Attractions and Places To See around Cruninish Island - Top 16
Best attractions and places to see around Cruninish Island include a range of historical sites and natural features within the Lower Lough Erne area. Cruninish Island itself is a lightly grazed drumlin island recognized for its significant natural features and ecological importance, designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). The island hosts species-rich wet grasslands and is a crucial site for breeding waders. The broader region offers a variety of historical and natural attractions.
Best attractions and places…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho
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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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The viewpoint at the Cliffs of Magho is sensational. Enjoy panoramic views over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean and Blue Stack mountains. Picnic benches, bins, and an information board are provided at the top.
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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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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 visitor’s 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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Breathtaking views of Lough Earne.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Cruninish Island?
Cruninish Island itself is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), known for its rare species-rich wet grasslands and as a crucial site for breeding waders. While the island is primarily a natural haven, the broader Lower Lough Erne area offers serene lake views, such as those from Rossmore Point Beacon.
Are there historical sites to visit near Cruninish Island?
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit the unique pre-Christian Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale which dates back to the 1600s, or discover Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre telling local stories.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do in the Lower Lough Erne area?
The Lower Lough Erne area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, road cycling, and general cycling. For example, there are running routes like the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop' and cycling routes such as 'Boa island to Lough Derg and back'. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for running trails, road cycling, and cycling around Cruninish Island.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities available?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre that can be engaging for all ages. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions, offering an educational experience about their historical role during WW2. The scenic Rossmore Point Beacon also provides a pleasant spot for a family outing with views over Lough Erne.
What is the best time of year to visit the Fermanagh Lakelands region?
The Fermanagh Lakelands, including the area around Cruninish Island, are generally pleasant to visit from spring through autumn. These seasons offer milder weather, which is ideal for exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor activities like cycling and running, and observing the natural beauty of the wet grasslands and breeding waders on Cruninish Island.
Where can I find unique historical monuments in the area?
For a truly unique historical monument, visit the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island. These two pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age, stone figures are a rare archaeological find, standing among modern graves in an isolated graveyard.
Can I visit Cruninish Island itself?
Cruninish Island is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) due to its ecological importance, particularly for species-rich wet grasslands and breeding waders. Access to such sensitive natural areas is often restricted to protect the wildlife and habitats. For specific access information, it's advisable to check with local conservation authorities or the official DAERA website for protected areas: daera-ni.gov.uk.
Are there any castle ruins to explore near Cruninish Island?
Yes, you can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle located on Castle Hill within a large forest. Another option is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house that was attacked and burned in 1641 and never reoccupied.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Cruninish Island?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and natural beauty. The unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are often highlighted for their historical significance. The atmospheric ruins of Old Castle Archdale, perched on a clifftop, allow visitors to imagine life hundreds of years ago. The serene views over Lough Erne from spots like Rossmore Point Beacon are also highly enjoyed.
Are there any specific viewpoints for scenic photography?
Absolutely. Rossmore Point Beacon offers serene views over Lough Erne, complete with a bench for enjoying the scenery. The elevated position of Old Castle Archdale on Castle Hill also provides picturesque views of the surrounding forest and landscape.
What is the historical significance of Castle Archdale?
The area around Castle Archdale has a rich history. Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later abandoned after being burnt out in the Williamite Wars. The nearby Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings served as a major base for flying boats during WW2, housing up to 2,500 RAF personnel.
Are there any easy walking trails near the attractions?
While specific 'easy' trails directly adjacent to Cruninish Island are not detailed, the broader area offers various routes. For instance, the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop' is a moderate running route, and there are easy cycling routes like 'Boa island to Lough Derg and back'. You can find more details on the running and cycling guides for the area.
Most popular attractions around Cruninish Island
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