Top 4 Castles around Clareview
Best castles around Clareview offer a glimpse into centuries of history, set amidst varied landscapes. This region features historical sites ranging from fortified houses to castle ruins. Visitors can explore structures that played roles in significant historical events. The area provides opportunities to connect with the past through its preserved architectural heritage.
Best castles around Clareview
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest and historical site that sits on a forest clifftop within a 520 hectareโฆ
Last updated: May 17, 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 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)
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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 can I expect to find around Clareview?
The Clareview area features a variety of historical sites, including fortified houses, castle ruins, and structures that played roles in significant historical events. You can explore sites like Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle on a forest clifftop, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Clareview?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly, offering a visitor's centre with exhibitions about local stories. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also considered family-friendly and offer insights into their use during WWII.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Clareview?
The area around Clareview's castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop, and hiking trails like the Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island. For more details on routes, check out the Cycling around Clareview and Hiking around Clareview guides.
Can I explore the natural surroundings of these castles?
Absolutely. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a natural setting for exploration. Many nearby routes also take you through scenic landscapes.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in the 1600s by an Englishman and served as the main castle on its estate. It was captured by Rory Maguire during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689.
What happened to Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house built for Sir John Hume, was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, with its inhabitants massacred. It was never lived in again after this event.
Is Necarne Castle still intact?
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is now a ruin. While it was used as a military hospital as late as WWII, it has since lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life.
What is the significance of the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings served as a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to display their historical role.
Are there hiking trails directly to the castles?
Yes, there are hiking routes that lead to or pass by these historical sites. For example, you can find routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. Remember that some areas, like Tully Castle Ruins, require you to step off your bike and explore on foot.
What do visitors appreciate most about the castles around Clareview?
Visitors appreciate the opportunity to glimpse centuries of history through the preserved architectural heritage. The crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff, allow one to imagine life hundreds of years ago. The variety of historical architecture and stories, along with the natural settings, are highly valued.
Are there any easy hiking routes near the castles?
Yes, several easy hiking routes are available. Examples include 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island', 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle', and the 'Castle Archdale loop'. You can find more easy options in the Easy hikes around Clareview guide.
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