Attractions and Places To See around Formil - Top 12
Best attractions and places to see around Formil include a collection of historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural viewpoints. The region features significant historical structures like 17th-century castles and ancient stone circles, alongside natural settings such as forests and lake views. Formil offers 5 distinct attractions for visitors interested in history and scenic exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Formil
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring two pre-Christian, Iron…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
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
Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Rossmore Point Beacon
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Formil.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Formil
Tips from the Community
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
A white beacon marks the location of Rossmore Point. There is a bench to sit on here where you can enjoy serene views over Lough Erne.
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
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.
1
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
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.
0
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Formil?
The region around Formil is rich in history. You can explore the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. Another significant site is Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin perched on a forest clifftop. Don't miss the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC, believed to have been used for religious ceremonies or astronomical observations.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Formil area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer a glimpse into history, including its role as a major WWII flying boat base. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is also considered family-friendly, providing an interesting historical and natural monument to explore. Additionally, Rossmore Point Beacon offers serene lake views with a bench, perfect for a relaxing family stop.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints or natural features around Formil?
For scenic views, head to Rossmore Point Beacon, which offers serene vistas over Lough Erne, complete with a bench to relax and enjoy the scenery. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, providing both historical interest and natural beauty.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Formil area offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. You can find numerous routes for cycling and road cycling, including loops around Rossmore Point Beacon and Old Castle Archdale. For those who prefer walking, there are also dedicated hiking trails, such as easy loops around Castle Archdale Marina and Old Archdale Castle.
Are there easy hiking trails near Formil attractions?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. You can explore trails like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route, which is an easy 4.6 km hike. Another easy option is the 'Castle Archdale Marina – Rossmore Point Beacon loop from White Island', covering about 3.7 km. For more details and other routes, check the hiking guide for Formil.
What is the significance of the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. They are approximately 70cm high and stand among modern graves. Both figures were originally Janus-faced, meaning they had a face on both the front and back. The simpler, more damaged figure is thought to represent a Celtic Cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.
Can I visit the site of Old Castle Archdale?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is a historical castle ruin located on a forest clifftop. Built in the 1600s, it was the main castle of an estate before being abandoned after a fire in 1689. You can wander its crumbling walls and imagine life hundreds of years ago. It's situated within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest.
What is the Drumskinny Stone Circle and what was its purpose?
The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment dates back to 2000 BC. While its exact purpose isn't definitively known, it is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle consists of 39 stones arranged around a small central cairn.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Formil?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The ancient monuments like the Janus Stones and Drumskinny Stone Circle offer a fascinating look into the past, while sites like Rossmore Point Beacon provide tranquil lake views. The historical context of places like Old Castle Archdale and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also captivates those interested in the region's heritage.
Are there any attractions related to World War II history in Formil?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings have a significant connection to World War II. During the war, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. These courtyard buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to display key historical notes from that period.
Where is the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery located?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are located in the small, isolated Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island.
Most popular routes around Formil
Most popular attractions around Formil
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
