Attractions and Places To See around Inishmakill - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Inishmakill include a tranquil, deciduous forested island located in Northern Ireland, forming part of the Castle Archdale Islands Nature Reserve. Situated on Lough Erne, the island offers peaceful woodlands, open glades, and a circular earth path for exploration. Visitors can observe evidence of past agriculture, including old field ditches and house ruins from the 1930s. The island provides scenic views of the surrounding lake.
Best attractions and places to see around Inishmakill
- The…
Last updated: July 6, 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 kind of natural features can I explore on Inishmakill?
Inishmakill is a tranquil, deciduous forested island featuring peaceful woodlands with a diverse mix of oak, yew, and ash trees. You can also find open glades with bracken and hawthorn, providing habitats for birds like the garden warbler. A circular earth path allows you to explore the island's natural beauty and enjoy scenic views of Lough Erne. The island is part of the Castle Archdale Islands Nature Reserve.
Are there any historical sites to visit around Inishmakill?
Yes, the region around Inishmakill is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian, probably Iron Age stone figures. Other historical sites include Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house burned in 1641. On Inishmakill itself, you can find remnants of past agriculture, such as old field ditches and the walls of a house abandoned in the 1930s.
What are some family-friendly attractions near Inishmakill?
For families, Tully Castle Ruins offers an engaging historical experience with a visitor's centre telling local stories. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also provide a glimpse into the area's past, including its role as a major base during WWII, and are often used for exhibitions.
How can I access Inishmakill island?
Inishmakill has a jetty suitable for small boats. Access to the island should be arranged with the site manager at Castle Archdale Country Park. For more information on the nature reserve, you can visit the DAERA website.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or running, can I do near Inishmakill?
The area around Inishmakill offers various outdoor activities. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop' or the 'Dromare and Omagh loop'. If you prefer touring, consider the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. Runners can enjoy trails such as the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Inishmakill, Cycling around Inishmakill, and Running Trails around Inishmakill guide pages.
Are there any unique historical monuments besides castles?
Yes, beyond the castles, you can visit the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, which are ancient, unique stone figures. Another significant site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, where you can find several interesting stones, including the noted Bishops stone and a multiple bullaun stone.
What is the best time of year to visit Inishmakill for its natural beauty?
Inishmakill, with its deciduous woodlands, offers beauty throughout the year. Autumn is particularly scenic when the spindle tree displays distinctive red leaves and bright pink fruits, adding a splash of color to the dense canopy. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and are ideal for observing wildlife in the open glades.
Can I find easy walking paths on Inishmakill?
Yes, Inishmakill features a circular earth path that encircles the island, providing an accessible way to explore its natural beauty. This path offers a peaceful walk through woodlands and glades, suitable for those looking for an easy stroll.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on Inishmakill?
The open glades on Inishmakill, filled with bracken, bramble, hawthorn, and ivy, provide an ideal habitat for the garden warbler, an uncommon small brown bird that nests close to the ground. The diverse woodland also supports various other bird species and small mammals typical of a tranquil island environment.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth exploring near Inishmakill?
While Inishmakill itself is a serene escape, the historical remnants of past agriculture, such as old field ditches and the overgrown walls of a house abandoned in the 1930s, offer a unique glimpse into the island's human history. These less-trafficked spots provide a sense of discovery amidst the natural surroundings.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Inishmakill?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. The ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are often highlighted for their unique historical significance. The atmospheric ruins of Old Castle Archdale, perched on a clifftop, allow visitors to imagine life hundreds of years ago. The tranquil setting of Inishmakill itself, with its peaceful woodlands and Lough Erne views, is also highly valued.
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