Attractions and Places To See around Cosbystown - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Cosbystown include historical sites and natural features within County Fermanagh. The area is characterized by its historical castles, ancient monuments, and forested landscapes. Visitors can explore sites dating back centuries, offering insights into the region's past.
Best attractions and places to see around Cosbystown
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring two pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. These unique stone carvings are located in the…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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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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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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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 Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire and the inhabitants massacred. It was not lived in again. A visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Cosbystown?
Cosbystown is rich in history. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle situated on a forest clifftop. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's center detailing its dramatic past. Don't miss the ancient Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring unique carved stones.
Are there any unique ancient monuments in the Cosbystown area?
Yes, Cosbystown is home to the fascinating Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age stone figures, stand among modern graves on Boa Island. They are unique for their Janus-faced carvings, with one possibly representing a Celtic god of vegetation and fertility.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Cosbystown's attractions?
You can enjoy various outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. For road cycling, consider routes like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop' or the 'Carrick Lough loop'. If you prefer touring cycling, options include the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop'. For hikers, there are easy trails such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and the 'Castle Archdale loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Cosbystown, Cycling around Cosbystown, and Easy hikes around Cosbystown guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Cosbystown?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins is listed as family-friendly, offering a glimpse into history with a visitor's center. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also provide an interesting historical context, sometimes hosting exhibitions relevant to its WWII past, which can be engaging for all ages.
Where can I find easy hiking trails around Cosbystown?
For easy hikes, you can explore trails near Old Castle Archdale, such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' which is about 4.6 km. The 'Castle Archdale loop' is another easy option at around 4.3 km. Additionally, the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' offers a shorter, easy walk of about 2 km. More easy hiking options are detailed in the Easy hikes around Cosbystown guide.
What natural features or viewpoints can I discover in Cosbystown?
Cosbystown offers beautiful natural settings, particularly around its historical sites. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, providing scenic views of the surrounding coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. While not explicitly listed as a 'viewpoint' highlight, the elevated position of the castle offers picturesque vistas of the landscape.
What is the significance of Castle Archdale in Cosbystown?
Castle Archdale has a rich history. The original Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, was a significant estate before its successor, the 18th-century Castle Archdale, was constructed. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also played a crucial role during WWII, serving as a major base for flying boats and housing up to 2,500 people.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Cosbystown?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty of Cosbystown's attractions. They particularly enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, imagining life centuries ago. The unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are also a highlight, offering a glimpse into ancient history. The peaceful, forested settings surrounding many sites are also highly valued.
Can I learn about local stories and history at any of the attractions?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's center located in a restored farmhouse. This center houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle, including its attack and burning in 1641, providing valuable historical context.
Are there opportunities for cycling around Cosbystown's historical sites?
Absolutely. Many cycling routes pass by or near historical sites. For instance, the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop' for road cycling, or the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop' for touring bicycles, allow you to combine historical exploration with outdoor activity. Check the Road Cycling Routes around Cosbystown and Cycling around Cosbystown guides for detailed routes.
What kind of historical artifacts or carvings can be seen at Killadeas Priory?
At Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, you can see several interesting stones. The 'Bishops stone' is a noted, altered stone, possibly a carved figure. Another large slab features at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a multiple bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab with a Greek cross design. There's also a holed stone and a broken stone pillar.
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