Best castles around Glenall are found in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, offering a glimpse into the region's historical past. This area is known for its 17th-century Plantation-era castles, many of which are situated near Lower Lough Erne. The landscape features ancient woodlands and picturesque views, providing a setting for exploring historical sites.
Last updated: October 29, 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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The castles in the Glenall area, primarily located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, are significant examples of 17th-century Plantation-era architecture. They offer a glimpse into a turbulent period of Irish history, marked by the settlement of English and Scottish planters.
You can observe distinct architectural styles among the castles. Monea Castle Ruins and Tully Castle Ruins both showcase strong Scottish influences, while Old Castle Archdale was built in an English style as a fortified stronghouse.
Yes, Old Castle Archdale has a notable wartime past. During World War II, the site served as a major RAF flying boat base, housing up to 2,500 people and playing a crucial role in protecting Atlantic shipping from German U-boats. There is a dedicated War Museum and Countryside Centre nearby.
Absolutely. At Tully Castle Ruins, a visitor's center located in a restored farmhouse provides an exhibition detailing local stories and the castle's history, including insights into the Plantation era and the 1641 rebellion.
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Monea Castle Ruins is described as a great spot for children to play 'hide and seek' amidst the ruins. Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are also categorized as family-friendly.
The area around Glenall offers various outdoor activities. Near Old Castle Archdale, you can explore the surrounding Castle Archdale Forest Park with its ancient woodlands and walking trails. For more options, you can find numerous hiking and road cycling routes in the region. Explore hiking routes around Glenall or discover road cycling routes around Glenall.
Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, near Old Castle Archdale, you can find trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Castle Archdale loop'. Near Necarne Castle, there's the 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' trail. You can find more details and routes on the hiking guide for Glenall.
While specific opening hours vary, the castles are generally accessible year-round. Visiting during spring or autumn offers pleasant weather for exploring the ruins and surrounding natural beauty. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while a winter visit can offer a more atmospheric and tranquil experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Yes, at Old Castle Archdale, you'll find car parking and picnic areas within Castle Archdale Forest Park. Monea Castle Ruins are free to visit and generally open during daytime hours, with parking usually available nearby. Tully Castle Ruins also has visitor facilities.
Visitors often appreciate the rich historical experience, particularly the insights into the 17th-century Plantation era and, in the case of Old Castle Archdale, its World War II connections. The atmospheric ruins, combined with the tranquil settings and stunning views over Lower Lough Erne, make for memorable visits. The surrounding forest parks and walking trails are also highly valued.
While Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and Monea Castle Ruins are well-known, Necarne Castle, once known as Irvine Castle, offers a different kind of historical intrigue as a ruin overtaken by plant life, though access might be restricted to urban explorers.


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