Attractions and Places To See around Knockroe - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Knockroe include a mix of historical sites, natural viewpoints, and cultural monuments. The region features a diverse landscape, from ancient castles nestled in forests to stone circles and island churches. Visitors can explore sites with significant historical and cultural importance, offering insights into the area's past.
Best attractions and places to see around Knockroe
- The most popular attractions is Old Castle Archdale, a historical site that sits on a forest clifftop. This…
Last updated: August 23, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
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White Island Church and Carved Figures
Highlight • Monument
Another delightful waterborne outing is to White Island, home of a famous row of early Christian statues. The ferry leaves from Castle Archdale Country Park, near Irvinestown.
The …
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The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints
Highlight • Religious Site
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View of Tom's Island
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Popular around Knockroe
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White Island Another delightful waterborne outing is to White Island, home of a famous row of early Christian statues. The ferry leaves from Castle Archdale Country Park, near Irvinestown. The ruins of the ancient church are situated near the shore, built on the site of an earlier monastic settlement. Its fine arched Romanesque doorway is still intact. Famous carved figures sit in a line along the interior wall. They were probably constructed between 800 and 1000, and were later used as building stones in the church, before being uncovered in recent centuries. - https://web.archive.org/web/20120224043140/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=746 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Island,_County_Fermanagh
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Beautiful views over Lough Erne toward Tom's Island. Tom's Island is actually no longer an island, but once was before the lough was lowered.
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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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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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The Garden is located on the property of Sacred Heart Church. Admission is free. Access to the main area is restricted to specific hours but the Famine Memorial portion is unrestricted. It features wooden sculptures by Jonas Raiskas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Knockroe?
Knockroe is rich in history. You can explore Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle perched on a forest clifftop. Another significant site is Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, which dates back to 2000 BC. Don't miss the White Island Church and Carved Figures, an ancient monastic site accessible by ferry, featuring early Christian statues.
Are there any natural attractions or viewpoints in the Knockroe area?
Yes, the region offers beautiful natural spots. You can enjoy scenic vistas from View of Tom's Island, which overlooks Lough Erne. The area around Old Castle Archdale is also set within a 520-hectare forest, offering a natural environment to explore.
What family-friendly activities are available around Knockroe?
For families, Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is a fascinating historical site that is easy to visit. The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints also offers a family-friendly experience with its unique wooden sculptures and free admission. Additionally, the View of Tom's Island provides a pleasant spot for families to enjoy lake views.
Are there opportunities for cycling near Knockroe's attractions?
Absolutely. The Knockroe area is great for cycling. You can find various routes, including the easy Kingfisher Cycle Trail and moderate loops like the Old Castle Archdale loop. For more options, explore the Cycling around Knockroe guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Knockroe guide.
What is the best time to visit Knockroe attractions?
The best time to visit Knockroe attractions is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer, making outdoor exploration more enjoyable. However, historical sites like Old Castle Archdale and Drumskinny Stone Circle can be visited year-round.
Are there any easy walking trails around Knockroe attractions?
While specific easy walking trails are not detailed for every attraction, the forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale offers paths suitable for exploration. Drumskinny Stone Circle is also easily accessible for a gentle walk around the monument.
Can I find any hidden gems or less-known attractions in the Knockroe region?
Beyond the main highlights, consider visiting The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints. Located on the property of Sacred Heart Church, it features unique wooden sculptures and a Famine Memorial, offering a serene and reflective experience that might be less frequented than other sites.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on trails around Knockroe?
The 520-hectare forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale is a coniferous and mixed broadleaved woodland, providing a habitat for various local wildlife. While specific species are not listed, forests in this region typically host birds, small mammals, and diverse plant life, offering opportunities for nature observation.
Are there any religious or spiritual sites to visit?
Yes, the region has several significant religious sites. You can visit White Island Church and Carved Figures, which is built on the site of an earlier monastic settlement and features early Christian statues. Also, The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints, located at Sacred Heart Church, offers a spiritual experience with its unique sculptures.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Knockroe?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context of sites like Old Castle Archdale, where they can imagine life centuries ago amidst crumbling walls. The ancient mystery of Drumskinny Stone Circle and the serene lake views from View of Tom's Island are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Are there any attractions accessible by public transport or ferry?
Yes, White Island Church and Carved Figures is accessible by ferry, which departs from Castle Archdale Country Park near Irvinestown. For other attractions, local bus services might connect to nearby towns, but direct public transport to all sites may be limited, making personal transport or cycling often more convenient.
Can I find amenities like cafes near the attractions?
While specific cafes are not directly adjacent to every historical or natural site, larger towns and villages in the Knockroe region, such as Kesh or Irvinestown, will offer cafes and other amenities. Castle Archdale Country Park, the departure point for the White Island ferry, also typically has facilities.
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