Attractions and Places To See around Wheathill Glebe - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Wheathill Glebe include a collection of historical sites and ancient monuments, often set within natural landscapes. This region offers insights into early Christian and Iron Age history, alongside the ruins of 17th-century castles. Visitors can explore significant archaeological finds and historical structures that tell stories of past eras. The area is characterized by its blend of historical heritage and natural settings, providing diverse points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around…
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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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Wheathill Glebe?
The region is rich in history, featuring several significant sites. You can visit the Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle built in 1615 and later destroyed by fire. Another notable site is the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn from the same period, which was attacked and burned in 1641. Additionally, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a glimpse into early Christian heritage with unique carved stones.
Are there any unique ancient monuments to see?
Yes, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a must-see. These two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age stone figures, stand in the isolated Caldragh graveyard on Boa Island. They are unique for their Janus-faced carvings, with one thought to represent a Celtic god of vegetation and fertility.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Wheathill Glebe offers various outdoor activities, particularly hiking and cycling. You can find easy hikes like the Castle Archdale loop or the Tully Castle Ruins loop. For more challenging adventures, there are difficult cycling routes such as the Enniskillen Castle loop. Explore more options on the hiking guide or the cycling guide for the region.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the area?
Absolutely. Both the Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre with an exhibition telling local stories, while the Courtyard Buildings at Castle Archdale offer insights into its history, including its role as a major flying boat base during WW2.
What are the best viewpoints around Wheathill Glebe?
While specific viewpoints are not detailed for all attractions, the Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a large forest and is categorized as a viewpoint. Its clifftop location likely offers scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape.
Can I find easy walking trails near the attractions?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails available. For instance, you can enjoy the 'Castle Archdale loop' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island', both categorized as easy. More options can be found in the easy hikes guide for Wheathill Glebe.
What is the historical significance of Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It served as the main castle on its estate until it was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689 during the Williamite Wars, after which it was abandoned. Its ruins offer a tangible link to centuries of local history.
What makes the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery unique?
The Janus Stones are unique because they are two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures, approximately 70cm high, found in a modern graveyard. Both were originally Janus-faced, meaning they had faces on both the front and back. The simpler figure is believed to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility, making them rare examples of ancient Celtic art.
What can I expect to see at Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones?
At Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, you'll find a graveyard with several interesting stones. The most noted is the 'Bishops stone,' an odd-shaped stone that has been altered and reused. There's also a large slab with at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab, and a holed stone partially embedded in the ground.
What is the history behind Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. It was occupied until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire, with its inhabitants massacred. The castle was never reoccupied after this event, leaving its ruins as a poignant historical landmark.
Are there any forest areas to explore near the attractions?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. This provides an excellent opportunity to combine historical exploration with a walk through natural woodland.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Wheathill Glebe?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the natural settings of the attractions. The crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale allow one to imagine life centuries ago, while the unique Janus Stones offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient cultures. The blend of historical heritage and scenic landscapes is highly valued.
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