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Fermanagh

Gall Island

Attractions and Places To See around Gall Island - Top 18

Attractions and places to see around Gall Island offer a rich historical and natural landscape. This region features ancient castles, monastic sites, and significant historical monuments. Visitors can explore a variety of cultural heritage sites set within natural environments, including forests and lakeside areas. The area provides opportunities to discover centuries of history and architectural remains.

Best attractions and places to see around Gall Island

  • The most popular attractions is Old Castle Archdale, a forest and historical site situatedโ€ฆ

Last updated: July 7, 2026

Old Castle Archdale

Highlight โ€ข Forest

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 โ€ฆ

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Tully Castle Ruins

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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 โ€ฆ

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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 โ€ฆ

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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings

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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 โ€ฆ

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Devenish Monastic Site

Highlight โ€ข Monument

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 โ€ฆ

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christian427
September 6, 2023, Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones

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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Alex
January 18, 2023, Old Castle Archdale

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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Alex
January 18, 2023, Tully Castle Ruins

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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Amy
March 10, 2021, Old Castle Archdale

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical landmarks can I explore around Gall Island?

The region is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle that was burnt in 1689. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked in 1641. Don't miss the Devenish Monastic Site, a 6th-century foundation with a fine round tower and an intricately carved cross.

Are there any religious or ancient sites to visit?

Yes, the area features several ancient religious sites. The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a glimpse into early Christian heritage with notable stones, including the Bishop's stone and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows. The Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century, is also a key religious landmark.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The area around Gall Island is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, including easy loops like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. For cyclists, there are road cycling and general cycling routes, such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Gall Island?

Absolutely! Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly, offering a visitor's centre with exhibitions. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, a former WW2 flying boat base, also host exhibitions that can be engaging for families.

Where can I find good viewpoints or natural features?

Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a large forest, offering scenic views from its cliff-top location. The region's landscape is characterized by forests and lakeside areas, providing many opportunities to enjoy natural beauty.

What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?

Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. It sits on a forest clifftop, offering a glimpse into 17th-century life.

Can I learn about local history at Tully Castle Ruins?

Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitorโ€™s centre located in a restored farmhouse. It houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle, which was attacked and burned in 1641 and never re-inhabited.

What makes the Devenish Monastic Site significant?

The Devenish Monastic Site is considered the most important of Lough Erne's island church settlements. Founded in the 6th century by St Molaise, it features a fine round tower and St Mary's Augustinian Priory, with an unusual, intricately-carved cross from the 15th century.

Are there any unique historical insights at Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?

The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings served as a major base for flying boats during World War II, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to display key historical notes about the area's use during the war, offering a unique perspective on 20th-century history.

What kind of cycling routes are available around Gall Island?

There are various cycling options. You can explore road cycling routes like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' or 'Carrick Lough โ€“ Roogagh Waterfall loop'. For more general cycling, the cycling guide includes routes such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' and 'Rossmore Point Beacon โ€“ Old Castle Archdale loop'.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gall Island?

Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the opportunity to explore ancient ruins and religious sites. The blend of historical monuments set within natural environments, like forests and lakeside areas, is also highly valued. Many enjoy the sense of stepping back in time while wandering through sites like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins.

Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners?

Yes, the hiking guide for Gall Island features several easy trails. Examples include 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km), 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' (5.2 km), and the 'Castle Archdale loop' (4.3 km), all offering accessible options for a pleasant walk.

Most popular routes around Gall Island

Easy hikes around Gall Island

Most popular attractions around Gall Island

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