Top 4 Castles around Lisingle
Best castles around Lisingle are situated in a region characterized by historical sites and natural landscapes, including forests and clifftops. The area features structures dating back to the 17th century, reflecting periods of conflict and settlement. These historical locations offer insights into past eras, with some castles positioned on strategic points like forest cliffs or fortified points. The region provides a setting for exploring historical architecture within varied natural surroundings.
Best castles around Lisingle
- The most popular castles is Oldβ¦
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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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 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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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 historical sites can I expect to find around Lisingle?
Lisingle is known for its ruined castles, fortified houses, and other historical sites. You can explore structures like Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle built on a forest clifftop, or the ruins of Necarne Castle, which served as a military hospital during WWII. Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn, also offers insights into the region's past.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites in the Lisingle area?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that tells local stories related to the castle. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also noted as family-friendly and sometimes host exhibitions about their WWII history.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by an Englishman and is situated on a forest clifftop. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689 during the Williamite Wars, after which it was abandoned. Its crumbling walls offer a glimpse into centuries past.
Can I find any hidden gems among the castles near Lisingle?
While not strictly 'hidden,' Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, offers a unique experience as a ruin that was in use as late as WWII as a military hospital. It has since lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life, providing a distinct atmosphere for exploration.
What kind of natural surroundings can I expect when visiting castles around Lisingle?
Many castles in the Lisingle area are set within varied natural surroundings. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is located on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a blend of history and nature.
Are there any visitor centers or additional resources at the castle sites?
Yes, at Tully Castle Ruins, there is a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse. It houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle, providing deeper historical context.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Lisingle?
The Lisingle area offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For cycling, there are road cycling routes such as 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' and MTB trails like 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop'. You can explore more routes on the easy hikes, road cycling, and MTB trails guides for Lisingle.
Is there parking available at the castles?
For Necarne Castle, free parking is available. Information on parking for other specific castle sites may vary, so it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
What do visitors generally appreciate about the castles around Lisingle?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the atmospheric settings of the castles. For example, at Old Castle Archdale, people enjoy wandering the crumbling walls and imagining life centuries ago, especially with its location atop a cliff surrounded by thick forest.
Are there any specific viewpoints to see the Lisingle castles?
Old Castle Archdale itself is situated on a forest clifftop, offering a natural viewpoint of its surroundings. While specific dedicated viewpoints for all castles aren't detailed, their strategic locations often provide scenic vistas.
What is the story behind Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, originally known as Irvine Castle, is now a ruin. It had a varied history, serving as a military hospital during WWII before falling into disrepair. Today, it's a site where you can observe its historical remnants and the way nature has reclaimed parts of the structure.
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