Attractions and Places To See around Bannagh Beg - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see around Bannagh Beg are found within County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, a region characterized by its rural landscape and significant historical and natural features. The area is defined by the expansive Lough Erne, offering numerous islands and water-based activities. Visitors can explore ancient monastic sites, historic castles, and unique geological formations, providing a diverse range of experiences. This region combines cultural heritage with opportunities for outdoor exploration amidst its natural beauty.
Best attractions and places…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Bannagh Beg.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
1
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
0
0
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.
0
0
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)
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Bannagh Beg?
The region is rich in history. You can explore the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, which are pre-Christian stone figures. Other notable historical sites include the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle with a dramatic past, and the Tully Castle Ruins, another fortified house burned during the 1641 rebellion. Don't miss the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Bannagh Beg?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre with local stories. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, a former WW2 base, also provide an interesting historical context. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is another family-friendly historical site.
What natural features can I explore in the area?
County Fermanagh is defined by the expansive Lough Erne, offering numerous islands and water-based activities. The Old Castle Archdale is situated within a large forest, providing a natural setting. The wider region boasts the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark with spectacular show caves and geological formations, and the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) for panoramic views of moorlands.
What outdoor activities are available around Bannagh Beg?
The Fermanagh Lakelands offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy boat trips, island hopping, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lough Erne. For cycling, there are various routes, including easy road cycling loops around Boa Island and Pettigo, or more challenging mountain biking trails like the 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop'. You can find more details on cycling routes in the Cycling around Bannagh Beg guide, Road Cycling Routes around Bannagh Beg, and MTB Trails around Bannagh Beg.
Are there any castles or fortified houses to visit?
Yes, the area features several significant castles and fortified houses. You can visit the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop. Another notable site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a dramatic history from the 1600s. Further afield, Enniskillen Castle and Florence Court are also prominent historical estates.
What unique cultural or archaeological sites are there?
Beyond the castles, the region offers unique cultural and archaeological sites. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island are ancient, possibly Iron Age, stone figures. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment dates back to 2000 BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies. Devenish Island Monastic Site, with its 6th-century origins and a 12th-century round tower, is another significant cultural landmark.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Bannagh Beg?
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the natural beauty of the area. The ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are noted for their unique carvings. The atmospheric ruins of Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins allow visitors to imagine life centuries ago. The blend of historical exploration with scenic forest and lakeside settings is a key highlight.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots?
Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. Old Castle Archdale is located on a forest clifftop, offering views. Lough Navar Forest provides breathtaking viewpoints over Lower Lough Erne, particularly from the Magho Cliffs. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail also offers panoramic views from the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Can I find places related to World War II history?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major flying boat base during World War II, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to display key historical notes of the area's role during the war.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Bannagh Beg?
Beyond the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, you can find numerous walking and cycling trails around Castle Archdale Country Park, Crom Estate, and Florence Court. The quiet country lanes near Corranny Cornmill are also suitable for various fitness levels. For more specific routes, check the Cycling around Bannagh Beg guide, which includes routes suitable for walking.
What is the best way to explore Lough Erne?
Lough Erne is best explored by boat. You can take boat trips, go island hopping, or engage in various water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Several activity centers, such as Lusty Beg Resort and Share Discovery Village, offer equipment rental and instruction.
Most popular routes around Bannagh Beg
Most popular attractions around Bannagh Beg
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
