Top 5 Castles around Inish Doney
Castles around Inish Doney offer insights into 17th-century Irish history and architecture. This region features several historical castle sites, many of which played roles during significant periods like the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite Wars. These structures are often set within natural landscapes, including forests and clifftops. The area provides opportunities to explore historical ruins and fortified houses.
Best castles around Inish Doney
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a castle situated on Castle Hillβ¦
Last updated: May 16, 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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Monea Castle Ruins
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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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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.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of castles can I expect to find around Inish Doney?
The castles around Inish Doney are primarily 17th-century fortified houses and castle ruins. They offer insights into Irish history, particularly from periods like the Plantation, the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and the Williamite Wars. Many are set within natural landscapes like forests and clifftops, providing a blend of history and scenic exploration.
Are there any castles with significant historical events associated with them?
Yes, several castles in the area have rich histories. For example, Old Castle Archdale was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire during the Williamite Wars. Similarly, Tully Castle Ruins was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, and Monea Castle Ruins was also attacked and occupied during the 1641 rebellion.
Are the castles around Inish Doney suitable for families?
Many of the castle sites are family-friendly. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins are specifically noted as family-friendly. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer family-friendly experiences, sometimes hosting exhibitions related to its WWII history.
Can I bring my dog to the castle sites?
While specific rules for each castle vary, many outdoor historical sites and surrounding forest parks in the region are dog-friendly, especially for walks. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. For example, the forest trails around Old Castle Archdale are generally suitable for dog walking.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles?
For individual castle ruins like Tully Castle Ruins or Monea Castle Ruins, you might spend 1-2 hours exploring the site and any visitor centers. If you combine a castle visit with nearby walking or cycling trails, such as those around Old Castle Archdale, you could easily spend half a day or more.
Are there walking or hiking trails near the castles?
Yes, the area offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities. For instance, you can find easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop' near Old Castle Archdale. There's also the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop' near Tully Castle Ruins. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes around Inish Doney guide.
What cycling routes are available near the castles?
Cycling is a popular activity around Inish Doney. Routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' pass through the wider area. Near Old Castle Archdale, you can find the 'Rossmore Point Beacon β Old Castle Archdale loop'. For more detailed routes, check out the Cycling around Inish Doney guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Inish Doney guide.
What natural features can I see near the castles?
The castles are often nestled within beautiful natural settings. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest. Tully Castle Ruins is set on Tully Point, offering scenic views. The region is known for its loughs (lakes) and green landscapes, providing a picturesque backdrop for historical exploration.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to visit?
While the main castles like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins are popular, their ruinous nature and often expansive settings can make them feel less crowded than fully restored castles. Monea Castle Ruins, with its distinctly Scottish style and free access, offers a charming and often quieter experience.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Inish Doney?
The castles are primarily outdoor ruins, so visiting during milder weather is generally recommended. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is also popular, though it can be busier. Winter visits are possible, but be prepared for colder, wetter conditions.
Are there any visitor centers or facilities at the castle sites?
Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. For other sites, facilities might be more limited, so it's advisable to check specific details before your visit.
Is public transport available to reach the castles?
Public transport options to reach these specific castle ruins can be limited, as many are in more rural settings. It's often easier to access them by car. However, local bus services might connect to nearby towns, from which you could arrange further transport or walk if feasible. Always check local transport schedules in advance.
What are the opening hours for the castle ruins?
Many of the castle ruins, being historical sites, are accessible during daylight hours. For example, Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. For other sites, especially those managed by heritage organizations, it's best to check their official websites for the most current opening times.
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