Tully Castle Northern Ireland
Explore the evocative ruins of Tully Castle and enjoy a scenic lakeside walk in the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birds singing, bees humming
Tully Castle Northern Ireland
Best Time
Birds singing, bees humming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the evocative ruins of Tully Castle and enjoy a scenic lakeside walk in the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands.
"A short but very worthwhile visit, highly recommended if you were passing or not far away."
🎯 Arrive Before 4 PM
Castle gates often close at 4 PM. Plan your visit to ensure you have time to explore the interior.
🐕 Dog Safety First
Be aware of blue-green algae warnings on the lough, especially with dogs. Keep pets on a lead.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Castle Ruins
Main Castle Grounds
Explore the evocative remains of Tully Castle, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
Lakeside Walk
Lough Shore
A scenic 45-minute loop with stunning views of the lough and surrounding nature.
Well-Maintained Gardens
Castle Grounds
Discover pretty, natural gardens that complement the historical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Castle Access
Embrace the Lakeside Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 4 PM
Castle gates often close at 4 PM. Plan your visit to ensure you have time to explore the interior.
🐕 Dog Safety First
Be aware of blue-green algae warnings on the lough, especially with dogs. Keep pets on a lead.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The lakeside walk is lovely but can involve steep descents, so wear appropriate shoes.
🚗 Parking Availability
Limited parking is available, but there's a large green area nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 4 PM
Castle gates often close at 4 PM. Plan your visit to ensure you have time to explore the interior.
🐕 Dog Safety First
Be aware of blue-green algae warnings on the lough, especially with dogs. Keep pets on a lead.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The lakeside walk is lovely but can involve steep descents, so wear appropriate shoes.
🚗 Parking Availability
Limited parking is available, but there's a large green area nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tully Castle for its stunning lakeside setting and the well-maintained grounds, making it a worthwhile stop for its natural beauty and historical atmosphere. While the castle itself is in ruins, the scenic walk and peaceful environment are consistently highlighted as major positives. Some visitors were disappointed by the castle closing early, and dog owners should be cautious of algae warnings.
"Visited Tully Castle on a beautiful day, which really brought the spectacular setting to life. Birds singing, bees humming, and the Lough shimmering made it easy to imagine life here hundreds of years ago, living off the land.
The castle is largely ruined but enough has survived to allow visitors to wander the grounds and climb up the modern stairs to the first floor. This state monument and it's grounds have been very well kept, and there is a beautiful lakeside walk which takes about 45 minutes to complete.
The walk is easy and not very busy, however we were unfortunate enough to encounter two sets of dogs owners who had the their dogs off lead, and who attacked our own much smaller dog. I don't understand why people don't keep them on a lead, if they can't be controlled or are aggressive to other dogs or people.
Apart from that, it was a short but very worthwhile visit, which I'd highly recommend if you were passing or not far away. There are limited parking spaces, but there is a large green area with some picnic benches."
Mark Sullivan
"Lovely walk around and easy to park. The castle is accessible however it closes when we arrived the gate to enter the castle was closed and locked. There was a sign there saying castle closes at 4. We continued for the lake side walk with our dog. There was a sign warning for blue green algae, so be aware if you have dogs with you as this can be a danger for our four legged friends. Some really nice views and well sign posted. 👌 I would return and recommend the trip."
stephen doyle
"Nice historical place. Good views and nice place for relaxation"
Zigurds Balodis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tully Castle is located near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. The castle is well-signposted from the main roads in the Fermanagh Lakelands area.
Yes, the castle is generally well signposted, especially if you are exploring the Fermanagh Lakelands. Keep an eye out for local signage directing you to the site.
Many visitors combine a visit to Tully Castle with exploring the wider Fermanagh Lakelands, known for its natural beauty and other historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tully Castle is a state monument. While entry to the grounds and lakeside walk is generally accessible, the castle interior may have specific opening hours and potential entry requirements. It's best to check for any admission fees or booking needs before you go.
The castle often closes by 4 PM, so it's crucial to check the official opening hours before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Weekends are popular times to visit, but be aware of the closing time. Arriving earlier in the day on a weekend is advisable to maximize your exploration time.
Information on entrance fees can vary. It's recommended to check the official heritage site or local tourism information for the most up-to-date details on admission costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ruins of the castle, climb to the first floor via modern stairs, and enjoy a beautiful lakeside walk around the lough. The grounds also feature well-maintained gardens.
The lakeside walk offers lovely views but may not be fully accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs due to steep descents from the castle area.
Dogs are welcome on the grounds and the lakeside walk, but owners must be vigilant about keeping them on a lead, especially due to potential blue-green algae warnings on the lough.
There are limited parking spaces and some picnic benches available. A useful bin is usually located in the main carpark.
Absolutely! The castle ruins, the lough setting, and the gardens offer numerous picturesque opportunities for photographers.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle ruins against the backdrop of the lough are a prime spot. The gardens and the views from the first floor of the castle also offer great photographic potential.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for capturing the atmosphere of the ruins and the surrounding landscape.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the relevant heritage authorities or local council for any restrictions before flying a drone over the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the castle interior has stairs and the lakeside walk can have steep sections, so keep a close eye on younger children. Also, be aware of any blue-green algae warnings on the lough if you have pets or if children might be tempted to play near the water's edge.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the tranquility. The manageable size of the site means it can be explored thoroughly without feeling rushed, making it an ideal stop for a relaxed day out in County Fermanagh.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Tully Castle
However, Tully Castle is perhaps most infamous for the brutal massacre that occurred in 1649 during the Irish Rebellion. Rebel forces attacked the castle, and in a tragic turn of events, many of its inhabitants, including women and children, were killed or drowned in the lough. This event casts a somber shadow over the site, adding a layer of historical poignancy to its ruins.
Today, Tully Castle stands as a preserved ruin, managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. While much of the structure is gone, the remaining walls and its picturesque lakeside setting allow visitors to connect with its history. The site serves as a reminder of the complex and often violent past of Northern Ireland, while also showcasing the enduring beauty of its natural landscapes.
Exploring the Lakeside Walk and Natural Beauty
During spring and summer, the area comes alive with the sounds of nature – birds singing and bees buzzing – enhancing the immersive experience. The gardens around the castle are also noted for being well-kept and naturally beautiful, complementing the historical site. However, visitors with dogs should be aware of potential blue-green algae warnings on the lough, which can be a danger to pets.
While the walk is generally easy, some sections, particularly the descents from the castle area, can be steep. This means it might not be fully accessible for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. Despite this, the overall experience of the walk is highly recommended for its scenic rewards and the opportunity to connect with the natural environment of County Fermanagh.
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