mix of walking and driving. Many castle ruins, like Old Castle Archdale, are located within forests or on clifftops, requiring some walking to reach. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins, you'll need to step off your bike as it's for foot access only. Consider using the komoot guides for easy hikes or cycling routes to plan your visits.
Are there any castles with unique architectural styles?
Yes, Monea Castle Ruins, built in 1616, stands out with its distinctly Scottish architectural style. This reflects the period of the Plantation when settlers from Great Britain colonised lands in Ireland, bringing their own building traditions.
What should I bring for a castle visit near Shankill?
Given that many castles are ruins or located in natural settings, comfortable walking shoes are essential. If you plan to explore the surrounding forests or trails, consider bringing appropriate outdoor gear. For sites with visitor centres, a camera might be useful. Always check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as conditions can change.
Can I visit castles that were used during WWII?
Yes, Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, was used as a military hospital during WWII. While it is now a ruin and closed to urban explorers, its historical significance from that period is notable. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major flying boat base during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people.
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