Top 4 Castles around Cleenishgarve Island
Castles around Cleenishgarve Island provide a glimpse into past eras, showcasing varied architectural styles and significant historical events. The region features sites ranging from 17th-century fortified houses to ruins with connections to World War II. These locations are often set within natural landscapes, including forests and lake points. Exploring these castles offers insight into the area's rich history and cultural heritage.
Top castles around Cleenishgarve Island
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest that sits onโฆ
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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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 types of historical castles can I explore around Cleenishgarve Island?
The region offers a diverse range of historical sites, from 17th-century fortified houses to ruins with connections to World War II. You can visit sites like Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century stronghold set within a large forest, or Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a tragic history. There are also sites like Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which played a significant role as a flying boat base during WWII.
Which castles offer the most historical insight into the region's past?
For deep historical insight, Tully Castle Ruins is highly recommended. A visitor's center in a restored farmhouse nearby offers exhibitions that delve into local stories and the castle's tragic history, including its attack and burning in 1641. Old Castle Archdale also provides a glimpse into 17th-century life and conflicts, having been captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Cleenishgarve Island?
Yes, both Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's center with exhibitions, while the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings occasionally host exhibitions detailing the area's role in WWII, which can be engaging for various ages.
Is parking available at the castles around Cleenishgarve Island?
Yes, for Necarne Castle, free parking is available. For other sites, it's generally advisable to check local signage or official websites for specific parking information, especially for larger estates like Castle Archdale which has extensive grounds.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Cleenishgarve Island offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling and hiking routes. For example, there are easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route near Old Castle Archdale, and cycling routes such as the 'Rossmore Point Beacon โ Old Castle Archdale loop'. You can explore more options on the easy hikes guide or the cycling guide for the region.
Are there hiking trails near the castles?
Yes, several hiking trails are available. For instance, near Old Castle Archdale, you can find easy hikes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Castle Archdale loop'. Tully Castle Ruins also has a short 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. You can discover more hiking options in the easy hikes around Cleenishgarve Island guide.
Can I find cycling routes that pass by or near the castles?
Absolutely. The region is well-suited for cycling. Routes like the 'Rossmore Point Beacon โ Old Castle Archdale loop' are easy and pass near Old Castle Archdale. There are also moderate road cycling routes such as the 'Tully Castle Ruins โ The Big Tree loop'. For a comprehensive list, check out the Cycling around Cleenishgarve Island guide.
What is unique about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is a ruin that has been largely reclaimed by nature. Despite its current state, it holds significant historical value, having served as a military hospital during World War II. Its atmospheric, overgrown appearance makes it an intriguing historical landmark, though it is currently closed to visitors.
What natural features can I see around the castles?
Many castles are set within beautiful natural landscapes. Old Castle Archdale is nestled on Castle Hill within a sprawling 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a picturesque setting. Tully Castle Ruins is situated on Tully Point, providing views of the surrounding water and landscape.
Are there any 'hidden gem' castles to discover?
While not entirely 'hidden,' Necarne Castle offers a unique experience as a ruin reclaimed by nature. Its past as a military hospital during WWII adds a layer of intriguing history, making it a compelling, albeit currently inaccessible, site for those interested in atmospheric historical landmarks.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Cleenishgarve Island?
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the varied states of preservation, from atmospheric ruins to sites with informative visitor centers. The integration of these historical sites within natural landscapes, such as forests and lake points, also adds to the appeal, allowing for exploration amidst scenic beauty.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles?
While specific seasonal information isn't provided, visiting during spring or autumn generally offers pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural areas. Summers can be warm, and winters might be chilly, but visitor centers like the one at Tully Castle Ruins are typically open year-round, providing indoor historical context regardless of the weather.
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