Top 5 Castles around Gaffer Island
Best castles around Gaffer Island, a small townland in County Fermanagh, Ireland, offers access to a region rich in historical sites. While Gaffer Island itself is a small area, the surrounding County Fermanagh is home to several notable castles. These historical structures provide insight into the area's past and architectural heritage. The region's landscape, including Lough Erne, often provides a scenic backdrop to these sites.
Best castles around Gaffer Island
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, aβ¦
Last updated: June 28, 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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Monea Castle Ruins
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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
Which castles offer the best historical insights into the region?
For deep historical insights, Enniskillen Castle is highly recommended. It dates back to the 16th century and houses both the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum. Tully Castle Ruins also offers a poignant historical experience, with a visitor's centre detailing its tragic past. Monea Castle Ruins, built in a distinctive Scottish style during the 17th-century Plantation, provides a glimpse into that era.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Gaffer Island?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are both listed as family-friendly and offer interesting historical exploration. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, while not a traditional castle, is also family-friendly and offers insights into its WWII history.
Can I find walking or hiking trails near these castles?
Absolutely. Many castles are situated within or near scenic areas with walking and hiking opportunities. For example, you can find routes like the Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island trail near Old Castle Archdale. There are also easy hikes like the Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island. The surrounding parkland of Castle Coole also offers leisurely walks.
What natural features can I expect to see when visiting castles in this region?
The castles around Gaffer Island are often set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. You can expect to see the expansive waters of Lough Erne, which provides a scenic backdrop to sites like Crom Castle and Castle Coole. Many castles, such as Old Castle Archdale, are located within forests or on clifftops, offering wooded walks and viewpoints.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Gaffer Island?
The region's castles can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring ruins and walking trails, with lush greenery. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, especially around forested sites like Old Castle Archdale. Winter visits can offer a more tranquil experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Are there any castles with visitor centers or museums?
Yes, Enniskillen Castle houses two museums: the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum. Tully Castle Ruins also has a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse, which shares local stories related to the castle.
Is parking available at the castles?
Parking availability varies by site. For example, Necarne Castle offers free parking. For other sites, it's advisable to check specific visitor information, but generally, parking is available at or near major historical attractions in the region.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles worth exploring?
While not entirely 'hidden,' Monea Castle Ruins offers a distinctive Scottish-style ruin that is freely accessible and perhaps less frequented than larger sites. Crom Castle, while privately owned, has the ruins of its old castle on a sprawling estate, offering a romantic and tranquil experience.
What kind of architecture can I expect to see among the castles?
The castles in the Gaffer Island area showcase a range of architectural styles reflecting different historical periods. You'll find 16th-century structures like Enniskillen Castle with its unique Watergate, 17th-century Plantation castles like Monea Castle built in a Scottish style, and fortified houses like Tully Castle. Castle Coole, on the other hand, is a magnificent 18th-century neo-classical mansion.
Can I bring my dog to the castle grounds or nearby trails?
Many outdoor areas and trails around the castles are dog-friendly, especially within forest parks like the one surrounding Old Castle Archdale. However, specific castle interiors or visitor centres may have restrictions. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead and check local signage at each site.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle around Gaffer Island?
The duration of a visit depends on the castle. For ruins like Tully Castle Ruins or Monea Castle Ruins, an hour or two might suffice, especially if combined with a walk. For Enniskillen Castle with its museums, you could easily spend half a day. Larger estates like Castle Coole or Crom Castle could warrant several hours to explore the grounds and interiors.
Are there options for food and drink near the castles?
Yes, the larger towns and villages near the castles, such as Enniskillen, offer various cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Some castle estates, like Castle Coole, may have on-site cafes. For specific recommendations, it's best to check local listings for the area you plan to visit.
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