Best attractions and places to see around Hay Island include a variety of historical sites, castles, and natural landscapes. This region offers 18 distinct places to explore, providing insights into local history and heritage. Visitors can discover ancient fortifications, priory churches, and forest trails. The area is characterized by its rich historical significance, with many sites dating back centuries.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
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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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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.
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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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The region around Hay Island is rich in history, featuring several significant sites. You can explore Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century landmark that now houses a museum. Another notable site is Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin set within a large forest. Don't miss the dramatic Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its local stories.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Both Enniskillen Castle and Tully Castle Ruins are categorized as family-friendly, offering engaging historical experiences. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings provide insights into the area's WWII history, which can be interesting for all ages.
The area around Hay Island offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, hiking, and cycling. For mountain biking, explore trails like the 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop'. Hikers can enjoy routes such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. Cyclists have options like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for MTB Trails around Hay Island, Hiking around Hay Island, and Cycling around Hay Island.
Absolutely. Many attractions are dedicated to preserving and sharing local history. Enniskillen Castle, for instance, houses a museum that details the region's past, from Irish rebellions to its role as an army barracks. The visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins also provides exhibitions telling local stories related to the castle's dramatic history.
Yes, you can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features a graveyard with several interesting stones, including the noted 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting its reuse as an early Christian cross slab. It offers a glimpse into ancient religious practices and artistry.
Enniskillen Castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. It has a rich history, witnessing Irish rebellions, sieges, and even serving as an army barracks. After extensive refurbishment, it opened as a heritage centre in the 1950s, allowing visitors to explore its grounds and learn about its past.
Tully Castle Ruins are significant for their dramatic history. This fortified house and bawn were built for Sir John Hume but were attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, with its inhabitants massacred. It was never lived in again after this event. Today, a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse tells the compelling local stories related to the castle.
While the primary focus is historical, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering a viewpoint within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. This setting provides a scenic backdrop to the castle ruins and opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical significance of the area, with many sites offering deep dives into centuries of local history. The komoot community has shown strong engagement, with more than 8 upvotes and 10 photos shared, indicating a positive experience exploring the ancient fortifications, priory churches, and castle ruins.
Yes, hiking is a popular activity. For example, you can take an easy hike to 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or explore 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. These trails allow you to combine historical exploration with enjoying the natural landscape. More hiking options are available in the Hiking around Hay Island guide.
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale. It was captured by the Irish during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, its crumbling walls offer a vivid glimpse into 17th-century life and conflicts.


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