Best attractions and places to see around Ring include a variety of historical sites, natural monuments, and ancient religious structures. This region features significant cultural heritage, with castles and monastic sites often situated near waterways like the River Erne. Visitors can explore a landscape that combines historical depth with natural beauty, offering insights into centuries of local history.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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Along the Beech Trail, you'll discover some of the oldest trees on the estate, including Oak and the sprawling limbs of this Horse Chestnut, forming a natural arch over the path.
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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
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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 Mór, 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
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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
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The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
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Run past the beautiful Castle Coole, a magnificent 18th century manor house set in a gorgeous 1,200 acre wooded landscape park.
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Castle Coole is one of the most magnificent Neo-classical houses in Ireland set in a 1,200 acre (490 ha) wooded estate. Built in the 18th century, the grand mansion was home to the Earls of Belmore. The 7th Earl Belmore gave the manion to the National Trust in 1951. The house was originally constructed as a summer retreat and cost £57,000, the equivalent of around £20 million today. It is set amongst beautiful parklands dotted with oak, ash and beech trees. Some of the land is given to local farmers to graze their cattle and sheep. You can visit the mansion and its grounds for an insight of how life would once have been for its wealthy inhabitants and their staff. Entrance to the grounds costs £5 per adult.
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Built in the 16th century, Enniskillen Castle has many stories to tell – from Irish rebellions against English rule to sieges and protection from the threat of French invasion. In the 1950s, the castle was decommissioned as an army barracks and opened as a heritage centre. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about the region's history. The castle is open from 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11am - 5pm on weekends.
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The Ring area is rich in history. You can visit Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century fortress on the River Erne that now houses a museum. Another significant site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient religious artifacts. Don't miss Castle Coole, a magnificent 18th-century neoclassical mansion, and the ancient Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century on an island in Lough Erne.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Enniskillen Castle offers an engaging museum experience. The Ancient Chestnut Tree along the Beech Trail provides a lovely natural walk. Castle Coole, with its expansive wooded estate, is also a great place for families to explore.
For easy walks, consider the trail leading to the Ancient Chestnut Tree, which forms a natural arch over the path. There are also several easy hiking routes available, such as the 'Lough Coole – Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Enniskillen' or the 'Enniskillen Castle – Racecourse Lough loop from Enniskillen'. You can find more options on the Hiking around Ring guide.
The region offers beautiful natural sights, including the ancient and sprawling Ancient Chestnut Tree, one of the oldest trees on the estate. The attractions are often set amidst scenic landscapes, such as Enniskillen Castle on the banks of the River Erne, and Castle Coole within its 1,200-acre wooded parkland.
Yes, the area is rich in religious and ancient monuments. The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones feature historical stones like the Bishops stone and an early Christian cross slab. The Devenish Monastic Site, located on an island, is a significant early Christian settlement with a round tower and ancient church ruins.
Beyond exploring the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous routes for road cycling, such as the 'Lough Erne and Ballyshannon loop'. Running enthusiasts can try trails like the 'Lough Coole and Castle Coole running loop'. For hiking, options include the 'Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Castle Coole'. Find more details on the Road Cycling, Running, and Hiking around Ring guides.
The best time for hiking in the Ring area is generally during the drier and milder months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This period offers more pleasant weather conditions for exploring trails like those around Ancient Chestnut Tree and Castle Coole.
While the main attractions are well-known, exploring the smaller historical stones at Killadeas Priory Church, such as the bullaun stone and holed stone, can feel like discovering a hidden piece of history. The extensive low earthworks on the hillside at Devenish Monastic Site also offer a deeper dive into the area's ancient past beyond the main structures.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The rich history of sites like Enniskillen Castle and Devenish Monastic Site, combined with the serene landscapes of places like Castle Coole and the unique Ancient Chestnut Tree, are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has contributed 10 photos and 8 upvotes, reflecting a positive experience.
Parking availability varies by attraction. For instance, Castle Coole has designated parking for visitors to its estate. It is advisable to check the specific highlight pages or official websites for detailed parking information before your visit to each location.
While specific cafes and pubs are not detailed for every attraction, the town of Enniskillen, where Enniskillen Castle and Castle Coole are located, offers a variety of dining options. For other attractions, especially those in more rural settings, it's best to plan refreshments in advance or bring your own.
Yes, there are several circular walks. For example, you can find routes like the 'Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Castle Coole' which is an easy 4.7 km hike. The 'Enniskillen Castle – Enniskillen Castle loop from Enniskillen' is another easy circular option at 6.3 km. More circular routes are detailed in the Hiking around Ring guide.


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