Best attractions and places to see around Duross, a townland in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, include a variety of historical sites and natural features. The region is characterized by its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient monuments, castle ruins, and forested areas. Duross offers opportunities to experience the historical and natural landscape of County Fermanagh.
Last updated: May 9, 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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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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The area around Duross is rich in history. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin on a forest clifftop, or the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn built in 1619. Another significant site is the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient carved stones including the notable Bishops stone.
Yes, a truly unique site is the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island. These pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age, stone figures are Janus-faced, with carvings on both sides, and are thought to represent a Celtic god of vegetation and fertility.
County Fermanagh, where Duross is located, is known for its stunning natural beauty. You can explore the vast Lough Erne, which offers opportunities for boating and island exploration, including the historic Devenish Island Monastic Site. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark features impressive underground caves, and the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail offers panoramic views from Cuilcagh Mountain.
Absolutely. There are several walking and hiking trails available. You can find easy routes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. For more options, explore the Hiking around Duross guide or the Easy hikes around Duross guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity in the region. You can find routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' for an easy ride, or more challenging options such as the 'Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop from Derrygonnelly'. For detailed routes, refer to the Cycling around Duross guide.
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are noted as family-friendly. Additionally, Castle Archdale Country Park offers woodlands, wetlands, and trails, while the Marble Arch Caves provide an engaging underground experience for all ages.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the natural beauty of the area. The unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are often highlighted for their ancient mystery, while the atmospheric ruins of Old Castle Archdale offer a glimpse into 17th-century life and dramatic history.
The Fermanagh Lakelands region, including Duross, is beautiful year-round. However, for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring natural sites such as the Marble Arch Caves or Cuilcagh Mountain, the warmer and drier months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are generally most pleasant. Historical sites like castles and museums are accessible throughout the year.
Most major attractions in County Fermanagh, including those near Duross, typically offer dedicated parking facilities. For example, Castle Archdale Country Park and the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark have visitor parking. For smaller, more remote sites like the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, parking might be limited to roadside spaces or small designated areas.
Beyond the more prominent sites, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a fascinating, less-crowded historical experience with unique ancient carvings. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also provide a glimpse into the area's World War II history as a flying boat base, often featuring exhibitions.
The area boasts several significant castles and ruins. You can explore the remains of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle with a dramatic history, or the well-preserved Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house from 1619. Further afield in County Fermanagh, you'll find Enniskillen Castle, Florence Court, and Castle Coole, each offering unique historical insights.
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are a key site for World War II history. During the war, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to highlight the area's role during the conflict.


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