Attractions and places to see around Fardrum, located near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, are primarily recognized for their unique natural features. The area is home to the Fardrum and Roosky Turloughs, rare limestone lakes designated as a Ramsar site and an Area of Special Scientific Interest. These wetlands support distinctive vegetation communities and rare flora. Fardrum also serves as a gateway to several historical sites and natural landmarks in the wider region.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Fardrum.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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
1
0
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
0
0
The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
1
0
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
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.
0
0
Fardrum is renowned for its unique natural features, particularly the Fardrum and Roosky Turloughs. These rare limestone lakes are ecologically significant, designated as a Ramsar site and an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). They flood in winter and can dry out in summer, supporting distinctive plant life like adder's-tongue fern and fen violet. You can learn more about their ecological importance on the DAERA website.
The Fardrum area offers several fascinating historical castles. You can visit Enniskillen Castle, a 15th-century stronghold now housing museums. Explore the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop. Additionally, the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked in 1641, offers a visitor's centre with local stories.
Yes, you can explore Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall. This cave system, meaning 'Hole of the Dove,' is fed by a tumbling waterfall. While parts are accessible, it's advisable to be well-equipped with a good light and helmet if venturing inside, as rocks can be unstable and slippery.
Absolutely. Enniskillen Castle is a great family option, offering historical insights through its museums. The Tully Castle Ruins also have a visitor's centre that tells local stories. For outdoor family fun, Lough Erne provides opportunities for water-based activities like kayaking and canoeing, and its islands, such as Devenish Island, are popular for exploration.
The Fardrum area, being close to County Fermanagh, offers a variety of walking and hiking trails. You can find easy walks, such as those around Castle Archdale, and more challenging routes. For a comprehensive list of options, including distances and difficulty levels, check out the Easy hikes around Fardrum guide on komoot.
Yes, the region around Fardrum is suitable for both running and mountain biking. You'll find various routes, from moderate to difficult, that take you through forests and past scenic points. For detailed running trails, refer to the Running Trails around Fardrum guide. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore options in the MTB Trails around Fardrum guide.
The best time to visit Fardrum largely depends on your interests. For observing the unique Fardrum and Roosky Turloughs in their flooded state, winter or periods of heavy rainfall are ideal. For general outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring historical sites, the drier months from spring to autumn offer more pleasant weather. Summer allows for water-based activities on Lough Erne.
Yes, the area is rich in ancient religious history. You can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, which features interesting stones like the 'Bishops stone' and a multi-bullaun stone. Additionally, Devenish Island on Lough Erne is home to a significant ancient monastic site, and White Island features enigmatic stone figures.
For scenic views, the clifftop location of Old Castle Archdale offers picturesque vistas over the surrounding forest. Further afield, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park, located between County Fermanagh and County Cavan, provides opportunities for nature walks with expansive views of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Beyond the well-known turloughs, the wider Fermanagh region offers the spectacular Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. This subterranean world features stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground waterfalls, and rivers, making it one of Europe's finest show caves and a truly unique natural wonder.
While Fardrum itself is a semi-rural area, its proximity to Enniskillen (approximately 15 minutes away) means that many of the larger attractions in County Fermanagh are more accessible. However, for direct access to some of the more remote natural sites like the Turloughs or specific trailheads, a car is generally recommended for convenience.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: