Best attractions and places to see around Thornhill Glebe include historical castles, ancient trees, and significant monastic sites. This region, located near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore centuries-old structures and serene natural monuments. The area provides opportunities to delve into local history and appreciate diverse outdoor settings.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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Along the Beech Trail, you'll discover some of the oldest trees on the estate, including Oak and the sprawling limbs of this Horse Chestnut, forming a natural arch over the path.
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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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The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
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Run past the beautiful Castle Coole, a magnificent 18th century manor house set in a gorgeous 1,200 acre wooded landscape park.
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Castle Coole is one of the most magnificent Neo-classical houses in Ireland set in a 1,200 acre (490 ha) wooded estate. Built in the 18th century, the grand mansion was home to the Earls of Belmore. The 7th Earl Belmore gave the manion to the National Trust in 1951. The house was originally constructed as a summer retreat and cost £57,000, the equivalent of around £20 million today. It is set amongst beautiful parklands dotted with oak, ash and beech trees. Some of the land is given to local farmers to graze their cattle and sheep. You can visit the mansion and its grounds for an insight of how life would once have been for its wealthy inhabitants and their staff. Entrance to the grounds costs £5 per adult.
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Built in the 16th century, Enniskillen Castle has many stories to tell – from Irish rebellions against English rule to sieges and protection from the threat of French invasion. In the 1950s, the castle was decommissioned as an army barracks and opened as a heritage centre. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about the region's history. The castle is open from 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11am - 5pm on weekends.
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Thornhill Glebe is rich in history. You can explore Enniskillen Castle, a 16th-century fortress on the River Erne that now houses a museum. Another significant site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient stones like the Bishops stone and a cross slab. Don't miss Castle Coole, a magnificent 18th-century Neo-classical mansion, or the ancient Devenish Monastic Site, a 6th-century island settlement with a round tower and Romanesque decorations.
Yes, the area offers serene natural spots. A notable natural monument is the Ancient Chestnut Tree, one of the oldest trees on the estate, forming a natural arch over the path along the Beech Trail. The surrounding landscapes, including the River Erne and the 1,200-acre wooded estate of Castle Coole, provide beautiful natural settings for exploration.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, with routes like the 'Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Castle Coole' or the 'Enniskillen Castle loop from Enniskillen'. For road cycling, consider the 'Lough Erne and Ballyshannon loop' or the 'Bishop's Stone loop'. You can find more details and routes on the hiking guide and road cycling guide for Thornhill Glebe.
Absolutely. Enniskillen Castle is considered family-friendly, offering an engaging historical experience. The grounds of Castle Coole, with its vast parklands, are also great for families to explore. Additionally, the Ancient Chestnut Tree on the Beech Trail provides an easy and interesting walk for all ages.
There are several walking trails, including easy options. For instance, the 'Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Castle Coole' is an easy 4.67 km hike, and the 'Lough Coole – Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Enniskillen' is an easy 2.67 km walk. Many trails around Enniskillen Castle are also easy. You can find more easy hikes in the easy hikes guide.
Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones is a site of significant religious and historical importance. Its graveyard contains several unique stones, including the Bishops stone, which has been altered and reused multiple times. There's also a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab, and a holed stone.
Yes, you can visit the Devenish Monastic Site, which is considered one of the most important island church settlements on Lough Erne. Founded in the 6th century by St Molaise, it features a fine round tower, St Molaise's House, and the Teampull Mór (lower church) with Romanesque decorations. It also includes the ruins of St Mary's Augustinian Priory and an intricately carved cross.
Enniskillen Castle, founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire, has a rich history spanning Irish rebellions, sieges, and protection from invasion. Originally a military barracks, it was decommissioned in the 1950s and now serves as a heritage center and museum, detailing the region's past.
Castle Coole is a magnificent 18th-century Neo-classical mansion set within a sprawling 1,200-acre wooded estate. Visitors can explore the grand house, which was once home to the Earls of Belmore, and gain insight into the lives of its wealthy inhabitants and their staff. The beautiful parklands, dotted with oak, ash, and beech trees, are perfect for leisurely strolls.
The Ancient Chestnut Tree is located along the Beech Trail. When exploring, you'll find it's one of the oldest trees on the estate, with sprawling limbs that form a natural arch over the path, creating a picturesque and serene walking experience.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The historical depth of sites like Enniskillen Castle and Devenish Monastic Site, combined with the tranquility of natural monuments like the Ancient Chestnut Tree and the expansive grounds of Castle Coole, are frequently highlighted. The opportunity to delve into local history and enjoy diverse outdoor settings is a major draw.


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