Royal visit highlights Castle Archdale's wartime legacy and heritage
Date published:
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir today welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Castle Archdale County Park and Museum for a special visit celebrating the remarkable wartime history of the former RAF Castle Archdale and the continued work to preserve and promote this important part of Northern Ireland’s heritage.
Managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), an executive agency within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Castle Archdale Museum tells the story of the site’s crucial role during the Second World War as a Royal Air Force flying boat base on the shores of Lower Lough Erne.
Speaking following the special visit, Minister Muir commented: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Castle Archdale County Park today. The visit provided the opportunity for Her Royal Highness to see one of Northern Ireland’s most significant Second World War heritage sites and hear from historians, volunteers and partner organisations about the work being done to preserve this important piece of history.”
The Princess Royal was welcomed by Mr Conaire McNeary, Warden of Castle Archdale Museum, who provided an overview of the former RAF station, the work of the NIEA today and the current 'Castle Archdale at War' exhibition.
During a tour of the museum galleries, Her Royal Highness viewed a series of panels highlighting local women who served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during the Second World War. Created to shine a greater light on the vital role and contribution of women during the conflict, the panels feature the stories of former WAAF members from the local area. Family members shared the stories of the women who supported military operations from the Fermanagh base, with photographs and information featured throughout the exhibition.
Her Royal Highness also received a briefing on wartime air operations from Castle Archdale, including the strategic importance of the Donegal Corridor in supporting Allied operations during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Her Royal Highness also met Royal Air Force personnel, Air Cadets and representatives from a range of military, veterans’ and community organisations, including 502 (Ulster) Squadron, the RAF Outreach Team, the Northern Ireland Universities Air Squadron, the RAF Association, the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, and the Ballyreagh Silver Band, which provided musical accompaniment during the visit.
A highlight of the visit was a briefing on the RAF’s P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft, followed by a flypast viewed from the former manor house base overlooking the historic site.
To commemorate the occasion, The Princess Royal planted an Irish Yew tree within the grounds of Castle Archdale Country Park, creating a lasting reminder of the visit and reinforcing the site’s role as a place of remembrance, education and conservation.
Conaire McNeary, Warden of Castle Archdale Museum, said: “It was a great honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Castle Archdale Museum. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the unique wartime history of RAF Castle Archdale, recognise the service and sacrifice of those who served here and acknowledge the important contribution of WAAF personnel.”
Castle Archdale Country Park remains one of the most significant Second World War heritage sites in Northern Ireland, welcoming visitors from across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
Notes to editors:
- Castle Archdale Country Park is managed by NIEA within DAERA.
- RAF Castle Archdale was a key flying boat base during the Second World War.
- The “Castle Archdale at War” exhibition interprets the wartime history of the site.
- Visit: Castle Archdale Museum, Castle Archdale Country Park, 346 Killadeas Road, Lisnarick, County Fermanagh BT94 1PP.
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