Attractions and places to see around Aghinver, situated in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, encompass a range of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. The area is defined by its connection to Lough Erne and offers diverse landscapes for exploration. Visitors can discover ancient ruins and significant natural points of interest. Aghinver is a region where 16 hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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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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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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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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Aghinver is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin set within a large forest, which was destroyed by fire in 1689. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641, with a visitor's centre nearby. Don't miss Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring unique ancient carvings like the Bishops Stone and bullaun stones.
Yes, the area is home to the fascinating Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures are found among modern graves in a secluded graveyard on Boa Island. Both were originally Janus-faced, with a face on the front and back, and one is thought to represent a Celtic god of vegetation and fertility.
The region boasts stunning natural beauty, centered around Lough Erne. You can explore the vast two-part lake system of Lough Erne, offering opportunities for boating and scenic views. The Old Castle Archdale is situated within a large forest, providing a natural setting for exploration. Additionally, the wider Castle Archdale area includes Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which are part of a country park with walks, a deer park, and wildfowl ponds.
For families, Tully Castle Ruins offers a historical site with a visitor's centre that shares local stories. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are part of the larger Castle Archdale Country Park, which provides leisurely walks, a deer park enclosure, wildfowl ponds, a wildflower meadow, and a butterfly garden, making it ideal for a family day out.
Absolutely. The area around Aghinver offers several easy hiking and walking routes. You can explore trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Aghinver guide, which includes routes near attractions like Tully Castle Ruins.
Yes, there are various road cycling routes available. You can find scenic rides such as the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' or longer routes like the 'Enniskillen Castle loop'. Discover more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Aghinver guide.
Beyond the main sites, consider visiting Enniskillen Castle, a stronghold of the Gaelic Maguire Chieftains for nearly 600 years, now housing two museums. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to White Island or Devenish Island on Lough Erne, both home to ancient monastic sites and enigmatic stone figures.
Definitely. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, near Florencecourt, offers guided tours through stunning limestone caves with waterfalls and stalactites. For breathtaking panoramic views, hike the Cuilcagh Mountain and Boardwalk Trail, also known as the 'Stairway to Heaven'. Navar Forest provides a seven-mile drive to a viewpoint overlooking Lough Erne and extending towards Donegal.
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich historical context and the serene natural settings. For instance, the Old Castle Archdale is loved for its atmospheric ruins perched on a cliff within a thick forest, allowing visitors to imagine life hundreds of years ago. The unique ancient stone carvings at Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery also captivate those interested in pre-Christian history.
For runners, there are several trails ranging in difficulty. Options include the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop' or the longer 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. You can find more detailed routes and their difficulties in the Running Trails around Aghinver guide.
The Fermanagh Lakelands, including Aghinver, are beautiful year-round. However, for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring natural sites, the warmer and drier months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather conditions. This period is ideal for enjoying Lough Erne and the various trails.


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