Castle Archdale

Castle Archdale, County Fermanagh
Photo © Kenneth Allen, 7 September 2005

Castle Archdale in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland is the home of Castle Archdale Country Park, situated near Irvinestown, about 10 miles north west of Enniskillen. It is owned and run by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

History

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. The ruins of Castle Archdale itself are situated in the old area of the park.

World War II

During World War II, RAF Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats (e.g. Catalina), housing up to 2,500 people. PBY Catalinas and Short Sunderlands flew from Castle Archdale to protect Atlantic shipping from German U-boats. Today's caravan site sits on the concrete maintenance area where aircraft were serviced, and a museum in the park holds exhibits from the WWII period.