The best walks and hikes around Drumcose
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Hiking around Drumcose, located near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, provides access to diverse landscapes within the Fermanagh Lakelands. The region is characterized by woodlands, expansive loughs, and historical estates, offering varied terrain for outdoor activities. Trails often traverse ancient forests and follow the shores of Lough Erne, providing a mix of natural and cultural points of interest.
Best hiking trails in Drumcose
- The most popular hiking route is Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island, an easy 2.9…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
5.0
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13
hikers
4.61km
01:12
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
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5.20km
01:22
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
hikers
3.04km
00:48
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Drumcose
Tips from the Community
Head South down the lane to find Necarne Castle. Also known as Castle Irvine, Necarne Castle was built in the 17th century as part of the plantation of Ulster. In 1831, Irish novelist and playwright John B. Keane designed the beautiful two-storey facade which gives the castle its Victorian image. The castle passed through the hands of various owners before being requisitioned by the United Stats army in 1941. It functioned as a military hospital during the Second World War before falling into ruin. Over the last decades, the castle was used by Enniskillen Agricultural College. However, it now stands empty once again and is up for sale. You can't visit the interior of the castle, but you can freely visit the lovely parklands and admire the building from afar.
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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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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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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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Also known as Castle Irvine, Necarne Castle was built in the 17th century as part of the plantation of Ulster. In 1831, Irish novelist and playwright John B. Keane designed the beautiful two-storey facade which gives the castle its Victorian image. The castle passed through the hands of various owners before being requisitioned by the United Stats army in 1941. It functioned as a military hospital during the Second World War before falling into ruin. Over the last decades, the castle was used by Enniskillen Agricultural College. However, it now stands empty once again and is up for sale. You can't visit the interior of the castle, but you can freely visit the lovely parklands and admire the building from afar.
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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 Necarne Castle equestrian park includes 200 acres of mixed use land. The walk through these woods features good gravel trails with low grades in a boggy woodland. Continuing will take you through pasture to the castle itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on hiking trails around Drumcose?
Hiking around Drumcose primarily features easy-grade paths through woodlands, along lough shores, and within historical estate grounds. The region, part of the Fermanagh Lakelands, offers diverse landscapes with gentle elevations, making most trails accessible.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options near Drumcose?
Yes, the area is well-suited for families. Trails like Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island, an easy 4.6 km route, explore the grounds of Castle Archdale, offering scenic views and a relaxed experience for all ages. Castle Archdale Country Park, generally, is ideal for families with its varied trails.
Can I find circular walking routes in the Drumcose area?
Absolutely. Several routes offer circular options, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the View of Tom's Island – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island, which is a 3.0 km trail through parkland and along the lough shore.
What interesting landmarks or historical sites can I see while hiking near Drumcose?
The region is rich in history. You can explore sites like Old Castle Archdale and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings. Another notable historical site is Necarne Castle, which can be seen on routes such as Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle.
Are there any trails that feature woodlands or forests?
Yes, many trails in the Drumcose area lead through beautiful woodlands. For instance, the Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle route takes you directly through Necarne Woods. Florence Court Forest Park, a short drive away, also offers extensive woodland trails.
What are the best trails for experiencing the Fermanagh Lakelands scenery?
To best experience the Fermanagh Lakelands, consider routes that hug the shores of Lough Erne. The Old Castle Archdale – View of Tom's Island loop from White Island offers expansive views across the lough and its islands, providing a quintessential Fermanagh experience.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers in the Drumcose area?
The immediate trails around Drumcose are generally easy. However, for more challenging hikes, the wider Fermanagh region offers options like the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven), which is a moderate 7.4 km round-trip with significant elevation gain, or trails in Lough Navar Forest for dramatic landscapes and elevated viewpoints.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Drumcose?
The trails around Drumcose are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 3 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, scenic lough views, and the well-maintained paths within the historical estates.
Are there any waterfalls or unique natural features to discover?
While the immediate Drumcose trails focus on lough shores and woodlands, the nearby Cladagh Glen Nature Reserve is renowned for its limestone gorge, mystical caves, and beautiful waterfalls, including a spectacular arch formed by a collapsed cave roof. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark also offers extraordinary underground adventures.
Is it possible to combine hiking with exploring ancient sites?
Yes, the region allows for this. Beyond the castles, you can visit the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, an ancient monument offering a glimpse into the area's prehistoric past, often accessible via scenic drives or shorter walks.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Drumcose?
The Fermanagh Lakelands are beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers like bluebells to areas like Cladagh Glen, while summer offers longer daylight hours for exploration. Autumn provides stunning foliage, and even winter can be pleasant for crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddy.
Are there options for longer walks or combining routes?
While individual routes around Drumcose are generally shorter, you can combine some of the trails within areas like Castle Archdale Country Park or Necarne Forest to create a longer walking experience. For example, the Old Castle Archdale – View of Tom's Island loop from White Island is the longest route listed at 7.3 km, offering a more extended exploration of the lough shore.
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