Top 5 Castles around Enaghan
Castles around Enaghan are situated in the undulating Irish countryside, characterized by ancient woodlands and glittering lakes. This region offers a selection of historical sites, including fortified houses and castle ruins. The area provides opportunities to explore significant historical landmarks. There are 5 castles available for exploration around Enaghan.
Best castles around Enaghan
- The most popular castles is Enniskillen Castle, a historical site built in the 16th century. This castle has a rich history, including Irish rebellions and sieges,โฆ
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Enniskillen Castle
Highlight โข Historical Site
In โฆ
Tip by
Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight โข Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight โข Monument
Tip by
Necarne Castle
Highlight โข Historical Site
Tip by
Monea Castle Ruins
Highlight โข Historical Site
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
1
0
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.
2
0
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!
1
0
The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
1
1
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.
1
0
Built in the 16th century, Enniskillen Castle has many stories to tell โย from Irish rebellions against English rule to sieges and protection from the threat of French invasion. In the 1950s, the castle was decommissioned as an army barracks and opened as a heritage centre. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about the region's history. The castle is open from 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11am - 5pm on weekends.
3
0
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 visitorโs 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)
3
0
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.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical periods do the castles around Enaghan represent?
The castles in the Enaghan area primarily represent periods from the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly the Plantation era. For example, Enniskillen Castle was built in the 16th century, while Monea Castle Ruins and Tully Castle Ruins are 17th-century fortified houses built during the Plantation. These sites offer insights into Irish rebellions, sieges, and the architectural styles of their time.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Enaghan?
Yes, several castles around Enaghan are considered family-friendly. Enniskillen Castle, Tully Castle Ruins, Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, and Monea Castle Ruins are all suitable for families. Enniskillen Castle, for instance, has a heritage centre that can be engaging for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
The region around Enaghan offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking, running, and cycling routes. For hiking, consider the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' or the 'Enniskillen Castle โ Enniskillen Castle loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Enaghan guide. Cycling enthusiasts can check out routes like the 'Enniskillen Castle โ Old Castle Archdale loop' in the Cycling around Enaghan guide.
Are there any castles that are free to visit?
Yes, the Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and are generally open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Similarly, the Tully Castle Ruins also have a visitor's centre and are accessible for exploration.
What are the opening hours for the castles?
Enniskillen Castle is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11 am to 5 pm on weekends. The Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. For other sites like Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, it's advisable to check local information for specific visitor centre hours or access details.
Can I explore the ruins of Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle and used as a military hospital during WWII, is now a ruin. While it has historical significance and a nearby horse farm, it is currently closed to urban explorers due to its condition and CCTV surveillance.
What is the historical significance of Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house built for Sir John Hume. It holds a tragic history, as it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, leading to the massacre of its inhabitants. The castle has remained uninhabited since then, preserving a poignant moment in Irish history. A visitor's centre nearby tells local stories related to the castle.
Are there any castles with connections to World War II history?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings have a significant connection to World War II. During the war, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. The courtyard buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to display historical notes from that period.
What is the best way to get to Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins are located on Tully Point. While you can cycle to the vicinity, access to the castle itself is on foot only. There is a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby.
What makes Enniskillen Castle a popular attraction?
Enniskillen Castle is popular due to its rich history, dating back to the 16th century. It has witnessed Irish rebellions and sieges and now functions as a heritage centre. After a massive refurbishment between 2007 and 2013, it reopened to the public, allowing visitors to explore its grounds and learn about the region's past.
Are there any castles that showcase unique architectural styles?
Monea Castle Ruins stand out for their distinctly Scottish architectural style. Built in 1616 by the Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton during the Plantation, it offers a glimpse into the influence of Scottish settlers on Irish architecture of that period.
What kind of natural surroundings can I expect around the castles?
The castles around Enaghan are set within the undulating Irish countryside, characterized by ancient woodlands and glittering lakes. This natural backdrop provides a scenic environment for exploring historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities.
Most popular routes around Enaghan
Most popular attractions around Enaghan
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Enaghan:
