Best attractions and places to see around Innishmacsaint include historical sites and natural features on and around this island in Lough Erne, County Fermanagh. Known for its ancient monastic site, Innishmacsaint offers a glimpse into early Irish Christian heritage. The area provides opportunities to explore ruins, castles, and the wider landscape of Lough Erne, making it a destination for those interested in history and scenic beauty.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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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 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
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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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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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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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Innishmacsaint is rich in history. On the island itself, you can visit the ancient Inishmacsaint Monastic Site, featuring 12th-century church ruins, an unusually large stone cross, and a historic graveyard. Nearby, explore sites like Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre. Don't miss Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones with its unique ancient stones, or the significant Devenish Monastic Site on another island in Lough Erne.
The Inishmacsaint Monastic Site is a historically and spiritually significant location. It is home to the ruins of a monastic church founded by St. Ninnidh around 530 AD, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. The stone church seen today dates to the 12th century. The site also features an unusually large, plain sandstone cross, estimated to be from the tenth to twelfth centuries, and a historic graveyard, including a *cillรญn* (burial ground for unbaptized children).
Yes, the region offers beautiful natural scenery. Innishmacsaint itself is situated on an island in the breathtaking Lough Erne, providing opportunities for boat trips and exploring other historic islands. The island is also known for its wood sorrel, an indicator of ancient woodland. The wider County Fermanagh area boasts attractions like the Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Mountain Park (home to the 'Stairway to Heaven' boardwalk), and various nature reserves and forests around Lough Erne.
The area around Innishmacsaint is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find a variety of hiking, mountain biking, and running trails. For easy hikes, consider routes like Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island or Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island. Mountain biking options include the challenging Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop. For running, explore routes like Rossmore Point Beacon โ Castle Archdale Marina loop.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and offers a visitor's centre with local stories. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, part of the larger Castle Archdale estate, are also family-friendly and sometimes host exhibitions. Exploring the easy walking trails around the area, such as those in Castle Archdale Forest, can also be a great family activity.
Access to Innishmacsaint Island is primarily from Lough Erne via a jetty. It is often included as a stop on Lough Erne day trips. Please note that the route from the mainland to the island is not an established public footpath and involves crossing private land.
The Fermanagh Lakelands, including Innishmacsaint, are beautiful year-round. However, for the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities and boat trips on Lough Erne, the spring and summer months (April to September) are generally recommended. During these seasons, the weather is milder, and daylight hours are longer, allowing more time to explore.
At Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, you'll find several interesting stones in the graveyard. The 'Bishops stone' is a notable, oddly shaped stone that has been altered and reused. There's also a large slab with at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a multiple bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab. A holed stone, partially embedded in the ground, and a broken stone pillar also add to the site's historical intrigue.
While Innishmacsaint itself is a significant historical gem, exploring the wider Lough Erne area can reveal more. For instance, the mainland's St. Ninnidh's Church near Derrygonnelly houses a 6th-century hand-chiselled baptismal font brought from Inishmacsaint Island and a stunning 'Angel of Resurrection' stained glass window by Wilhelmina Geddes. These offer a deeper dive into the region's spiritual heritage beyond the main island site.
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the serene natural beauty of the area. The crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale allow one to imagine life centuries ago, while the visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins brings local stories to life. The unique ancient stones at Killadeas Priory Church are also a highlight, offering a tangible connection to early Christian history. The overall sense of spirituality and the tranquil setting of Lough Erne are frequently mentioned.
Yes, both Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins have significant historical events tied to them. Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 and captured by Rory Maguire during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, later being burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars. Tully Castle, built for Sir John Hume, was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, with its inhabitants massacred, and was never lived in again.


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