Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Fermanagh

Inish Davar

Attractions and Places To See around Inish Davar - Top 18

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.

Best attractions and places to see around Inish Davar

โ€ฆ

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Old Castle Archdale

Highlight โ€ข Forest

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 โ€ฆ

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Tully Castle Ruins

Highlight โ€ข Castle

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 โ€ฆ

Tip by

Save

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

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 โ€ฆ

Tip by

Save

Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings

Highlight โ€ข Monument

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 โ€ฆ

Tip by

Save

Devenish Monastic Site

Highlight โ€ข Monument

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 โ€ฆ

Tip by

Save

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

Popular around Inish Davar

Hiking around Inish Davar

Road Cycling Routes around Inish Davar

Cycling around Inish Davar

Running Trails around Inish Davar

Tips from the Community

christian427
September 6, 2023, Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones

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

Alex
January 18, 2023, Old Castle Archdale

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

Alex
January 18, 2023, Tully Castle Ruins

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

Amy
March 10, 2021, Old Castle Archdale

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Inish Davar?

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.

What historical sites are there to visit near Inish Davar?

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.

Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Inish Davar area?

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.

When is the best time to visit Inish Davar for its natural beauty?

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.

What kind of outdoor activities or trails are available around Inish Davar?

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.

Can I find ancient religious sites or early Christian monuments near Inish Davar?

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.

What is the significance of Old Castle Archdale?

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.

What can I expect to see at Tully Castle Ruins?

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.

Where can I learn about the wartime history of the area?

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.

What makes Devenish Monastic Site an important historical location?

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.

Are there any unique historical stones or monuments at Killadeas Priory Church?

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.

How can I experience Lough Erne around Inish Davar?

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.

Most popular routes around Inish Davar

Hiking around Inish Davar

Most popular attractions around Inish Davar

Castles

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With aย free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight youโ€™re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

MangerFassaghDerrynacrossDrumnasreaneLaughillLisblakeRossmacawinnyLegnabrockyCoaghanSkreenKnockageehanAghnahooMoneenGortgullenanClyhannaghCalkillCurraghGortatoleKnocknabrattoge Or GreentownLeamnamoyleKillykeeghanKilnameelBlunnickKillesherLisdivrickLeeffaWheathillCavanreaghLeggSallysgroveGorteenLanmoreBrookfieldCullentraghGubbacrockDooneenDerreens WestGortareeCroaghrimCorreenTromogaghLisgallyMullynahunshinDrummoan or NewtateCorradreenan WestAbocurraghCloonatreaneCrossmurrinGortermoanMarlbankLegnahornaRossaaKillernamCloonatumpherGortnagriffinCarriganLisderryGortmaconnellTullyhonaCordarraghGortalughanyAghatirourkeFlorence Court DemesneDeer ParkTrienBeihyGortnaleeCornageeDrumharriffTattenamonaCornahawlaMullaghdunRahallanDrumlaghyBohevnyCorraglassGortnacallyCarran BegMullyardlougherGortahurk WestGreenwoodhillMullaghbaneCarrontreemallKeelaghoTemplenaffrinPointAughrimMullycovetBallysooraghCreenaghoDrumconlan WestGorteenCushrush IslandCarrickaloughanCarrownaleggMoneyouraganDrumcooDrumawillinAbohillCrottanBelcoo WestDrumaranClegganDrummanCarrickabweehanDornogaghMullaghmaddyKiltyfelanCorrateskinCarricknaseerBelcoo EastMuggalnagrowDerryleckBrollaghAghamuldowneyLismoonlyGarriflyDrumlaghyFinlaneBallaghgeeGadaloughKeenaghanDuminillarTievealoughCorrakeelBrockaghDerreens EastEdenmoreGortgallTentsShanmullaghDerrynimCarrickmacsparrowLeskyMoylehidGay IslandRossdagamphDeerahan IslandInishmakillCleenishmeen IslandRabbit IslandCleenishgarve IslandFarrancassidyDrumlisaleenCosbystownLanaghranClontyferaghDrumdergDerrynameeoTullymoreCallagheenMoneendogueDrumcolgnyDrumcoseTullyLenaghanBohevnyPortnacloyaduffBlacksleeSheanKilly MoreDooletterAghanaglackCorgaryCornahaltieGubluskRossfadRossnafarsanDrumcrow EastRoss InnerEly IslandUrrosLowerybaneMullylustyKillycreen EastAghavassCorraglass WestKilrooskaghBallysroonaghKillycreen WestToppanDrumskimlyDrummacabranagherGubbaroeTonnaghTullynagowanDrumreaskDerrygonnellyDrumaryDrummenagh BegTullynadall WestTabaghCaldrum GlebeBeagh BigConagherWheathill GlebeShanmullaghDrumsluiceLisingleClareviewLong IslandRosscahSrahennyGorteenDrumbarnaCornacreaDrumwhinnyRabbit IslandInish DacharneCadyBallycassidyTullyloneGlencoonraCrevinishSidaireTullycleaAgharainyKilgortnaleagueDrumardTreelCoolarkanMinranBunnahoneGortatoleGardenhillLusty Beg IslandMullansLusty More IslandCarrickreaghDrumbadmeenLoughachorkRossmoreBraadeGlennasheevarRossmoreSalloonRandalshoughFardrumMagheraharCullen

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Inish Conra

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

ยฉ komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy