Best attractions and places to see around Coolgarran include a variety of historical sites and natural features. This region offers opportunities to explore ancient castles, monastic settlements, and scenic forest areas. Situated near the River Erne and Lough Erne, Coolgarran provides a rich historical and natural landscape for visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 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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Devenish Monastic Site is generally considered to be the most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements. Devenish was founded in the 6th century by St Molaise. It was raided by Vikings in 837 and burned in 1157, but in the Middle Ages flourished as the site of a parish church and St Mary's Augustinian Priory. There are extensive low earthworks on the hillside, but the earliest buildings are St Molaise's House (a very small church) and the fine round tower close by, both with striking Romanesque decorations from the 12th century. Teampull Mรณr, the lower church, dates from the early 13th century and has a beautifully moulded south window. It was extended to the east in about 1300, while later additions include a residential wing to the north and the Maguire Chapel to the south, with 17th century heraldic slabs. St Mary's Augustinian Priory on the hilltop dates from the middle 15th and early 16th centuries, with church, tower and small north cloister. In its graveyard stands an unusual, intricately-carved cross of the middle 15th century. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devenish_Island - https://web.archive.org/web/20120224043140/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=746
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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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The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
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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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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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Coolgarran is rich in history. You can explore Enniskillen Castle, a 15th-century fortress with a museum detailing the region's past. Another significant site is Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century ruin perched on a forest clifftop. Don't miss the ancient carved stones at Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, or the historic Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Enniskillen Castle offers an engaging museum experience for all ages. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, once a major WW2 base, sometimes host exhibitions that can be interesting for families.
The area around Coolgarran offers beautiful natural settings. Old Castle Archdale is located within a vast forest and offers viewpoints from its clifftop position. The region is also situated near the scenic River Erne and Lough Erne, providing picturesque landscapes.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities, particularly hiking. There are numerous trails around the attractions. For detailed hiking options, including routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle', explore the Hiking around Coolgarran guide.
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. The Easy hikes around Coolgarran guide features trails like the 'Castle Archdale loop' and 'Castle Archdale Marina โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop', which are generally considered easy and accessible.
The most prominent monastic settlement is the Devenish Monastic Site. Founded in the 6th century by St Molaise, it features a fine round tower, ancient churches like Teampull Mรณr, and St Mary's Augustinian Priory, offering a deep dive into early Christian history.
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings hold historical importance, particularly from World War II. During this period, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and exhibitions are sometimes held to showcase this history.
Absolutely. Enniskillen Castle houses a museum where you can delve into the region's history, from Irish rebellions to sieges. The ruins of Old Castle Archdale also tell a story of 17th-century life and conflict, including its destruction during the Williamite Wars.
Yes, for those interested in running, there are several trails. You can find routes such as 'Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop' and 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) โ Necarne Castle loop'. More options are detailed in the Running Trails around Coolgarran guide.
Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones are notable for their collection of ancient carved stones. These include the 'Bishops stone', a large slab with distinctive cup-shaped hollows suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab, and a holed stone, all offering insights into early Irish religious practices.
While specific seasonal details are not provided for each attraction, the region's natural beauty and historical sites can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer generally offer milder weather for exploring outdoor ruins and trails, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. Always check individual attraction opening hours before your visit.
Yes, for those seeking more challenging routes, the area offers options. For instance, the 'Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick' is a moderate hike, and some running trails, like the 'Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick' (16 km), are rated as difficult. You can find more details in the Hiking around Coolgarran guide.


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