Castle Archdale

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Castle Archdale in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland is the home of Castle Archdale Country Park, situated near Irvinestown and owned and run by the Environment and Heritage Service.

The park was once an estate owned by the Archdale family, who arrived in 1614 during the Plantation of Ulster. The original castle was destroyed during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and again in 1689, during the Williamite wars. In the 18th century, a mansion was built but all that now remains is a huge cobbled courtyard surrounded by white outbuildings, housing an information centre and tearooms.

During World War II, Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. An exhibition describes how PBY Catalinas and Short Sunderlands flew from Castle Archdale to protect Atlantic shipping from German U-boats. Today’s caravan site sits on the cement maintenance area where aircraft were serviced.

There is a ferry to White Island which leaves from Castle Archdale marina.