Best attractions and places to see around Inish Davar include a blend of natural beauty and historical sites within Lower Lough Erne. The island is particularly known for its bluebell displays, which carpet the woodlands during spring. Visitors can explore a variety of landmarks, from ancient castles to monastic ruins, set against the backdrop of the Fermanagh Lakelands. The area offers opportunities to discover both natural features and significant cultural heritage.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight โข Forest
Tip by
Highlight โข Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight โข Monument
Tip by
Highlight โข Monument
Tip by
Highlight โข Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Inish Davar.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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
1
0
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
0
0
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
0
0
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
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.
0
0
Inish Davar is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, especially during the bluebell season when woodlands and meadows are carpeted in vibrant blue-violet flowers. The island is situated within Lower Lough Erne, offering picturesque views and opportunities for paddling. The entire Fermanagh Lakelands area provides a delightful blend of natural landscapes.
The region around Inish Davar is rich in history. You can explore sites like Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop, and the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre telling local stories. Another significant site is the Devenish Monastic Site, one of Lough Erne's most important island church settlements.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer insights into the area's history, sometimes hosting exhibitions that can be engaging for all ages.
The best time to visit Inish Davar for its natural beauty is during the bluebell season, typically in spring. This is when the island's woodlands and meadows are covered in vibrant bluebells, creating a truly enchanting spectacle.
The area around Inish Davar offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, cycling, and road cycling. For example, there are running trails like the 'Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop' and cycling routes such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. You can find more details on these activities at the Running Trails around Inish Davar and Cycling around Inish Davar guide pages.
Yes, the region is home to several ancient religious sites. The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones feature a graveyard with interesting stones, including the 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with twelve cup-shaped hollows. The Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century, also contains early churches and a fine round tower.
Old Castle Archdale is a significant historical site built in the 1600s on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest. It served as the main castle of its estate before being succeeded by the 18th-century Castle Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars.
At Tully Castle Ruins, you'll find a fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point. Built for Sir John Hume, it was attacked and burned in 1641 and never inhabited again. A visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle's dramatic history.
You can learn about the area's wartime history at the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings. During WWII, Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats, accommodating up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to highlight the key historical notes of the area's use during the war.
Devenish Monastic Site is considered the most important of Lough Erne's island church settlements. Founded in the 6th century by St. Molaise, it features extensive earthworks, St. Molaise's House, a fine round tower, and Teampull Mรณr (the lower church) from the early 13th century. St. Mary's Augustinian Priory, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, is also located on the hilltop.
Yes, the graveyard at Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones contains several unique monuments. These include the 'Bishops stone,' which has been altered and reused multiple times, and a large slab with twelve cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it may be a multiple bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab.
Lough Erne is central to the Inish Davar experience. You can enjoy the scenic views from the island, and the region research suggests a short paddle from Rossigh jetty is a popular way to reach Inish Davar, allowing for a direct experience of the lough's waters.


Still not found the Highlight youโre looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: