Best castles around Rosscolban are located within County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, a region characterized by its historical landscape and proximity to Lough Erne. While Rosscolban itself does not contain castles, it provides access to several significant historical sites nearby. The area features a variety of structures, including Plantation-era castles, fortified houses, and ruins, offering insights into different periods of Irish history. These landmarks are often found in natural settings, such as forests and along lake shores.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
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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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The area around Rosscolban, within County Fermanagh, features a variety of historical structures. You can find Plantation-era castles like Old Castle Archdale, fortified houses such as Tully Castle Ruins, and other significant ruins like Necarne Castle. These sites offer insights into different periods of Irish history, from Gaelic strongholds to 17th-century settlements.
Based on available information, there are no castles directly within the townland of Rosscolban itself. However, its location in County Fermanagh places it near several notable historical castles worth visiting in the broader area.
For history enthusiasts, Old Castle Archdale offers a glimpse into a 17th-century castle that was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Tully Castle Ruins, attacked and burned in 1641, provides a poignant historical narrative. Enniskillen Castle, though not listed as a highlight in this guide, is a significant 15th-century stronghold housing two museums focused on local and regimental history.
Yes, several castles and their surrounding estates offer family-friendly experiences. Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre with local stories. The wider Castle Archdale area, including the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, often hosts exhibitions and provides space for families to explore.
Many castles are situated within natural settings, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Near Old Castle Archdale, you can find easy hikes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island'. The area around Necarne Castle also has easy walking routes. For cycling, the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' passes through the region. You can find more details on various routes in the Easy hikes around Rosscolban and Cycling around Rosscolban guides.
Absolutely. Several castles are integrated into walking and hiking routes. For instance, you can find easy hiking trails near Old Castle Archdale, such as the 'Castle Archdale loop'. There are also routes like 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. Explore these and more in the Hiking around Rosscolban guide.
The best time to visit the castles in County Fermanagh is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months. The weather is typically milder, and the natural landscapes surrounding many of the castles are particularly scenic. Summer (June-August) also offers good weather, though it can be busier. Winter visits are possible, but some facilities might have reduced hours, and paths can be muddy.
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. Enniskillen Castle, a prominent site in County Fermanagh, also houses the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum.
Parking availability varies by castle. For example, Necarne Castle offers free parking. For other sites like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, parking is typically available at nearby visitor facilities or trailheads, often as part of larger park or estate amenities.
Entry fees vary depending on the castle. Many ruins, like Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle, are open-access or have free entry to their grounds. However, sites with visitor centers or extensive facilities, such as Enniskillen Castle or Castle Coole, typically charge an admission fee. It's advisable to check specific castle websites for current pricing.
Crevenish Castle, located on the east bank of Lough Erne, is a ruin situated on the grounds of a caravan park and is private property. This means it cannot be freely visited. While it offers nice views over Lough Erne, direct access to the ruins is restricted. You can find more historical context about it on castles.nl.
Beyond the more prominent sites, County Fermanagh has several lesser-known ruins that offer a sense of discovery. Monea Castle, built in a distinct Scottish style, and Castle Balfour in Lisnaskea are examples of Plantation-era castles that are now ruins, offering a quieter, more reflective experience of history.
Yes, many castles are set in beautiful natural landscapes. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views. Tully Castle Ruins is set on Tully Point, providing picturesque views over Lough Erne. Crevenish Castle, though not freely accessible, is also known for its views over Lough Erne.


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