Attractions and Places To See around Shean - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Shean include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features ancient castle ruins and significant historical monuments, often situated within forest parks or on scenic lough banks. These locations offer insights into the area's past and opportunities for exploration within natural settings.
Best attractions and places to see around Shean
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring two pre-Christian, probably Iron Age…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Castle Caldwell Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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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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Built in the 17th century, Castle Caldwell was part of the Ulster Plantation, a province of Ireland colonised by British settles throughout King James I era. The castle had a number of inhabitants after that and fell into ruin towards the 1800s. Although access to the castle is now forbidden due to its dangerous state of repair, the surrounding park and forest can be explored freely. Keep your eyes peeled for the ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard.
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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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Built in the 17th century by Francis Blennerhasett of Norfolk, Castle Caldwell was once part of Ulster Plantation, a province of Ireland colonised by British settlers during the reign of King James I. The castle had various inhabitants over the centuries until it fell into ruin towards the end of the 1800s. Today, Castle Caldwell lies within Castle Caldwell Forest Park, a nature reserve on the banks of Lower Lough Erne. Although access to the castle is forbidden due to its ruinous state, you can visit the surrounding park for free. Look out for the ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard too.
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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 kind of historical attractions can I find around Shean?
Shean is rich in historical sites, primarily featuring ancient castle ruins and significant monuments. You can explore places like Old Castle Archdale, Castle Caldwell Ruins, and Tully Castle Ruins, which offer insights into the region's past, including the Ulster Plantation and Irish rebellions.
Are there any ancient monuments to visit in Shean?
Yes, a unique ancient monument is the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These are two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures standing in the Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island. They are notable for their double-faced carvings, possibly representing a Celtic god of vegetation and fertility.
What are the main castle ruins to explore near Shean?
You can visit several significant castle ruins. Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, sits on a forest clifftop and has a dramatic history of capture and abandonment. Castle Caldwell Ruins, a 17th-century castle, is located within a forest park, though access to the ruin itself is restricted due to its condition. Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house on Tully Point, also has a compelling story of attack and abandonment in the 17th century.
What natural landscapes can I explore around Shean?
The attractions around Shean are often nestled within beautiful natural settings. For example, Old Castle Archdale is situated within a 520-hectare forest, and Castle Caldwell Ruins are part of Castle Caldwell Forest Park on the banks of Lower Lough Erne. These locations offer opportunities to explore woodlands and enjoy scenic lough views.
Are there opportunities for outdoor sports like running or cycling near Shean's attractions?
Absolutely! The Shean area offers various routes for outdoor activities. For running, you can find trails like the 'View of Lough Nabrickboy' or 'Rossmore Point Beacon' loops. Cyclists can enjoy road cycling routes such as the 'Castle Caldwell, Boa Island and Pettigo loop' or sections of the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Shean and Road Cycling Routes around Shean guides.
Can I find mountain biking trails in the Shean area?
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities around Shean. Trails like the 'Scarplands Cycle Trail' offer moderate challenges, while more difficult routes such as 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop' provide extensive rides. Explore these and other options in the MTB Trails around Shean guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Shean?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins includes a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with exhibitions telling local stories. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also host exhibitions about the area's history, particularly its role during WWII, which can be engaging for all ages.
What do visitors typically enjoy about the attractions around Shean?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and the opportunity for outdoor exploration. The crumbling walls of castles like Old Castle Archdale allow one to imagine life centuries ago, while the unique Janus Stones offer a glimpse into ancient cultures. The natural settings, often within forest parks and by loughs, also provide beautiful backdrops for walks and contemplation.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale. It was captured by the Irish during the 1641 rebellion and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Today, its ruins sit on a forest clifftop, offering a poignant reminder of its turbulent past.
Can I access all parts of Castle Caldwell Ruins?
While Castle Caldwell Ruins are a significant historical site, access to the castle ruin itself is forbidden due to its dangerous state of repair. However, the surrounding Castle Caldwell Forest Park and its grounds, including a ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard, can be explored freely.
What was the role of Castle Archdale during WWII?
During World War II, the area around Castle Archdale, specifically the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, served as a major base for flying boats. It housed up to 2,500 people, primarily RAF fighters. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to highlight the area's crucial historical role during the war.
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