Top 5 Castles around Lusty More Island
Best castles around Lusty More Island, a wild-fowl reserve, are located in the vicinity within County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This area is known for its natural beauty and ancient cultural significance, including a pre-Christian stone figure. The region features a landscape of forests and loughs, offering historical sites amidst scenic surroundings. Visitors can explore various historical sites and castle ruins that provide insight into 17th-century Irish history.
Best castles around Lusty More Island
- The most popular castles is Old Castleβ¦
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Castle Caldwell Ruins
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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During WW2 Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats and housed up to 2,500 people. Buildings such as these would have been a central location for the RAF fighters who lived here. Sometimes exhibitions are held in these courtyards to display some of the key historical notes of the use of this area during the war.
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Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The castle was built in the 1600s and was the main castle on this former estate before its successor took it's place in the 1800s, Castle Archdale.
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Built in the 17th century, Castle Caldwell was part of the Ulster Plantation, a province of Ireland colonised by British settles throughout King James I era. The castle had a number of inhabitants after that and fell into ruin towards the 1800s. Although access to the castle is now forbidden due to its dangerous state of repair, the surrounding park and forest can be explored freely. Keep your eyes peeled for the ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard.
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Old Castle Archdale sits on a forest clifftop. It is named 'old' to distinguish it from its successor, the 18th century Castle Archdale. The castle was built by an Englishman from Suffolk who had been granted the estate in 1612 after paying 5 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence for the 1000 acres of land. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 the castle was captured by Rory Maguire as part of the uprising to retake his lands that had been lost in 1607. The heir to the castle was saved by his nurse however the other children were killed. After the castle was returned to the family it was repaired and lived in until 1689. The castle saw its end during the Williamite Wars when the castle was burnt out and abandoned.
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This fortified house is on Tully Point and built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked by John Maguire and burned on Christmas Eve with all its inhabitants massacred. After that it was not lived in again. There is a visitors centre in a restored farmhouse that has an interesting exhibition telling a number of stories relating to the castle. To visit the castle be sure to step off the bike as it is on foot only!
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Built in the 17th century by Francis Blennerhasett of Norfolk, Castle Caldwell was once part of Ulster Plantation, a province of Ireland colonised by British settlers during the reign of King James I. The castle had various inhabitants over the centuries until it fell into ruin towards the end of the 1800s. Today, Castle Caldwell lies within Castle Caldwell Forest Park, a nature reserve on the banks of Lower Lough Erne. Although access to the castle is forbidden due to its ruinous state, you can visit the surrounding park for free. Look out for the ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard too.
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Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, it's easy to imagine how life would have been hundreds of years ago as you wander the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale. Built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale, the castle was captured by the Irish in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The castle was inhabited until 1689, when it was destroyed by fire and abandoned.
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This fortified house and bawn are set on Tully Point and were built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire and the inhabitants massacred. It was not lived in again. A visitorβs centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical significance do the castles around Lusty More Island hold?
The castles in the vicinity of Lusty More Island, particularly in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, are significant for understanding 17th-century Irish history. Sites like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins played roles in events such as the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite Wars, offering a glimpse into the turbulent past of the region.
Which castles near Lusty More Island are known for their natural surroundings?
Castle Caldwell Ruins are situated on a peninsula overlooking Lower Lough Erne, within Castle Caldwell Forest Park. This area is a nature reserve, offering a picturesque and historically rich environment for nature and history enthusiasts. Old Castle Archdale is also located within a large forest, providing a scenic backdrop to its ruins.
Are the castles around Lusty More Island family-friendly?
Yes, some castle sites are family-friendly. For instance, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition detailing local stories, which can be engaging for families. The surrounding forest parks, such as at Castle Caldwell and Old Castle Archdale, also offer space for walks and exploration suitable for families.
What kind of ruins can I expect to see at these castle sites?
You can expect to see various types of ruins. Old Castle Archdale features crumbling walls of a 17th-century castle. At Castle Caldwell Ruins, while access to the main castle is restricted, you can explore a ruined chapel and an overgrown graveyard within the forest park. Tully Castle Ruins presents a fortified house and bawn that was attacked and burned in 1641.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The areas around these castles offer various outdoor activities, especially cycling. You can find MTB trails, road cycling routes, and touring bicycle routes. For example, near Old Castle Archdale, you can find routes like the Boa Island and Pettigo loop. Near Tully Castle Ruins, there's a route to the Cliffs of Magho viewpoint. You can explore more options on the MTB Trails around Lusty More Island, Road Cycling Routes around Lusty More Island, and Cycling around Lusty More Island guide pages.
Is there parking available at the castles near Lusty More Island?
Yes, parking is generally available at or near the forest parks and historical sites. For example, Old Castle Archdale is within Castle Archdale Forest Park, which has visitor facilities including parking. Similarly, Castle Caldwell Ruins are within Castle Caldwell Forest Park, and Tully Castle Ruins also has visitor access and parking.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Lusty More Island?
The best time to visit is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is generally milder and more conducive for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding forest parks. The natural beauty of the Fermanagh Lakelands is also at its peak, enhancing the visitor experience.
How long should I plan for a visit to these castle sites?
For individual castle sites like Tully Castle Ruins with its visitor centre, you might spend 1-2 hours. For sites within larger forest parks, such as Old Castle Archdale or Castle Caldwell Ruins, you could easily spend half a day or more exploring the ruins, walking trails, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Are there any nearby amenities like pubs or cafes after visiting the castles?
While Lusty More Island itself is a wild-fowl reserve, the surrounding County Fermanagh area offers amenities. Towns and villages near the castle sites, such as Kesh or Enniskillen, will have pubs, cafes, and accommodation options for visitors looking to relax and refuel after a day of exploration.
Can I find viewpoints or unique natural features near these castles?
Yes, the region is known for its natural beauty. Castle Caldwell Ruins are located on a peninsula overlooking Lower Lough Erne, offering scenic views. Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a large forest, providing elevated perspectives of the landscape. The Fermanagh Lakelands themselves are a significant natural feature.
What is the significance of Lusty More Island itself?
Lusty More Island is primarily known as a wild-fowl reserve, celebrated for its natural beauty. It also holds ancient cultural significance, being the original location of a pre-Christian stone figure, adding to the historical depth of the wider region.
Are there any castles that were used during World War II in this area?
Yes, the area around Castle Archdale has historical connections to WWII. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WW2, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held there to display key historical notes of the area's use during the war.
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