Top 4 Castles around Deerahan Island
Best castles around Deerahan Island offers a selection of historical sites set within diverse landscapes. The region features forested areas, such as the 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale. Visitors can explore ancient ruins and fortified houses, many with significant historical events tied to them. Deerahan Island provides opportunities to connect with the past through its preserved castle remnants.
Best castles around Deerahan Island
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a castle withinโฆ
Last updated: June 29, 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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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.
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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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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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Once called Irvine Castle, hence the town of Irvinestown, it is now a ruin closed to urban explorers, including cctv. It was in use as late as WWII, when it was a military hospital, but it has since lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of castles can I expect to find around Deerahan Island?
The region around Deerahan Island features a selection of historical sites, including ancient ruins and fortified houses. You'll find structures like Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a thick forest, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn with a visitor's centre.
Are there any family-friendly castle visits around Deerahan Island?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly. It features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that tells local stories related to the castle, offering an engaging experience for all ages. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer family-friendly historical insights into its WWII past.
What historical events are associated with the castles in this region?
The castles around Deerahan Island have rich histories. Old Castle Archdale was built in the 1600s, captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and later destroyed by fire in the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641. Necarne Castle, once Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during WWII.
Can I explore the natural surroundings near these castles?
Absolutely. Old Castle Archdale is situated within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering opportunities for exploration. The castles are often set within diverse landscapes, providing a blend of history and nature.
Are there walking or cycling routes near the castles?
Yes, there are several outdoor activity routes nearby. For cycling, you can find routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins โ Lough Melvin loop'. For running, options include the 'Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Cycling around Deerahan Island and Running Trails around Deerahan Island guides.
What is unique about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, originally known as Irvine Castle, has a fascinating past, including its use as a military hospital during WWII. It is now a ruin, with its roof lost and plant life beginning to reclaim its structure, offering a picturesque and atmospheric site.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Deerahan Island?
Visitors appreciate the tangible sense of history offered by the crumbling walls and preserved remnants. The blend of historical exploration with natural settings, such as the thick forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale, is a highlight. The community has shared over 10 highlight photos and more than 10 upvotes for these sites.
Is there a visitor's centre at any of the castles?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitorโs centre located in a restored farmhouse. It houses an exhibition that shares local stories and history related to the castle, enhancing the visitor experience.
Are there any castles with connections to more recent history, like WWII?
Yes, Necarne Castle was used as a military hospital during WWII. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major flying boat base during WWII, housing up to 2,500 RAF personnel. Exhibitions are sometimes held there to display key historical notes from that period.
How long should I plan to spend visiting the castles?
The time needed can vary. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins with a visitor's centre, you might spend an hour or two exploring the ruins and the exhibition. For more extensive sites like Old Castle Archdale within a large forest, you could easily spend a few hours combining castle exploration with a walk in the surrounding nature.
Are there any hidden gem castles or lesser-known historical sites?
While the guide focuses on prominent sites, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer a unique perspective, showcasing the area's role in WWII beyond just medieval history. Exploring the forest around Old Castle Archdale can also reveal less-trodden paths and views.
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