Attractions and places to see around Rosscolban offer a range of historical sites, unique geological formations, and tranquil natural features within County Fermanagh. The area is characterized by its expansive lake systems and wooded parklands, providing diverse landscapes for exploration. Visitors can discover ancient monuments, explore castle ruins, and experience the region's heritage. This locality serves as a gateway to both cultural landmarks and significant natural attractions.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
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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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The Rosscolban area is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle on a forest clifftop that was burnt out during the Williamite Wars. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641. Beyond these, the region boasts Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which played a role as a major flying boat base during WW2, and the ancient Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC.
Yes, the area features unique ancient sites. The most notable are the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, which are two pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. Additionally, the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating to 2000 BC, offers a glimpse into ancient religious ceremonies or astronomical observations.
For natural beauty, the region offers the expansive Lough Erne, perfect for water sports and scenic views. A major highlight is the Cuilcagh Mountain and Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. Here, you can explore the impressive natural limestone Marble Arch Caves with underground boat journeys, or challenge yourself on the 'Stairway to Heaven' boardwalk up Cuilcagh Mountain for panoramic views.
The Rosscolban area is excellent for outdoor activities, especially hiking. You can find various routes, including easy walks like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Tully Castle Ruins loop'. For more options, explore the dedicated guides for Hiking around Rosscolban or Easy hikes around Rosscolban. Lough Erne also provides opportunities for boat trips, kayaking, and canoeing.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment are marked as family-friendly historical sites. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer an interesting historical context for all ages. Additionally, the Water Activity Zone in Enniskillen provides various water sports on Lough Erne, which can be a fun family outing.
For unique cultural experiences, consider visiting the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre to learn about the craftsmanship of its famous Parian china. Another quirky option is the Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, which combines a working barber shop with a fascinating railway museum. Devenish Island, accessible by ferry, also offers significant historical and ecclesiastical ruins.
Absolutely. The Cuilcagh Mountain, with its 'Stairway to Heaven' trail, offers panoramic views from the highest point in County Fermanagh. Another excellent option is the Navar Forest, where a seven-mile drive leads to a viewpoint providing magnificent vistas over Lough Erne, extending towards Donegal and the Atlantic Ocean.
For relaxed outings, you can find several easy walking routes. Options include the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km), 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' (5.2 km), and the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop' (2 km). These routes are generally flat and suitable for a leisurely pace. More easy options are available in the Easy hikes around Rosscolban guide.
To delve into the local history and heritage, visit Enniskillen Castle, which houses both the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum. These museums offer deep insights into the region's past and military heritage. Additionally, the visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins provides exhibitions telling local stories related to the castle.
While many attractions are well-known, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, nestled among modern graves, offer a unique and somewhat secluded historical experience. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, though ancient, is also a tranquil spot that might feel like a hidden discovery.
Lough Erne is a hub for water-based activities. You can enjoy boat trips, kayaking, and canoeing across its expansive waters. The Water Activity Zone in Enniskillen specifically offers various water sports, providing an active way to experience the lake.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient history to enjoying natural landscapes. The unique stone carvings of the Janus Stones and the historical depth of sites like Old Castle Archdale are highly valued. The area's tranquil woodlands and the opportunity to immerse oneself in rich heritage also receive positive feedback.
Yes, for experienced walkers, the 'Stairway to Heaven' (Legnabrocky trail) on Cuilcagh Mountain offers a challenging boardwalk ascent with rewarding panoramic views. For running, which often includes challenging terrain, you can find routes like the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop' (16.1 km) which is rated as difficult in the Running Trails around Rosscolban guide.


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