Attractions and Places To See around Gaffer Island - Top 17
Best attractions and places to see around Gaffer Island include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. This region is characterized by its ancient castle ruins and significant historical monuments, often nestled within forested areas. Visitors can explore more than 17 hidden gems, offering insights into the area's past and its natural beauty. The diverse attractions cater to those interested in history, architecture, and outdoor exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Gaffer Island
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight • Forest
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
Highlight • Monument
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight • Monument
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Necarne Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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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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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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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions can I expect to find around Gaffer Island?
The area around Gaffer Island is rich in historical sites and natural landscapes. You'll discover ancient castle ruins like Old Castle Archdale, Necarne Castle, and Tully Castle Ruins, often nestled within forested areas. There are also significant historical monuments such as Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, offering insights into the region's past and its natural beauty.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in the area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly, offering a glimpse into history with a visitor's centre. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, part of the larger Castle Archdale estate, often host exhibitions that can be engaging for all ages.
What historical sites should I visit around Gaffer Island?
For history enthusiasts, the region offers several compelling sites. Explore the 17th-century ruins of Old Castle Archdale, perched on a forest clifftop. Discover Necarne Castle, once a military hospital, now an atmospheric ruin. Don't miss Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a tragic history, and the ancient Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones with their unique carved stones.
Are there hiking trails near these attractions?
Absolutely! The area boasts numerous hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For more options, explore the 'Easy hikes around Gaffer Island' guide, which includes routes like the 'Castle Archdale loop' and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. You can find more details and routes on the easy hikes guide page.
What cycling routes are available around Gaffer Island?
Cyclists have a variety of routes to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. The 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' offers an easy 18km ride. For more challenging adventures, consider the 'Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins – Lough Melvin loop'. Discover these and other routes on the cycling guide page.
Can I go running near the attractions?
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find moderate routes like the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop' from Lisnarrick or White Island, and a running loop from Monea. For longer, more difficult runs, consider the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. Check out the Running Trails around Gaffer Island guide for detailed routes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gaffer Island?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and natural settings. For instance, at Old Castle Archdale, people enjoy imagining life hundreds of years ago while wandering the crumbling walls amidst thick forest. The unique and ancient stones at Killadeas Priory Church also captivate those interested in early Christian history and megalithic sites.
Is Gaffer Island a real place, or is it a general region name?
While 'Gaffer Island' is used as the region name for this guide, the attractions listed, such as Old Castle Archdale, Necarne Castle, and Tully Castle Ruins, are located in the Fermanagh Lakelands area, specifically in Northern Ireland. The guide focuses on the historical and natural highlights found within this broader region.
Are there any facilities or visitor centers at the historical sites?
At Tully Castle Ruins, there is a visitor’s centre located in a restored farmhouse that houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. For other sites, facilities may vary, so it's advisable to check specific highlight details or local information before your visit.
What is the best time of year to visit the Fermanagh Lakelands area?
While specific seasonal tips for 'Gaffer Island' aren't provided, the Fermanagh Lakelands, where these attractions are located, are generally pleasant during spring and summer (May to September) for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Autumn can also offer beautiful scenery with changing foliage.
Are there any dog-friendly trails or attractions?
Many outdoor areas and trails in the Fermanagh Lakelands are dog-friendly, especially those within forest parks like Castle Archdale. While specific dog-friendly mentions for each highlight are not detailed, generally, walking trails and open spaces are suitable for dogs on a leash. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
Where can I find cafes or pubs near the attractions?
The attractions are spread across the Fermanagh Lakelands. For specific amenities like cafes and pubs, you would typically find them in nearby towns and villages such as Lisnarrick or Irvinestown, which are close to attractions like Old Castle Archdale and Necarne Castle. It's recommended to plan your refreshment stops in these local communities.
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