Attractions and Places To See around Clonelly - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see around Clonelly, located in County Fermanagh, offer a blend of historical sites and natural features. The region is characterized by its forested landscapes and ancient monuments. Visitors can explore a variety of cultural and natural points of interest. Clonelly provides opportunities to discover historical ruins and significant archaeological sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Clonelly
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument consisting of two…
Last updated: June 24, 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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Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Clonelly?
Clonelly is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a vast forest. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its past. Don't miss the ancient Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC, or the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, pre-Christian figures with faces on both sides.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Clonelly area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a historical experience with a visitor's centre. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is also family-friendly and free to enter, providing an interesting glimpse into ancient history. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, a former WWII RAF base, sometimes host exhibitions that can be engaging for all ages.
What natural features can I discover near Clonelly?
The region around Clonelly is known for its natural beauty, particularly its extensive forests. Old Castle Archdale is nestled within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a scenic setting for exploration. The townland of Clonelly itself is largely covered by forest, providing public access for recreational activities and enjoying the natural landscape.
Where can I go for a walk or hike around Clonelly?
There are several walking opportunities near Clonelly. You can explore the trails around Old Castle Archdale, which is situated within a large forest. For more specific routes, check out the Easy hikes around Clonelly guide, which includes routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Castle Archdale loop'. The Hiking around Clonelly guide also offers various options.
Are there cycling routes available near Clonelly's attractions?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity in the area. You can find several routes in the Cycling around Clonelly guide. Options include the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop' and the 'Old Castle Archdale – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Kesh', offering different distances and difficulty levels to explore the region by bike.
What is the significance of the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are two unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. They are characterized by their original Janus-faced design, meaning they have a face carved on both sides. These figures, found in the secluded Caldragh Cemetery, are thought to represent a Celtic Cernunnos-like god associated with vegetation and fertility.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale is a significant historical landmark built in 1615. It served as the primary castle on its estate and was notably captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The castle was inhabited until 1689 when it was burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars. Today, its ruins stand on Castle Hill within a large forested area.
What is the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment?
The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is an ancient cultural site dating back to 2000 BC. It consists of 39 stones encircling a small cairn. While its exact purpose is unknown, it is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies, tracking the calendar, or astronomical observations. Entry to this site is free.
What role did the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings play during World War II?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were historically important during World War II, serving as a major Royal Air Force (RAF) flying boat base. This base accommodated up to 2,500 people, and these buildings were central to the RAF personnel stationed there. Occasionally, exhibitions are held in these courtyards to detail the area's wartime history.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around Clonelly?
The forested setting of Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff, offers scenic views. The expansive 520-hectare forest surrounding the castle provides numerous opportunities for enjoying the natural landscape and finding picturesque spots.
What kind of activities can I do in the forests near Clonelly?
The forests around Clonelly, particularly the 520-hectare woodland surrounding Old Castle Archdale, offer opportunities for walking, hiking, and enjoying nature. The townland of Clonelly itself is largely forested, providing public access for recreational activities and exploring the diverse woodlands.
What do visitors generally appreciate about the attractions around Clonelly?
Visitors to Clonelly appreciate the blend of historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural features. The area offers a chance to explore significant archaeological sites like the Janus Stones and Drumskinny Stone Circle, alongside historical ruins such as Old Castle Archdale, all set within beautiful forested landscapes.
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