Attractions and places to see around Cleenishmeen Island encompass a range of historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural features. The area offers opportunities to explore centuries of history, from 17th-century castles to pre-Christian stone carvings. Visitors can discover remnants of fortified houses, religious sites, and expansive forests. This region provides a diverse landscape for those interested in historical exploration and outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 7, 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 region offers several significant historical sites. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin set within a large forest, or the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn with a visitor's centre detailing its history. Additionally, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian stone figures located on Boa Island.
Yes, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are notable pre-Christian stone figures. You can also explore Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, which features several interesting stones, including the 'Bishops stone' and a holed stone, within its graveyard.
The area around Cleenishmeen Island is characterized by its historical sites often nestled within natural settings. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views of the surrounding 520-hectare forest. While specific natural viewpoints are not detailed, the landscape provides a diverse backdrop for exploration.
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is listed as family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre with exhibitions. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer a family-friendly experience, sometimes hosting exhibitions about the area's wartime history.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try the 'Scarplands Cycle Trail' or routes around 'Old Castle Archdale'. Road cycling options include the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale'. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking, MTB Trails, and Road Cycling Routes guides.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. The 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route is an easy 4.6 km hike, and the 'Castle Archdale loop' is another easy option at 4.3 km. The 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' is also an easy 2 km walk. You can find more easy hiking options in the Hiking around Cleenishmeen Island guide.
Visitors appreciate the rich history and natural settings. Many enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, imagining life centuries ago. The unique pre-Christian Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are also a popular draw for their historical significance. The area's blend of historical exploration and outdoor activities is highly valued.
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated within a vast 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. This provides ample opportunity for forest exploration and walks around the castle ruins.
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WW2, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to display key historical notes from the war period.
Beyond the more prominent castles, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a fascinating glimpse into early Christian history with its unique carved stones and ancient graveyard, providing a quieter, reflective experience.
Yes, the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, featuring two pre-Christian stone figures, are located in the Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island.


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