Attractions and Places To See around White Island - Top 17
Best attractions and places to see around White Island, located in Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, are primarily historical and religious sites. The island is known for its ancient heritage, including the ruins of an early Christian church and unique carved figures. Visitors can explore a landscape rich in historical significance, offering insights into early monastic settlements and medieval structures. Access to the island is typically by ferry, providing a focused experience on its cultural landmarks.
Best attractions…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
Highlight • Monument
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Tully Castle Ruins
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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 explore on White Island, County Fermanagh?
White Island in Lower Lough Erne is home to the ruins of an ancient church, built on the site of an earlier monastic settlement. This church features a reconstructed Romanesque doorway and notably, eight carved figures (seven figures and one head) embedded in its masonry, dating between 800 and 1000 AD. These carvings are thought to have been part of an earlier wooden church.
How can I access White Island in County Fermanagh?
White Island is accessible by ferry from the marina in Castle Archdale Country Park. This provides a focused experience on its cultural landmarks.
What ancient carvings can be found near White Island?
Beyond the carvings on White Island itself, you can visit the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These are two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures standing among modern graves on Boa Island. Both were originally Janus-faced (with a face on the front and back) and are thought to represent a Celtic god of vegetation and fertility.
Are there any castles to visit in the vicinity of White Island?
Yes, several historical castles are nearby. You can explore Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle situated on a forest clifftop that was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another option is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume, which also has a visitor's centre telling local stories. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insight into the area's history, including its role as a major flying boat base during WWII.
What kind of outdoor activities are available near these attractions?
The area around White Island offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for running, road cycling, and hiking. For example, there are routes like the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop' for running, and 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop' for road cycling. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Running Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Easy Hikes around White Island.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners around White Island?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. Options include 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km), 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' (5.2 km), and the 'Castle Archdale loop' (4.2 km). These trails offer accessible ways to explore the natural beauty and historical sites of the region. For more options, refer to the Easy Hikes around White Island guide.
Can I find family-friendly attractions in the White Island area?
Yes, the area offers family-friendly attractions. Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are noted as family-friendly historical sites. Exploring the ancient ruins and learning about local history can be an engaging experience for all ages.
What is the historical significance of White Island, County Fermanagh?
White Island holds significant historical importance, particularly for its early Christian heritage. The island's ancient church ruins and unique carved figures date back to between 800 and 1000 AD, suggesting a rich monastic past. Its history also includes Viking attacks on Lough Erne monasteries in A.D. 837, indicating a long and eventful past.
What can I expect when visiting Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. Built in the 1600s, it was the main castle on the estate before its successor. Visitors can wander its crumbling walls and imagine life hundreds of years ago. The castle was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later abandoned after being burnt out in the Williamite Wars.
Are there other significant historical monuments or stones nearby besides the Janus Stones?
Yes, you can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. In its graveyard, you'll find several interesting stones, including the 'Bishops stone,' which is thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on White Island. There's also a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, possibly a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab, and a holed stone.
What is the best way to experience the attractions around White Island?
To best experience the attractions around White Island, consider taking the ferry to the island itself to explore its ancient church and carvings. Then, dedicate time to visit nearby historical sites like Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. Combining these historical explorations with some of the easy hiking or cycling routes in the surrounding area will provide a comprehensive experience of the region's rich heritage and natural beauty.
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