Top 4 Castles around Crevinish
Best castles around Crevinish are situated in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, an area rich in history, particularly related to the Ulster Plantation. The region is characterized by its proximity to Lough Erne, offering a landscape of waterways and historical sites. Visitors can explore 4 castles that provide insight into 17th-century defensive architecture and the complex past of the area. These historical sites offer a tangible link to significant events like the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
Best castles around Crevinish
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site that was built in the 1600s. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site. Visitors can see the ruins of this castle, which was once known as Irvine Castle and was in use as late as WWII.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn. This castle was attacked and burned in 1641 and has not been lived in since, offering a preserved glimpse into its turbulent history.
- Crevinish is known for its ruined castles, fortified houses, and historical sites from the Ulster Plantation era. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, each with its own story of construction, conflict, and abandonment.
- The castles around Crevinish are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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A visitorβs centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle.
(discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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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 history do the castles around Crevinish represent?
The castles in this region, including Crevenish Castle itself, offer a tangible link to the complex history of the Ulster Plantation and the Irish Rebellion of 1641. They are primarily 17th-century defensive structures, showcasing the turbulent period of settlement and conflict in County Fermanagh.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Crevinish?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly. It features a fortified house and bawn, and a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse provides an exhibition with local stories related to the castle. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also family-friendly and offer insights into their use during WWII.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Crevinish offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick'. For mountain biking, there are routes like the 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop'. Road cycling is also popular, with options like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale'. You can explore more routes on the respective guide pages for running, mountain biking, and road cycling.
What are some unique architectural features of the castles in this area?
Many castles in the region, including Crevenish Castle, feature distinctive 17th-century defensive architecture. You can observe elements like loopholed windows designed for defense, and the remains of bawns (defensive walls) that surrounded the fortified houses. Tully Castle Ruins is a good example of a fortified house with a bawn.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Crevinish?
The Fermanagh Lakelands region, where Crevinish is located, is beautiful during spring and summer (May to September) when the weather is generally milder and daylight hours are longer, making it ideal for exploring ruins and enjoying the surrounding natural landscape of Lough Erne. Some sites may have reduced opening hours or accessibility in winter.
Are there any castles near Crevinish that were involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1641?
Yes, several castles in the area have direct ties to the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Old Castle Archdale was captured during the rebellion. Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve of 1641, and was never lived in again after that event. Crevenish Castle itself, though it survived the 1641 rebellion intact, was built by a planter and later passed into the hands of a leader in the rebellion.
What can visitors expect to see at <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2666981" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Old Castle Archdale</a>?
Old Castle Archdale is a forest historical site situated on Castle Hill within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. Visitors can wander the crumbling walls of this 17th-century castle, which was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689. It offers a glimpse into life hundreds of years ago, perched atop a cliff.
Is there public transport available to reach the castles near Crevinish?
Public transport options in rural County Fermanagh can be limited. While specific routes to each castle may vary, it's generally advisable to check local bus schedules or consider driving for more flexible access to these historical sites. Information on public transport to specific locations like Crevenish Castle Holiday Park Kesh might be available from local transport providers.
What is the significance of <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/649300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Necarne Castle</a>?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is a historical site that was in use as late as WWII, serving as a military hospital. Today, it stands as a ruin, having lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life. While the ruins are closed to urban explorers, its history as a significant structure through different eras makes it notable.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the castles for refreshments?
While the castles themselves are historical sites, nearby towns and villages like Kesh offer amenities. You can find cafes and pubs in Kesh, such as Creamery Coffee or The Mayfly Inn, where you can get refreshments before or after your castle explorations.
Can I find any information about the Blennerhassett family connected to Crevenish Castle?
Crevenish Castle was originally built around 1618 by Sir Thomas Blennerhassett, a planter from Norfolk, England. The grounds of the castle also contain the tombstones of the Blennerhassett family, providing a direct link to their presence and history in the area during the Ulster Plantation era.
What natural features are near the castles around Crevinish?
The castles around Crevinish are situated in County Fermanagh, an area characterized by its proximity to Lough Erne. This means visitors can enjoy a landscape of waterways and scenic views. Old Castle Archdale, for instance, is located within a large forest, offering a combination of historical exploration and natural beauty.
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