Best attractions and places to see around Manoo include a variety of historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural forest areas. The region features well-preserved castle ruins and early Christian stones, offering insights into its past. Visitors can explore sites dating back thousands of years, set within diverse landscapes. This area provides opportunities to discover historical architecture and ancient cultural heritage.
Last updated: June 23, 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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
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The Manoo region is rich in history, offering a variety of sites from ancient stone circles to medieval castle ruins and early Christian monuments. You can visit places like the prehistoric Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, the 17th-century Old Castle Archdale, and the Tully Castle Ruins. Additionally, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones provide insight into the area's religious heritage.
The most notable ancient site is the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, which dates back to 2000 BC. It consists of 39 stones arranged around a small cairn. While its exact purpose is unknown, it is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. Entrance to the site is free.
Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, sits on a forest clifftop. It was the main castle on its estate until 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 crumbling walls offer a glimpse into centuries past.
Yes, the Tully Castle Ruins are another important historical site. This fortified house and bawn, built for Sir John Hume, was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 and was never inhabited again. A visitor’s centre in a restored farmhouse nearby offers an exhibition detailing local stories related to the castle.
The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones are located in a graveyard and feature several interesting historical stones. These include the 'Bishops stone,' which has been altered and reused, and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was once a bullaun stone before being reused as an early Christian cross slab. There is also a holed stone and a broken stone pillar on the site.
Absolutely. The Manoo area offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop'. If you prefer hiking, there are trails such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the cycling guide and hiking guide for Manoo.
Yes, several easy hiking trails are available. For instance, the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' is an easy 4.6 km route, and the 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' is another easy option at 5.2 km. The 'Castle Archdale loop' is also an easy 4.2 km trail. These routes are great for those new to hiking and offer scenic views. More easy routes can be found in the hiking guide around Manoo.
The region around Manoo features diverse natural landscapes, including dense forests and scenic clifftops. For example, Old Castle Archdale is situated within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, perched on a clifftop, offering a blend of historical exploration and natural beauty.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Tully Castle Ruins and the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment are both marked as family-friendly. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which sometimes host exhibitions, can also be an interesting stop for families.
The best time to visit the historical sites and enjoy outdoor activities around Manoo is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months. The weather is typically milder and more conducive for exploring ruins, walking trails, and enjoying the natural landscapes. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though temperatures will be cooler.
Visitors appreciate the rich historical significance of the area, from the ancient Drumskinny Stone Circle to the atmospheric ruins of Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle. The blend of historical exploration with beautiful natural settings, such as forests and clifftops, is also highly valued. The komoot community has contributed 13 photos and 12 upvotes for highlights in this area, indicating a positive visitor experience.
Yes, if you're into road cycling, there are several routes available. You can try the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' which is an easy 41 km ride, or more moderate options like the 'Dromare and Omagh loop from Irvinestown' (89 km) and the 'Enniskillen Castle – Enniskillen Castle loop from Kesh' (89 km). For more details and routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Manoo guide.


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