Best attractions and places to see around Kinnausy Island include a variety of historical sites, ancient monuments, and castle ruins. The region features a landscape where historical structures are often found within natural settings, such as forests and clifftops. With 17 hidden gems waiting to be explored, Kinnausy Island offers opportunities for those interested in history and outdoor exploration.
Last updated: July 7, 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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Kinnausy Island is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian, probably Iron Age stone figures. Another significant site is Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin perched on a forest clifftop, offering a glimpse into historical life. Don't miss Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre telling local stories, and the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient carved stones in its graveyard.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, with their historical significance from WW2, also offer an engaging experience for families.
The area around Kinnausy Island offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and hiking. You can find numerous routes for touring bicycles, such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Old Castle Archdale – Castle Archdale Marina loop'. For hikers, there are trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Castle Archdale loop'. You can explore more options on the cycling guide and hiking guide for Kinnausy Island.
Absolutely! For easy walks, consider trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (approx. 4.6 km), 'Castle Archdale loop' (approx. 4.3 km), or 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' (approx. 2 km). These routes are generally suitable for a relaxed exploration of the area. Find more easy options in the easy hikes guide.
The most notable ancient stone figures are the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These unique pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age, figures stand among modern graves. Additionally, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones feature several interesting stones, including a 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab.
Old Castle Archdale is a 17th-century castle ruin situated on a forest clifftop. You can wander its crumbling walls and imagine life hundreds of years ago. Built in 1615, it has a dramatic history, including being captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689. It's located within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a scenic backdrop.
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings hold historical significance, particularly from World War II. During the war, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to highlight the area's wartime history.
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor’s centre located in a restored farmhouse. This centre houses an exhibition that tells various local stories related to the castle, providing deeper insight into its past. The castle itself is a fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point, with a history dating back to 1641 when it was attacked and burned.
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the natural settings of the attractions. They enjoy exploring the ancient Janus Stones, imagining past lives within the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, and discovering the stories at Tully Castle Ruins. The blend of historical structures with forest and clifftop landscapes is a recurring highlight.
While not explicitly listed as a 'viewpoint' category, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, suggesting it offers scenic views of the surrounding area. The historical sites are often found within natural settings, providing picturesque backdrops for exploration.
For those looking for longer cycling adventures, the 'Tully Castle Ruins – Lough Melvin loop from Heron Island' is a challenging route spanning approximately 66 km. Another option is the 'Boa Island Road loop from Kesh', which is about 30.5 km. These routes offer a more extensive exploration of the region by bike. More details can be found in the cycling guide.


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