Top 4 Castles around Rosscah

Rosscah features a variety of historical sites, including fortified houses, clifftop ruins, and historical estates. These range from 17th-century structures like Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, to sites with WWII significance such as Necarne Castle, which served as a military hospital.

Yes, Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are both considered family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre with exhibitions telling local stories, while the Courtyard Buildings offer insights into their use as a WWII base, sometimes hosting exhibitions.

Many castles are set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, perched atop a cliff. Tully Castle Ruins are located on Tully Point, offering scenic views.

The Rosscah region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. For hiking, consider routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. For mountain biking, options include 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop' or 'Old Castle Archdale – View of the Lough loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Rosscah and MTB Trails around Rosscah guides.

Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For example, near Old Castle Archdale, you can find the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' trail, which is an easy 4.6 km hike. The 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' is another easy option at just over 2 km. More easy hikes are detailed in the Easy hikes around Rosscah guide.

Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It played a role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 when it was captured by Rory Maguire. The castle was inhabited until 1689 when it was destroyed by fire during the Williamite Wars and subsequently abandoned. It's named 'Old' to distinguish it from its 18th-century successor.

Absolutely. Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse. This centre houses an exhibition that tells local stories relating to the castle, offering deeper insight into its past.

Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is notable for its later use as a military hospital during WWII. Today, it stands as a ruin, largely overtaken by plant life, offering a glimpse into its varied history.

Visitors appreciate the historical depth and the diverse landscapes surrounding the castles. The komoot community has upvoted these sites 12 times and shared 13 photos, highlighting the appeal of exploring ancient ruins set on clifftops, within forests, and at strategic points, offering insight into past conflicts and architectural styles.

Yes, both Necarne Castle and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings have WWII connections. Necarne Castle served as a military hospital during the war, while Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people.

The duration of your visit depends on the castle and whether you combine it with nearby trails. For instance, a visit to Tully Castle Ruins and its visitor's centre might take an hour or two. Exploring Old Castle Archdale, especially if you include a walk through the surrounding forest, could be a half-day activity.