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 the old castle itself are situated in the old area of the park.
We wanted to set a cache here because we reckon the tree near it (you'll know when you see it) must be one of the oldest in the area. To find this cache, take a rest near the old tree and look for 19FO. The cache can be found hidden near 19FO.
Warning: Data on the phones around Castle Archdale can be patchy and the only phone signal that can be picked up is O2. Please also be aware that the GPS can be a little 'jumpy' because of the tree cover.