Castle Archdale Country Park
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*Please note that the Youth Hostel is closed until further notice*
Castle Archdale Country Park is situated about 10 miles north west of Enniskillen and extends to cover 230 acres along the shores of Lower Lough Erne. The region is abundant in historical features, with many monastic sites such as Devenish and White Island. Castle Archdale is based on the demesne of the Archdale Manor House, which was built in 1773, of which now only the courtyard buildings remain.
Boats are available for hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands, some of which are National Nature Reserves. Pony trekking and bicycle hire are also available.
Features within the Park include a red deer enclosure, wildfowl ponds, nature trail, butterfly garden and wildflower meadow. To make the most of your visit, be sure not to miss the Archdale Centre, which is in the corner of the main courtyard. Here you can see various exhibitions which will help you to understand our efforts to conserve this beautiful part of Fermanagh.
Evidence of the 1939-45 War can also be found throughout the park in flying-boat docks, ammunition dumps, Slit trenches, etc. This is because Lough Erne played an important role as the most westerly flying-boat station, from which aircraft protected the allied convoys from the U-Boat threat in the North Atlantic. Castle Archdale was the main base from which they flew and this is highlighted in an exhibition within the Centre entitled "Castle Archdale at War".
Facilities
- Castle Archdale Country Park has its own Countryside Centre with:
- Displays of local wildlife and geographical/historical aspects of the park
- Toilets.Car and coach parking
- Tea rooms (seasonal opening)
- "Castle Archdale at War" Exhibition and Farm Machinery Display
- Varied habitats within easy reach of the centre.
Access & Booking
Park open everyday from 8.30am to dusk
Museum and Countryside Centre opens from Easter to end of June Saturdays and Sundays 10.00pm - 6.00pm
Open May Bank Holidays from 10.00am - 6.00pm
From 1st July to 30th August from 10.00am - 6.00pm
Open in September Saturday & Sundays from 10.00am - 6.00pm
Contact Us
Castle Archdale Country Park,
IRVINESTOWN,
Co. Fermanagh,
BT94 1PP
Tel: 028 6862 1588
Fax: 028 6862 1375
Getting Here
Castle Archdale Country Park is situated on the main Enniskillen to Kesh road (B82). It is well signposted and can be found 1 mile on the Enniskillen side of Lisnarick village. National Cycle Network route 91, part of the Kingfisher Trail runs through the park.
The Park Code
Visitors to the Country Park should remember the Park code:
- Protect trees, flowers and animalsThe park operates a no bins policy so litter should be taken home by visitors
- Ensure all dogs are kept on leads and not allowed to foul paths and mown grass
- Guard against all risk of fire
- The Park contains some natural hazards, supervise children, especially near water
- Cycling is only permitted on estate or vehicular roads in the Park.
- Camping is prohibited in the park except at the Group Campsite and the Caravan Site
- Horse riding is only allowed in certain parts of the Park and is by permit only.