Attractions and Places To See around Gortacar - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see around Gortacar are primarily found in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. This region offers a collection of historical sites and ancient monuments, providing insights into its past. Visitors can explore various landmarks, from ruined castles to prehistoric stone circles. The area is characterized by its historical significance and natural settings, making it suitable for those interested in exploring local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Gortacar
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
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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 visitor’s 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Gortacar?
Gortacar is rich in historical sites. You can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, featuring pre-Christian Iron Age figures. Explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle with a dramatic history, or the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house burned in 1641. Don't miss the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Gortacar area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment are listed as family-friendly. Additionally, Drum Manor Forest Park, located near Gortacar, offers a play park, gardens, and easy walking trails, making it a great option for families.
What natural features can I discover around Gortacar?
The area around Gortacar, particularly in County Tyrone, offers beautiful natural settings. Drum Manor Forest Park boasts mature deciduous woodlands, forest tracks, ponds, and an arboretum. From historic sites like Tullyhogue Fort, you can enjoy expansive countryside views. The region is characterized by its natural settings, providing a scenic backdrop to its historical sites.
Where can I find walking or hiking trails near Gortacar?
There are several walking and hiking opportunities near Gortacar. Drum Manor Forest Park offers way-marked trails of varying lengths. For more structured routes, you can explore the hiking routes around Gortacar, which include easy options like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'.
Are there any easy walking routes suitable for beginners or those seeking a relaxed stroll?
Absolutely. For easy walks, consider the trails within Drum Manor Forest Park, some of which are wheelchair accessible. Komoot also lists several easy hikes around Gortacar, such as the 'Castle Archdale loop' or the 'View of Tom's Island – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island', perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gortacar?
Visitors appreciate the rich historical significance and natural beauty of the area. Highlights like the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery and Drumskinny Stone Circle offer unique insights into ancient history. The ruins of Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins provide a glimpse into past eras, often set within scenic forest or lakeside environments.
Are there any cycling routes available near Gortacar's attractions?
Yes, if you enjoy cycling, there are several road cycling routes in the vicinity. You can find options like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' or the 'Enniskillen Castle – Enniskillen Castle loop from Kesh'. Explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Gortacar guide.
What is the significance of the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. Both originally featured faces on the front and back, characteristic of Janus-faced carvings. The simpler, more damaged figure is thought to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility, making them significant archaeological finds.
Can I visit Drum Manor Forest Park, and what does it offer?
Yes, Drum Manor Forest Park is a notable attraction near Gortacar. It features the ruins of a 19th-century manor house, beautiful mature woodlands, forest tracks, ponds, gardens, and an arboretum. The park is particularly vibrant in spring and autumn and offers a campsite, hiking trails, and a play park. Some trails are wheelchair accessible. You can find more details on the nidirect.gov.uk website.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale, an Englishman granted the estate. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. Perched on a forest clifftop, its ruins offer a tangible link to centuries of local history and conflict.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around Gortacar?
While exploring Old Castle Archdale, you'll find it situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views. Additionally, Tullyhogue Fort, a historic site in County Tyrone, provides expansive views across the surrounding countryside, making it a great spot for appreciating the landscape.
What is the best time of year to visit Gortacar's attractions?
The region is particularly vibrant in spring and autumn. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn showcases beautiful deciduous foliage, especially in places like Drum Manor Forest Park. Visiting during these seasons can enhance the scenic beauty of the historical sites and natural landscapes.
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