https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/castle-archdale-forest/
Castle Archdale Forest is a 520-hectare mixed broadleaved and coniferous lowland forest and it is one of the finest spots to appreciate the stunning beauty of Lower Lough Erne. The forest is a richly varied one in terms of views and features and includes ruined Castles, WWII docks and buildings, ancient woodland, millennium forest and views over Lower Lough Erne to White Island, Davy’s Island and further afield.
Facilities: car parking, interpretation, picnic area, fishing jetties and two walking trails.
Other attractions that may tempt visitors to the region is the adjoining Castle Archdale Country Park including a marina, camping, caravan and mobile home facilities, playpark, bike hire, boat hire, toilets, and café.
Castle Archdale Forest
A red waymarked circular route through thickets of woodland and commercial forest. The walk meanders along the course of a woodland river, the river sparkles on its journey to Lough Erne, filling your ears with the tranquil sounds of rushing water. If you are lucky, you may spot a kingfisher skimming over the waters in its search for food.
Leaving the river, the path takes you up through the forest driveway winding its way back to the car park. The roadside verges and wonderful wildflowers attract butterflies such as red admiral, speckled wood, and peacock.
Start off by exploring the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, an impressive fortification built in 1612 when the Archdale family arrived in Ireland from Suffolk, England. The path then leads you along the river before the wide expanse of Lower Lough Erne opens up in front of you. You will then skirt the loughshore through dense woodland with incredible views of White Island and Davy’s Island. You will notice Tom’s Island is not actually an island however, before the lough was lowered many years ago it was cut off from the mainland by a shallow strip of water.
When exploring this wonderful site, you’ll discover ancient woodlands that have mastered many eras, as well as wildflowers in full bloom in the Summer, making for a delightful walk.
Awaken the explorer within you, as you meander through the impressive ruins of Old Castle Archdale, an impressive fortification built in 1612 when the Archdale family arrived in Ireland from Suffolk, England. Castle Archdale also was the main flying boat base, during World War II, making it a site rich in history. It played a huge role during the war, which you can explore in Castle Archdale Countryside Centre and War Museum.
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Distances are from Castle Archdale Forest
This is a cooperation project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
This element of the project is part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated CLG, Department of Rural and Community Development, the EU and EAFRD in part-funding this project. Funded by the Irish Government Under the Leader Programme 2014-2020.
