Top 5 Castles around Rossmore
Best castles around Rossmore offer a glimpse into a region with a rich historical past, set amidst diverse natural landscapes. The area, including Rossmore Forest Park, features remnants of grand estates, historical sites, and natural beauty with lakes and unique plantings. Visitors can explore various historical structures that reflect centuries of local heritage. These sites provide opportunities to connect with the past while enjoying the surrounding environment.
Best castles around Rossmore
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale,…
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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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 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 kind of historical sites can I expect to find around Rossmore?
The area around Rossmore is rich in historical sites, primarily featuring castle ruins and fortified houses from the 17th century. You can explore sites like Old Castle Archdale, a forest and castle site built in the 1600s, or the fortified house and bawn of Tully Castle Ruins. Another notable ruin is Monea Castle Ruins, built in a distinct Scottish style during the Plantation era.
Are there any standing castles to visit directly within Rossmore?
While the historic Rossmore Castle was unfortunately demolished in the 1970s, its former site is now part of Rossmore Forest Park. Here, you can still find remnants of the estate, such as grand stone steps and a restored walled garden, offering a glimpse into the area's past. The castles mentioned in this guide are located in the surrounding region.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the castles?
Many of the castles are situated within or near scenic outdoor areas. You can find numerous opportunities for running, cycling, and hiking. For example, there are running trails around Old Castle Archdale, cycling routes that pass Tully Castle Ruins, and easy hikes through Necarne Woods near Necarne Castle. You can find detailed routes in our guides for Running Trails around Rossmore, Cycling around Rossmore, and Easy hikes around Rossmore.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites in the area?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that tells local stories, making it engaging for all ages. Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings often host exhibitions about its WWII history, which can be interesting for families. Monea Castle Ruins is also considered family-friendly and offers free access.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Rossmore?
The castles and their surrounding parks are generally accessible year-round. However, visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and walking trails, with fewer crowds than peak summer. Some sites, like Monea Castle Ruins, are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Can I bring my dog to the castle sites?
Many of the castle ruins are located within larger forest parks or open areas that are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. For example, Rossmore Forest Park, the site of the former Rossmore Castle, welcomes dogs. Always check specific site regulations before your visit, especially for visitor centres or enclosed areas.
Are there any castles with visitor centres or additional facilities?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse, which provides an exhibition detailing local stories related to the castle. This can enhance your understanding of the site's history.
What are the historical events associated with these castles?
Many castles in the region, such as Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and Monea Castle Ruins, were built during the 17th-century Plantation period. They were often involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1641, being attacked, captured, or burned during this tumultuous time. Necarne Castle, originally Irvine Castle, even served as a military hospital during WWII.
How long does it typically take to visit a castle ruin?
The time required can vary. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins with a visitor's centre, you might spend 1-2 hours. For more extensive ruins like Old Castle Archdale, which is set within a forest, you could spend longer exploring the grounds and combining it with a walk. Simple ruins like Monea Castle Ruins might only take 30-60 minutes to explore.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic features near the castles?
Yes, several castles offer scenic surroundings. Old Castle Archdale is dramatically situated on a forest clifftop, offering views of the surrounding woodland. The former site of Rossmore Castle, now Rossmore Forest Park, features eight lakes and exotic plantings, providing beautiful natural scenery for walks.
What are the parking facilities like at these castle sites?
Most castle ruins, especially those within larger parks like Old Castle Archdale or near Necarne Castle, typically have dedicated parking areas. For instance, Necarne Castle offers free parking. It's always advisable to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking instructions and any potential fees.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Rossmore?
Visitors appreciate the opportunity to connect with the past amidst diverse natural landscapes. The komoot community has highlighted the appeal of exploring crumbling walls and imagining historical life at sites like Old Castle Archdale. The blend of historical exploration with outdoor activities like walking and cycling in scenic environments is a major draw.
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