Best attractions and places to see around Buninubber include historical sites, ancient castles, and significant religious monuments. The region features diverse landscapes, from forest clifftops to island church settlements, offering a range of outdoor experiences. With 16 unique places to explore, Buninubber provides opportunities for discovering historical architecture and natural settings.
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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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
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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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Buninubber is rich in historical sites. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a vast forest, or visit Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its past. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insights into their role during WW2.
Yes, Buninubber features significant religious heritage. The Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century on an island, is considered one of Lough Erne's most important island church settlements, featuring a round tower and St Mary's Augustinian Priory. You can also visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, known for its ancient graveyard with unique carved stones like the Bishops stone and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows.
Absolutely. Both Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are noted as family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre that can engage younger visitors with local stories, while the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions, offering an interactive way to learn about the area's history.
The area around Buninubber offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling opportunities. For specific routes, check out the guides for Hiking around Buninubber and Cycling around Buninubber. These guides include routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail' and various loops around castles and natural points.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails available. For instance, you can find routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' which are categorized as easy. More options are detailed in the Easy hikes around Buninubber guide.
The region around Buninubber offers diverse natural settings. Old Castle Archdale is situated within a large 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, perched on a clifftop, offering scenic views and a chance to explore woodland environments.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. They enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, imagining life centuries ago, and exploring the significant religious heritage at sites like Devenish Monastic Site. The blend of historical architecture within natural landscapes is a key draw.
Yes, several circular walks are available. For example, the 'Castle Archdale loop' and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' are popular options for those looking for a round trip. You can find more details and other circular routes in the Hiking around Buninubber guide.
While the main attractions are well-documented, exploring the extensive 520-hectare forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale can lead to discovering quieter paths and viewpoints. The ancient stones in the graveyard of Killadeas Priory Church, with their unique carvings and history, also offer a more contemplative and less crowded experience.
You'll encounter a range of historical architecture, primarily from the 17th century and earlier. This includes the ruins of fortified houses and castles like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins. Additionally, the Devenish Monastic Site showcases structures from the 6th century onwards, including a round tower and medieval priory buildings, offering a glimpse into early Christian and medieval design.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the area. The 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail' is a notable route, and you can find other options like the 'Tully Castle Ruins – Lough Melvin loop'. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Cycling around Buninubber guide, which includes routes passing by or near many attractions.


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