Attractions and Places To See around Ardshankill - Top 18
Attractions and places to see around Ardshankill include a mix of historical sites and natural features, offering diverse exploration opportunities. This area, known for its rich history and scenic landscapes, presents various points of interest for visitors. From ancient monuments to castle ruins and forest trails, the region provides several notable landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Ardshankill
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring two pre-Christian stone figures. These…
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho
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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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The viewpoint at the Cliffs of Magho is sensational. Enjoy panoramic views over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean and Blue Stack mountains. Picnic benches, bins, and an information board are provided at the top.
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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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Breathtaking views of Lough Earne.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Ardshankill?
Ardshankill is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, which are pre-Christian stone figures. Explore the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin set on a forest clifftop, or discover the fortified Tully Castle Ruins, which also features a visitor's centre detailing its past.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Ardshankill area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre that can engage younger visitors with local history. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, with their WWII history, are also family-friendly. Additionally, the Rossmore Point Beacon provides serene views over Lough Erne, perfect for a relaxing family outing.
What natural features and viewpoints can I find near Ardshankill?
The region offers beautiful natural landscapes. You can enjoy serene views over Lough Erne from the Rossmore Point Beacon. The area also features forest trails, such as those surrounding Old Castle Archdale, which is situated on a forest clifftop, providing scenic vistas.
What kind of outdoor activities and trails are available around Ardshankill?
Ardshankill is a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. For hiking, explore routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Cliffs of Magho loop'. Mountain biking options include the 'Scarplands Cycle Trail' and the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Ardshankill and MTB Trails around Ardshankill guides.
Are there easy walking trails suitable for beginners or casual strolls?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. Consider the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island', 'Cliffs of Magho loop', or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. These routes offer accessible options for those looking for a relaxed walk. More easy hikes can be found in the Easy hikes around Ardshankill guide.
What is the significance of the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. Standing among modern graves on Boa Island, these 70cm high carvings were originally Janus-faced, meaning they had a face on both the front and back. They are thought to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.
Can I learn about World War II history in Ardshankill?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer a glimpse into WWII history. During the war, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 personnel. These courtyard buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes host exhibitions detailing the area's wartime role.
What makes Old Castle Archdale an interesting place to visit?
Old Castle Archdale is a historical castle ruin built in 1615 by John Archdale. Perched on a forest clifftop, its crumbling walls tell a story of its capture during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and its eventual destruction by fire and abandonment during the Williamite Wars in 1689. It offers a tangible connection to the area's turbulent past.
Are there any circular walking routes around Ardshankill?
Yes, there are several circular walking routes. For example, the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick' is an easy mountain biking route that can also be enjoyed as a walk. For hiking, you can find circular options like the 'Cliffs of Magho loop' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. More details are available in the Hiking around Ardshankill guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ardshankill?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The unique pre-Christian Janus Stones offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient times, while the castle ruins like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins allow for exploration of the region's past. The serene views over Lough Erne from spots like Rossmore Point Beacon are also highly valued for their tranquility.
Where can I find information about the history of Tully Castle?
The Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn on Tully Point, has a dedicated visitor's centre. Located in a restored farmhouse, this centre houses an exhibition that tells local stories and provides detailed information about the castle's history, including its construction for Sir John Hume and its destruction in 1641.
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