Best attractions and places to see around Inish Divann include a collection of historical sites and ancient ruins. This region offers insights into early Irish history, with structures ranging from 17th-century castles to 6th-century monastic settlements. Visitors can explore fortified houses, ancient churches, and significant archaeological remains set within varied landscapes. The area provides opportunities to discover historical landmarks near Inish Divann.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Inish Divann.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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
1
0
Devenish Monastic Site is generally considered to be the most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements. Devenish was founded in the 6th century by St Molaise. It was raided by Vikings in 837 and burned in 1157, but in the Middle Ages flourished as the site of a parish church and St Mary's Augustinian Priory. There are extensive low earthworks on the hillside, but the earliest buildings are St Molaise's House (a very small church) and the fine round tower close by, both with striking Romanesque decorations from the 12th century. Teampull Mór, the lower church, dates from the early 13th century and has a beautifully moulded south window. It was extended to the east in about 1300, while later additions include a residential wing to the north and the Maguire Chapel to the south, with 17th century heraldic slabs. St Mary's Augustinian Priory on the hilltop dates from the middle 15th and early 16th centuries, with church, tower and small north cloister. In its graveyard stands an unusual, intricately-carved cross of the middle 15th century. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devenish_Island - https://web.archive.org/web/20120224043140/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=746
0
0
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
0
0
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
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.
0
0
The Inish Divann area is rich in historical sites. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle built in 1615, situated on Castle Hill within a large forest. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn from the same period, which has a visitor's centre telling local stories. For a deeper dive into early Christian history, explore Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient stones with cup-shaped hollows and a holed stone.
Yes, the region features notable religious sites. The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones site in its graveyard offers insights into early Christian history with its unique stones. Additionally, the Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century by St. Molaise, is considered one of Lough Erne's most important island church settlements, featuring a fine round tower and Romanesque decorations.
Absolutely. The area boasts several historical castles and fortified houses. You can explore Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle that was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another option is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume, which was attacked and burned in 1641. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer a glimpse into the area's past, having served as a major base during WW2.
Yes, several attractions in the Inish Divann area are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly, offering a visitor's centre with local stories. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also provide an interesting historical experience for all ages, sometimes hosting exhibitions related to their wartime use.
The Inish Divann area offers various cycling routes. For touring cyclists, options include the easy Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop or the more challenging Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop. Road cyclists can enjoy routes like the easy Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale, or moderate loops around Carrick Lough. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Inish Divann and Road Cycling Routes around Inish Divann guides.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails around Inish Divann. You can enjoy a walk to Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island, or explore the Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island. Other easy options include the Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle and the Castle Archdale loop. For more details, refer to the Easy hikes around Inish Divann guide.
Beyond exploring historical sites, the Inish Divann area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various cycling tours, from easy to difficult, as detailed in the Cycling around Inish Divann guide. There are also numerous hiking trails, including easy walks around castles and forests, which you can find in the Easy hikes around Inish Divann guide.
While the primary focus is historical sites, the attractions are set within beautiful natural surroundings. Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views. The Devenish Monastic Site is located on an island in Lough Erne, providing picturesque lake views and a tranquil setting.
The attractions around Inish Divann can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, for the most comfortable experience with outdoor exploration and hiking, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer milder weather. During these times, you're more likely to experience pleasant conditions for walking around historical ruins and enjoying the natural landscapes.
The Devenish Monastic Site is located on an island in Lough Erne. Access is typically by boat. Visitors usually take a ferry or private boat service from nearby mainland points to reach the island and explore its ancient ruins.
Yes, parking is generally available at or near the main attractions. For sites like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, there are usually designated parking areas for visitors. It's always a good idea to check specific site information for detailed parking instructions, especially during peak seasons.
Visitors to Inish Divann particularly enjoy the rich historical immersion offered by the sites. They appreciate wandering through the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale and imagining life centuries ago. The visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins, which tells local stories, is also a highlight. The unique early Christian stones at Killadeas Priory Church and the serene island setting of Devenish Monastic Site are also highly valued for their historical significance and peaceful atmosphere.
While the main highlights are well-known, the area around Inish Divann is dotted with smaller historical points. The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, with its unique Bishops stone and holed stone, offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient practices that might be considered a hidden gem for those interested in specific archaeological details. Exploring the extensive low earthworks at the Devenish Monastic Site beyond the main structures can also reveal lesser-known aspects of its history.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: