Top 5 Castles around Lignameeltoge
Best castles around Lignameeltoge offer a journey through centuries of history set against a backdrop of forests and historical landscapes. This region features several significant historical sites, including 17th-century fortified houses and castle ruins. Many of these structures played roles in events like the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite Wars. The area's natural setting, with forest clifftops and points like Tully Point, complements the historical exploration.
Best castles around Lignameeltoge
- The most popular castles is Old Castle Archdale, a forest historical site. This castle, built in the 1600s, is situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare forest and was a main estate castle before its successor.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site. Once known as Irvine Castle, it served as a military hospital during WWII and is now a ruin overtaken by plant life, with an interesting horse farm nearby.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn. This 17th-century structure on Tully Point was attacked and burned in 1641, and a visitor’s centre in a restored farmhouse now houses an exhibition about its history.
- Lignameeltoge is known for its historical castle ruins, fortified houses, and former estate castles. Visitors can explore structures dating back to the 17th century, offering insights into the region's past.
- The castles around Lignameeltoge are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
A visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle.
(discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Necarne Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Monea Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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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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 historical events are associated with the castles around Lignameeltoge?
Many castles in the Lignameeltoge region played significant roles in historical conflicts. For example, Old Castle Archdale was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later burnt out during the Williamite Wars. Similarly, Tully Castle Ruins were attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, and Monea Castle Ruins were also attacked and occupied during the 1641 rebellion.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit in the Lignameeltoge area?
Yes, several castles in the region are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition about its history, making it an engaging stop. Monea Castle Ruins is also considered family-friendly and is free to visit. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions, offering an educational experience.
What kind of natural surroundings can I expect when visiting castles near Lignameeltoge?
The castles around Lignameeltoge are often set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest, offering a blend of history and nature. Tully Castle Ruins are located on Tully Point, providing scenic views.
Are there walking trails near the castles in Lignameeltoge?
Yes, there are several walking and hiking trails that incorporate or pass near these historical sites. For instance, you can find easy hiking routes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Lignameeltoge guide.
Can I visit castles around Lignameeltoge in winter?
While specific winter opening hours for all sites are not detailed, Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, which typically includes winter months. For other sites, it's advisable to check their specific opening times, as some visitor centers or facilities might have reduced hours during the off-season.
Are there any castles with unique modern history in the Lignameeltoge area?
Yes, Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, served as a military hospital during WWII. Although now a ruin overtaken by plant life, its more recent history as a wartime facility adds a unique layer to its story. Nearby, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people.
What are the opening hours for Monea Castle Ruins?
Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Are there cycling routes that include castles in the Lignameeltoge region?
Yes, the region offers cycling routes that pass by or near historical castles. For example, the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island' is an easy cycling route. You can find more options in the Cycling around Lignameeltoge guide.
What can I expect at the visitor's centre near Tully Castle Ruins?
The visitor's centre near Tully Castle Ruins is located in a restored farmhouse. It houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle and its history, providing deeper context to your visit.
Are there any castles in Lignameeltoge that are free to enter?
Yes, Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit. While other sites might have visitor centers with entry fees, the ruins themselves are often accessible without charge.
What is the best way to explore Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins are best explored on foot. If you're cycling, you'll need to dismount to walk around the site. There's also a visitor's centre nearby to enhance your understanding of its history.
What kind of activities can I do near Necarne Castle?
Near Necarne Castle, you can enjoy walking trails, as the area is suitable for pedestrian exploration. There's also an interesting horse farm nearby, which can be a point of interest for visitors.
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