Top 4 Castles around Tattykeel Upper
Best castles around Tattykeel Upper are situated in a region characterized by forests, hills, and points, often featuring historical structures. The area offers a glimpse into 17th-century history, with several sites set within natural landscapes. These historical sites provide insight into past conflicts and architectural styles. The surrounding environment allows for exploration of these ancient structures.
Best castles around Tattykeel Upper
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site that was built in the 1600sβ¦
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 and castles can I explore around Tattykeel Upper?
The region around Tattykeel Upper features a variety of historical sites, primarily 17th-century castles and fortified houses. You'll find ruins like Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site built in the 1600s, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn. These sites often provide insights into past conflicts and architectural styles, set within natural landscapes.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit in the Tattykeel Upper area?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly. It features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that tells local stories related to the castle, offering an engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, while not a traditional castle, are also family-friendly and sometimes host exhibitions about their World War II history.
What are the historical highlights of the castles in this region?
The castles around Tattykeel Upper are rich in 17th-century history. Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 and was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 before being burnt and abandoned in 1689. Tully Castle Ruins suffered a similar fate, attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, and was never re-inhabited. Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during WWII.
Can I find hiking trails near the castles around Tattykeel Upper?
Yes, there are several hiking trails near these historical sites. For example, you can find easy hikes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. There are also moderate and difficult options available. You can explore more routes in the Easy hikes around Tattykeel Upper and Hiking around Tattykeel Upper guides.
Are there any castles that offer a unique natural setting or viewpoints?
Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a scenic natural setting. Tully Castle Ruins is set on Tully Point, providing views of the surrounding landscape.
What should I know about visiting Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle is a ruin that was once known as Irvine Castle. It was used as a military hospital during WWII. The site is now closed to urban explorers and is monitored by CCTV. While the castle itself is a ruin, the surrounding area is known for its interesting horse farm and offers free parking. The route to it is primarily for walking.
Are there any castles with visitor centers or additional facilities?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse. This centre houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle, enhancing the historical experience.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
Besides exploring the castles, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The area offers numerous hiking and running trails. For example, you can find routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' for hiking or 'Old Castle Archdale β Rossmore Point Beacon loop' for running. Check the Running Trails around Tattykeel Upper guide for more options.
How long does it typically take to visit these castle sites?
The time required to visit each site can vary. For places like Tully Castle Ruins, with its visitor's centre, you might spend an hour or two. Exploring the grounds and ruins of Old Castle Archdale, especially if combined with a walk through the surrounding forest, could take a couple of hours. Necarne Castle is a ruin closed to entry, so viewing it from the outside might be quicker.
Are there any castles that played a role in World War II?
Yes, Necarne Castle was utilized as a military hospital during World War II. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WW2, housing up to 2,500 people, including RAF fighters.
What do visitors appreciate most about the castles in Tattykeel Upper?
Visitors often enjoy the historical depth and the natural settings of these castles. The ability to wander through crumbling walls and imagine life centuries ago, especially at sites like Old Castle Archdale, is a common highlight. The visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins is also highly valued for its local stories.
Are there any circular walks that include these castles?
Yes, there are circular walks available. For instance, you can find routes like 'Castle Archdale loop' or 'Castle Archdale Marina β Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. These routes allow you to combine castle exploration with scenic walks. More details can be found in the Easy hikes around Tattykeel Upper guide.
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