Attractions and Places To See around Middletown - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see around Middletown include historical sites, ancient monuments, and castle ruins, offering insights into the region's past. The area features a mix of natural landscapes, including forests and lake views, providing diverse exploration opportunities. Visitors can discover remnants of historical estates and significant cultural landmarks. Middletown presents a range of attractions for those interested in history and natural settings.
Best attractions and places to see around Middletown
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho
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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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The viewpoint at the Cliffs of Magho is sensational. Enjoy panoramic views over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean and Blue Stack mountains. Picnic benches, bins, and an information board are provided at the top.
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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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Breathtaking views of Lough Earne.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Middletown?
Middletown is rich in historical sites. You can visit the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a large forest, or the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre. Another significant site is the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, featuring unique pre-Christian stone figures.
Are there any ancient monuments to visit near Middletown?
Yes, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are notable ancient monuments. These two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age stone figures, stand in the isolated Caldragh graveyard on Boa Island, offering a glimpse into ancient history.
What natural features or viewpoints can I find in the area?
For scenic views, head to Rossmore Point Beacon, where you can enjoy serene views over Lough Erne from a bench. The area also features extensive forests, such as the 520-hectare forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Middletown?
Many of the historical sites are suitable for families. For instance, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer historical insights in a family-friendly setting.
What outdoor activities, like hiking, are available near these attractions?
You can find several hiking opportunities. For example, there are easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Middletown guide.
Can I find easy hiking trails around Middletown?
Absolutely. The area offers several easy hiking trails, including routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km) and 'Castle Archdale loop' (4.3 km). For a comprehensive list of easy routes, refer to the Easy hikes around Middletown guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Middletown?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty. The crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale allow for imagining life centuries ago, while the serene views over Lough Erne from Rossmore Point Beacon are highly enjoyed.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' historical sites?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are quite unique. These ancient, pre-Christian stone figures are found in an isolated graveyard on Boa Island, offering a distinctive historical experience.
What are the best places for scenic views of Lough Erne?
For excellent scenic views of Lough Erne, visit Rossmore Point Beacon. There's a bench available to sit and enjoy the tranquil lake scenery.
Are there any attractions related to World War II history?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a significant role during WWII, serving as a major base for flying boats and housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to showcase the area's wartime history.
What are the options for road cycling near Middletown's attractions?
Road cycling enthusiasts can find several routes, such as the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' (41 km) or the 'Boa island to Lough Derg and back' (40.8 km). More options are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Middletown guide.
Is there a visitor center at Tully Castle Ruins?
Yes, a visitor's centre is located in a restored farmhouse near Tully Castle Ruins. It houses an exhibition that shares local stories related to the castle's history.
What kind of historical events are associated with Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. It has a rich history of conflict and resilience.
Are there any forest areas to explore around Middletown?
The area boasts significant forestland, notably the 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest where Old Castle Archdale is situated. This provides ample opportunities for walks and exploring nature.
Most popular attractions around Middletown
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