Attractions and Places To See around Backwood - Top 12

Backwood is rich in history. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle on a forest clifftop, or explore the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, ancient Iron Age figures. Another significant historical site is the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insights into the area's World War II history, often with exhibitions. The Drumskinny Stone Circle is also considered family-friendly, providing an engaging historical experience. Additionally, the scenic Rossmore Point Beacon offers beautiful lake views that families can enjoy together.

The region boasts stunning natural beauty and viewpoints. The Rossmore Point Beacon provides serene views over Lough Erne. Old Castle Archdale is set on a forest clifftop, offering picturesque surroundings. The area is characterized by forests and tranquil lake vistas, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

The Backwood area is excellent for outdoor activities, especially cycling. You can find various routes, such as the 'Old Castle Archdale – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Kesh' or the 'Boa Island Road loop from Kesh'. For more options, explore the Cycling around Backwood guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Backwood guide.

While specific easy hiking trails are not detailed for each attraction, the area around Old Castle Archdale is within a 520-hectare forest, suggesting opportunities for walks. For cycling, there are 'easy' graded road cycling routes available, such as 'Boa island to Lough Derg and back' or 'Roadbike loop from Pettigo' which can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Backwood guide.

Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty. The unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a popular highlight, as are the serene views over Lough Erne from Rossmore Point Beacon. The crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale also offer a captivating glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to imagine life centuries ago.

Yes, Backwood is home to significant ancient stone monuments. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery feature two pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. Additionally, the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is a fascinating site with 39 stones arranged around a cairn, dating back to 2000 BC.

Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a significant role during World War II. Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to showcase this history.

For tranquil lake views, head to Rossmore Point Beacon. There's a bench where you can sit and enjoy serene vistas over Lough Erne. The entire region is known for its beautiful lake landscapes.

The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are two unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. They are approximately 70cm high and stand in the isolated Caldragh graveyard. Originally Janus-faced (with faces on both front and back), the simpler figure is more damaged. They are believed to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.

Yes, several cycling routes are available. For instance, the 'Old Castle Archdale – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Kesh' is a moderate cycling route that takes you past Old Castle Archdale. You can find more detailed cycling routes and guides, including road cycling options, by visiting the Cycling around Backwood and Road Cycling Routes around Backwood pages.