Roughan Castle is located at 68 Roughan Road, Newmills, Dungannon, County Tyrone, BT71 4DX. Roughan Castle is a small, three-storey Plantation-era castle built in 1618 by Andrew Stewart, eldest son of the 3rd Lord Ochiltree, Lord Castlestewart. Its unique design includes a central square block with four sturdy, three-quarter round towers at each corner, transitioning to square rooms on upper floors. While it is an impressive historical structure and received 1,400 visitors to 2,000 visitors a year in the 2010s, it is no longer a public visitor attraction due to its location on private property within the grounds of Roughan Castle Residential Home.
- Private Property: Access is restricted as it is part of a residential care home.
- External Viewing: The castle can be seen from a distance, such as from Roughan Road or nearby public areas, where its distinctive silhouette overlooking Roughan Lough is visible. The surrounding landscape, including the lough and a nearby crannóg (an ancient island fort associated with the O’Neills), adds historical context.
- Design: The castle features a central three-storey block with four corner towers, gun loops at ground level, and a high arch on the south side linking two towers, likely for decorative purposes rather than defense. The entrance is through the northwest tower, which houses a spiral stair, and the southeast tower has a vaulted ground floor with surviving fireplaces.
- Historical Significance: Built during the Plantation of Ulster, the castle reflects defensive architecture with features like gun loops and an underground passage, though its roof structure remains unclear. It passed through the Stewart family and was later associated with Phelim O’Neill’s capture in 1653 at the nearby crannóg.
- No Formal Facilities: As a private site, there are no visitor amenities like admission fees, guided tours, or opening hours. The castle’s exterior can be appreciated from public roads, but no interactive exhibits, staff, or facilities are available.
- Photography Opportunity: The castle’s picturesque setting above Roughan Lough makes it a point of interest for photographers or those exploring County Tyrone’s heritage, though access is limited to external views.
- TripAdvisor and Reviews: There are no specific visitor reviews for Roughan Castle on platforms like TripAdvisor, as it is not a recognised attraction. Its appeal is primarily for history enthusiasts willing to view it from a distance.
Nearby Attractions:
- Roughan Castle is near Stewartstown (named after the Stewart family), approximately 5 miles away, and Coalisland, both offering local history and amenities.
- Visitors to County Tyrone can explore other attractions, such as the Ulster American Folk Park (20 miles away) or the Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre in Dungannon (8 miles), which provide context on the Plantation era and local history.
- The Department for Communities, which oversees historic monuments in the six counties, lists Roughan Castle as a significant site. While no 2025 plans are confirmed, there could be efforts to document or promote it as part of broader Plantation heritage initiatives, through digital platforms like www.communities-ni.gov.uk.
- The nearby crannóg in Roughan Lough, noted as “O’Neill’s strongest island fort,” is of archaeological interest, leading to new information panels or virtual tours that reference Roughan Castle.
- Combine with Local Sites: Explore nearby Stewartstown, Dungannon, or the Ulster American Folk Park for a fuller historical experience. The Hill of The O’Neill in Dungannon offers insights into the O’Neill clan, complementing Roughan’s crannóg history.
- Check Access: Contact the Department for Communities (www.communities-ni.gov.uk) (www.communities-ni.gov.uk) or local tourism offices to inquire about any future access changes, though none are confirmed.
Roughan Castle in County Tyrone is a striking Plantation-era structure but is not a public visitor attraction due to its private ownership within a residential home’s grounds.
