Best castles around Mullies offer a journey through centuries of history, featuring a collection of historical sites and ruins. The region presents a landscape where ancient fortifications, from 17th-century Plantation castles to fortified houses, are set amidst forests and on strategic points. Exploring these sites provides insight into the area's past, including periods of rebellion and military significance. Mullies is a destination for those interested in historical exploration and outdoor discovery.
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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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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Around Mullies, you can explore a variety of historical sites, including 17th-century Plantation castles, fortified houses, and ruins. Each site offers a distinct story and architectural style, reflecting periods of rebellion and military significance. Examples include Old Castle Archdale, Necarne Castle, and Tully Castle Ruins.
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is noted as a family-friendly historical site. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also considered family-friendly, sometimes hosting exhibitions about the area's history during WWII. Monea Castle Ruins is another family-friendly option.
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. Situated on a forest clifftop, it was the main castle on its estate before being replaced by a successor in the 1800s. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689.
Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, is now a ruin largely overtaken by plant life. It was used as a military hospital during WWII. While the ruins are closed to urban explorers, there is a nearby horse farm, and the area is suitable for walking.
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. It was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 and was never lived in again. A visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby offers an exhibition detailing local stories related to the castle.
Monea Castle Ruins was built in 1616 by the Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton during the Plantation period, featuring a distinct Scottish style. It was attacked during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire, leaving it in its current ruined state. The ruins are free to visit and open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails near the castles. For instance, you can explore the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route, 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle', or the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking guide for Mullies.
Cyclists can enjoy routes like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins β The Big Tree loop from Heron Island'. These routes offer a chance to see the historical sites while enjoying the landscape. More road cycling options are available in the road cycling guide for Mullies.
Visitors appreciate the journey through centuries of history offered by the ancient fortifications and ruins. The komoot community has shown its appreciation with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared across the highlights, highlighting the historical exploration and outdoor discovery opportunities.
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were a central location during WWII when Castle Archdale served as a major flying boat base, housing up to 2,500 RAF personnel. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to display key historical notes from that period.
Many castles in the Mullies area, such as Monea Castle Ruins, were built during the 17th-century Plantation period. This often means they exhibit styles typical of that era, sometimes with distinct regional influences, like the Scottish style seen at Monea Castle.


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