Best attractions and places to see around Derrygonnelly include a mix of historical landmarks and natural landscapes in County Fermanagh. The village is surrounded by forests like Lough Navar, numerous small lakes, and the Sillees River, offering diverse outdoor experiences. Historical sites such as ruined churches and 17th-century castles provide insight into the region's past. Derrygonnelly also serves as a gateway to the wider Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its geological features.
Last updated: May 11, 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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Derrygonnelly is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of a small church built in 1627 by Sir John Dunbar, or the older Carrick Church, constructed in 1483. The village is also home to St. Ninnidh's Cathedral, recognized for its architectural and historical importance. For unique ancient monuments, don't miss the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures.
The area boasts several significant castle ruins. You can explore Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin perched on a forest clifftop. Another notable site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn that was attacked and burned in 1641. Additionally, the townland of Derrygonnelly contains the site of Dunbar Manor plantation castle, and nearby you'll find the ruins of Monea Castle.
Just 4 miles outside the village, Lough Navar Forest offers a 10km scenic drive leading to the Magho Cliffs Viewpoint, providing panoramic vistas of Lower Lough Erne and beyond. Opposite the forest entrance, Correl Glen is a designated nature reserve with a delightful nature trail and small waterfalls. For a more challenging hike with incredible views, consider Cuilcagh Mountain, known for its iconic boardwalk.
Yes, the region offers diverse hiking opportunities. Lough Navar Forest features a network of walking trails. For more structured routes, you can find options like the 'Cliffs of Magho via Old Man's Head' or the 'Meenameen Lough – Old Man's Head loop'. You can explore more hiking trails in the area by visiting the Hiking around Derrygonnelly guide.
Derrygonnelly is surrounded by numerous small lakes and bisected by the Sillees River, which is popular for canoeing. To the north, Lower Lough Erne provides a stunning natural backdrop for various water-based activities. While not explicitly for swimming, the area's rivers and loughs offer scenic spots for enjoying the water.
Absolutely. The nearby Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark offers an intriguing underground adventure, exploring subterranean wonders and geological marvels. You can also visit Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall, known for its impressive waterfall and complex cave system, though access requires caution due to unstable and slippery rocks.
Families can enjoy the nature trail and small waterfalls at Correl Glen. Castle Archdale Country Park, situated on the shores of Lough Erne, provides walking trails, birdwatching, and picnic spots in a serene setting. Many of the easier walking routes, such as the 'Cliffs of Magho loop' or 'Castle Archdale loop', are also suitable for families.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. They enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of places like Old Castle Archdale, imagining life hundreds of years ago. The unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are also a highlight, offering a glimpse into ancient history. The dramatic views from Lough Navar Forest and the intriguing geological formations of the Marble Arch Caves are also highly rated experiences.
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find routes like the 'View of Lough Nabrickboy – Lough Nabrickboy loop' or the 'Blackslee Waterfall loop'. For a comprehensive list and details on various running trails, refer to the Running Trails around Derrygonnelly guide.
The area around Derrygonnelly offers scenic road cycling routes. Popular options include the 'Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop' and the 'Tully Castle Ruins – The Big Tree loop'. These routes often take you past historical sites and natural landscapes. More details can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Derrygonnelly guide.
Beyond the main castles, you can explore Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features 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 fascinating look into the region's ancient spiritual heritage.


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