Attractions and Places To See around Cordwood - Top 15

Yes, the Cordwood area is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, which are pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. Another significant historical site is Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a large forest, and the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its history.

The region offers beautiful natural landscapes, particularly around Lough Erne. You can find serene views over Lough Erne from the Rossmore Point Beacon, which also has a bench for relaxation. The area around Old Castle Archdale is also set within a 520-hectare forest, perfect for enjoying nature.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre with exhibitions that can engage all ages. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, with their World War II history and occasional exhibitions, can also be interesting for families. Additionally, the Rossmore Point Beacon provides a pleasant spot for families to enjoy views over Lough Erne.

The Cordwood area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Castle Archdale loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling and general cycling routes available, such as 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop' and 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, road cycling guide, and cycling guide for Cordwood.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. For example, you can explore routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km) and 'Castle Archdale loop' (4.3 km). Another easy option is the 'Castle Archdale Marina – Rossmore Point Beacon loop' (3.7 km). These trails offer accessible ways to experience the local scenery. More details can be found in the hiking guide for Cordwood.

The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. They stand about 70cm high in the isolated Caldragh graveyard on Boa Island. Originally Janus-faced (with a face on both front and back), the simpler figure is more damaged. They are believed to represent a Celtic Cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.

The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a significant role during World War II, serving as a major base for flying boats and housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to display key historical notes about the area's use during the war.

Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is open to visitors. This fortified house and bawn are located on Tully Point. The site has a visitor’s centre in a restored farmhouse, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle's history, including its attack and burning in 1641.

From the Rossmore Point Beacon, you can enjoy serene and expansive views over Lough Erne. There is a bench available, making it a perfect spot to sit and take in the tranquil scenery of the lake.

Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured by the Irish during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Perched atop a cliff within a 520-hectare forest, its crumbling walls offer a glimpse into its tumultuous past.

Yes, the area offers several road cycling routes. Options include the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' (41.2 km) and 'Boa island to Lough Derg and back' (40.9 km), both rated as easy. For a moderate challenge, consider the 'Tully Castle Ruins – The Big Tree loop from Heron Island' (40.2 km). More routes are detailed in the road cycling guide for Cordwood.