Attractions and Places To See around Glasmullagh - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Glasmullagh are found within the wider County Fermanagh, a region characterized by its extensive loughs and historical sites. The area features a distinctive landscape shaped by water, offering numerous islands and shorelines. Visitors can explore a variety of historical monuments and natural viewpoints. This region provides opportunities to discover both ancient heritage and scenic beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Glasmullagh
- The most popular attractions is Old Castle Archdale, a…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
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White Island Church and Carved Figures
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Another delightful waterborne outing is to White Island, home of a famous row of early Christian statues. The ferry leaves from Castle Archdale Country Park, near Irvinestown.
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The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints
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View of Tom's Island
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Popular around Glasmullagh
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White Island Another delightful waterborne outing is to White Island, home of a famous row of early Christian statues. The ferry leaves from Castle Archdale Country Park, near Irvinestown. The ruins of the ancient church are situated near the shore, built on the site of an earlier monastic settlement. Its fine arched Romanesque doorway is still intact. Famous carved figures sit in a line along the interior wall. They were probably constructed between 800 and 1000, and were later used as building stones in the church, before being uncovered in recent centuries. - https://web.archive.org/web/20120224043140/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=746 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Island,_County_Fermanagh
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Beautiful views over Lough Erne toward Tom's Island. Tom's Island is actually no longer an island, but once was before the lough was lowered.
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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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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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The Garden is located on the property of Sacred Heart Church. Admission is free. Access to the main area is restricted to specific hours but the Famine Memorial portion is unrestricted. It features wooden sculptures by Jonas Raiskas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Glasmullagh?
The region around Glasmullagh is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a large forest. Another significant site is the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, a prehistoric monument dating back to 2000 BC. Further historical gems include the White Island Church and Carved Figures, an ancient monastic site accessible by boat on Lough Erne, and The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints. In the wider County Fermanagh, don't miss Enniskillen Castle, Florence Court, and the Devenish Island Monastic Site. County Monaghan offers Castle Leslie Estate, Monaghan County Museum, and the Clones Round Tower and Abbey.
Are there any natural features or viewpoints worth visiting?
Absolutely. The area is known for its scenic beauty, particularly around Lough Erne. You can enjoy beautiful vistas from View of Tom's Island, which offers panoramic views over the lough. County Fermanagh is dominated by Lough Erne itself, providing opportunities for water-based activities and exploring numerous islands. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, with its stunning underground formations, and the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) are also prominent natural attractions. In County Monaghan, Lough Muckno Leisure Park and Rossmore Forest Park offer extensive woodlands and lakes.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region offers various outdoor activities, especially cycling. You can find several road cycling routes around Glasmullagh, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For example, there are loops from Kesh that take you past Enniskillen Castle or towards Castlederg Sculpture. You can explore these and other routes on the dedicated guide page for Road Cycling Routes around Glasmullagh. Lough Erne in County Fermanagh is also popular for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Glasmullagh?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is an accessible historical site that can spark children's imagination. The View of Tom's Island offers a pleasant spot for a family outing with scenic views. In the broader region, Lough Muckno Leisure Park in County Monaghan provides activities like orienteering and nature walks, while Castle Archdale Country Park in County Fermanagh offers woodlands and trails suitable for families.
What are some unique cultural experiences in the area?
For unique cultural experiences, consider visiting the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery in County Monaghan to learn about this intricate 200-year-old craft. The Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen celebrates one of Ireland's renowned poets. In County Fermanagh, Belleek Pottery offers tours to witness the artistry of Ireland's oldest working fine china pottery. You can also explore the Murals Walk in Enniskillen to see vibrant street art depicting local history.
Where can I find information about local history and heritage?
To delve into local history, the Monaghan County Museum is an award-winning museum showcasing the county's past. The Carrickmacross Workhouse offers an emotive journey through a significant period of Irish history. For a broader understanding of the region's heritage, sites like Enniskillen Castle in County Fermanagh house museums detailing local history. The Monaghan Tourism website also highlights cultural and heritage gems.
What kind of landscape defines the Glasmullagh area?
The Glasmullagh area is primarily characterized by the extensive loughs and historical sites of County Fermanagh. The landscape is distinctively shaped by water, featuring numerous islands and shorelines. This creates a unique environment for exploring both ancient heritage and natural beauty. County Monaghan, where another Glasmullagh is located, is known for its drumlin hills, creating a 'basket of eggs' topography with many inter-drumlin lakes and wetlands.
Are there any specific places for nature walks or forest exploration?
Yes, the area offers several options for nature enthusiasts. Old Castle Archdale is situated within a 520-hectare forest, perfect for exploration. In County Monaghan, Rossmore Forest Park features sprawling woodlands and well-posted forest walks, while Ballybay Wetlands and Boardwalk offers scenic walks through important wetland habitats. County Fermanagh's Lough Navar Forest provides diverse flora and fauna with panoramic views, and Castle Archdale Country Park also has extensive woodlands and trails.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Glasmullagh?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty. They enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, imagining life hundreds of years ago. The ancient mystery surrounding the Drumskinny Stone Circle is also a highlight. The stunning views over Lough Erne from spots like View of Tom's Island are frequently praised, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience.
Can I find any unique architectural sites in the region?
Beyond the castles and ancient monuments, you can discover unique architectural sites. St. Peter's Tin Church in Laragh, County Monaghan, is a distinctive example of 19th-century corrugated-iron-clad architecture. The ruins of the ancient church on White Island feature a fine arched Romanesque doorway that is still intact, showcasing early Christian craftsmanship.
Are there opportunities for water-based activities?
Yes, the region, particularly County Fermanagh, is defined by its loughs. Lough Erne is central to the area's identity, offering extensive opportunities for boating, fishing, and various water sports. Lough Muckno Leisure Park in County Monaghan also provides water skiing and wakeboarding. These large bodies of water are ideal for those looking to enjoy activities on or near the water.
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