Castle Archdale facts for kids
Castle Archdale is a beautiful country park in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It sits right on the edge of a big lake called Lough Erne Lower. Today, it's a popular spot with a country park and a place for caravans. The park is close to towns like Lisnarick and Irvinestown, not far from Enniskillen. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency takes care of it.
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A Look Back in Time
The land where Castle Archdale Country Park now stands was once a large estate. It belonged to the Archdale family. They arrived in 1614 during a time called the Plantation of Ulster. This was when many people from England and Scotland moved to Ulster in Ireland.
John Archdale, who came from Norfolk, England, built the first castle in 1615. It was designed like a "T" shape. It had strong walls, about 15 feet high, with towers at each corner for defense.
Sadly, the castle was destroyed twice. The first time was in 1641 during a big rebellion in Ireland. Rory Maguire led this attack. It was destroyed again in 1689 during the Williamite wars. These were conflicts over who would rule Ireland. Today, you can still see the ruins of this old castle in the park.
Later, in 1773, a new, grand house was built about a mile away from the old castle ruins. During World War II, this mansion became the main office for RAF Castle Archdale. After the war, the house was no longer used. It was finally taken down in 1970. Now, only a large cobbled courtyard remains. It is surrounded by white buildings that hold an information center and tearooms.
Castle Archdale in World War II
During World War II, RAF Castle Archdale was a very important base. Up to 2,500 people worked there. It was a major hub for flying boats. These were planes that could land and take off from water.
Planes like PBY Catalinas and Short Sunderlands flew from Castle Archdale. Their job was to protect ships in the Atlantic Ocean from German U-boats. U-boats were German submarines that attacked ships. The caravan site you see today sits on the old concrete area. This is where the aircraft were fixed and kept. There is also a museum in the park. It has many interesting items from the World War II period.
Ireland stayed neutral during World War II. However, a secret agreement was made. It was between Eamon de Valera, Ireland's leader, and the United Kingdom government. This agreement allowed planes from RAF Castle Archdale to use the Donegal Corridor. This was a short path of airspace over Ireland.
It let planes fly directly to the Atlantic from Belleek in Northern Ireland. They would fly over Ballyshannon in Ireland. This saved a long trip north towards Derry and then west. It meant the planes could protect ships further out in the Atlantic.
In May 1941, two Catalina planes from Castle Archdale played a key role. They helped sink the German battleship Bismarck. They spotted the damaged warship in the Atlantic. The Bismarck was trying to get back to France for repairs. It had been hit by torpedoes from planes from HMS Victorious. Because of the Catalinas' sighting, Fairey Swordfish planes from HMS Ark Royal could attack again. Their torpedoes caused fatal damage to the Bismarck.
Getting Around
- You can take a ferry to White Island. It leaves from the Castle Archdale marina.
- Castle Archdale had its own private railway station. It opened on June 13, 1866. It closed for good on July 3, 1950.
Fun Activities
You can enjoy many water and land activities here. A company at the marina car park offers these fun options.
More Information
- Culture Northern Ireland
