Attractions and Places To See around Owl Island - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Owl Island include a collection of historical castles, ancient ruins, and religious sites. This region offers insights into past eras through its preserved structures and archaeological findings. Visitors can explore historical estates, fortified houses, and early Christian monuments. The area provides opportunities to engage with local history and architectural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Owl Island
- The most popular attractions is Old Castle Archdale, a forest and castle site…
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Necarne Castle
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions can I expect to find around Owl Island?
The region around Owl Island is rich in historical sites, castles, and religious buildings. You can explore ancient ruins, fortified houses, and early Christian monuments, offering a deep dive into past eras through preserved structures and archaeological findings.
Are there any historical castles to visit in the area?
Yes, Owl Island is known for its historical castles. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest. Another significant site is Necarne Castle, a historical ruin that once served as a military hospital during WWII. Don't miss Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn with a visitor's centre telling local stories.
What historical events are associated with the castles around Owl Island?
Many castles in the region have a rich and often turbulent history. For example, Old Castle Archdale was built in the 1600s, captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and later abandoned after being burnt in the Williamite Wars. Similarly, Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 and was never inhabited again.
Are there any religious or ancient sites to explore?
Absolutely. You can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features several interesting stones in its graveyard, including the noted Bishop's stone, a bullaun stone with cup-shaped hollows, and a holed stone, offering a glimpse into early Christian heritage.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Owl Island offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and touring bicycles. For example, there are MTB trails like the 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop' and road cycling routes such as the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale'. For more details on routes, check the MTB Trails around Owl Island, Road Cycling Routes around Owl Island, and Cycling around Owl Island guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Owl Island?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer a family-friendly experience, sometimes hosting exhibitions related to the area's history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Owl Island?
Visitors appreciate the opportunity to engage with local history and architectural heritage. Exploring the crumbling walls of places like Old Castle Archdale allows one to imagine life centuries ago. The visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins is also highly regarded for its interesting exhibitions.
Can I learn about the area's role in more recent history, like WWII?
Yes, the region has connections to more recent historical events. For instance, Necarne Castle was used as a military hospital during WWII. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people, and sometimes host exhibitions detailing this period.
Are there any forests or natural areas to explore near the castles?
Certainly. Old Castle Archdale is situated within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering opportunities to explore natural surroundings alongside historical ruins. The castle itself sits on a forest clifftop, providing scenic views.
What kind of trails are available for cycling around Owl Island?
You can find a variety of cycling trails. For touring bicycles, options include the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' and routes like 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop' and 'Tully Castle Ruins – The Big Tree loop'. Mountain bikers have trails like 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop'. You can find more details in the dedicated cycling guides.
Is there a visitor's centre for any of the attractions?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor’s centre located in a restored farmhouse. It houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle and its history.
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