Best attractions and places to see around Tully include historical sites and natural features. This region offers a blend of ancient ruins and scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore sites with significant historical events and unique natural formations. The area provides opportunities for exploring cultural heritage and outdoor environments.
Last updated: May 5, 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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The Tully area is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Tully Castle Ruins, a 17th-century fortified house with a turbulent past. Another significant site is Old Castle Archdale, a 1600s castle set on a forest clifftop. Don't miss the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, unique pre-Christian stone figures on Boa Island.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre with an exhibition that tells local stories, making history engaging for all ages. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, part of a former WWII flying boat base, sometimes host exhibitions detailing the area's wartime history, which can be interesting for families.
While known for its historical sites, the Tully area also offers natural beauty. Old Castle Archdale is situated within a vast 520-hectare forest, offering a scenic backdrop. The region is also nestled near Lower Lough Erne, providing picturesque lake views and opportunities to enjoy the natural landscape.
There are several hiking opportunities near Tully's historical sites. You can explore trails around Castle Archdale, such as the easy Castle Archdale loop. For more challenging options, the Cliffs of Magho offer both easy and difficult routes with stunning views. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Tully guide.
Absolutely! The area around Tully offers scenic road cycling routes. Consider the easy Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale, or the moderate Tully Castle Ruins – The Big Tree loop from Heron Island. More options are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Tully guide.
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. Originally Janus-faced (with a face on both front and back), they are thought to represent a Celtic Cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility. They stand among modern graves in an isolated graveyard on Boa Island.
Old Castle Archdale is a historical castle built in the 1600s, perched atop a cliff within a 520-hectare forest. You can explore its crumbling walls and imagine its past, including its capture during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and its eventual destruction by fire during the Williamite Wars. It offers a glimpse into centuries of history.
Yes, you can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features several interesting stones in its graveyard, including the 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab. There's also a holed stone and a broken pillar.
The best time to visit Tully and its historical attractions is generally during the drier, warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This period offers more pleasant weather for exploring outdoor sites like castle ruins and walking trails, though the region can experience rainfall year-round.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the sense of stepping back in time when exploring sites like Tully Castle Ruins and Old Castle Archdale. The unique Janus Stones are also a highlight, offering a glimpse into ancient history. The blend of historical exploration with scenic natural settings, especially around the forests and lough, is highly valued.
Beyond the main highlights, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a fascinating, perhaps less-trafficked, look into ancient religious practices and stone carvings. The site provides a quiet and contemplative experience for those interested in deeper historical exploration.


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