For a stay in Lisnarrick, forest and island scenery meet the history surrounding Castle Archdale. The Tom’s Island Trail is an easy 2.5 km circular walk. You can also choose from rental options at Castle Archdale Marina and a guided Hydrobike tour. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, consider what you’d like to focus on during your stay: would you prefer to spend most of your time walking, explore the area from the water, or include historical sites?
Forest, drumlin islands and waterside trails
The Castle Archdale Islands Nature Reserve comprises five islands covered in deciduous woodland. They lie about 0.75 miles offshore from Castle Archdale Country Park. The islands are the summits of drumlin hills; when Lough Erne formed, their lower parts were flooded. The islands we see today are therefore the higher parts of these hills, while the lower-lying areas were submerged.
Castle Archdale Country Park is one mile from Lisnarrick village, on the Enniskillen side. The park is signposted on the B82 between Enniskillen and Kesh. This makes it easier to view the park and the reserve islands off its shore in context.
On foot through the forest and along the shore
The Tom’s Island Trail is on Kiladeas Road in Lisnarrick, Fermanagh. The easy circular route is 2.5 km long and runs mainly along forestry tracks. It follows the river to Lower Lough Erne and continues along the shore through dense woodland. Along the way, there are views of White Island and Davy’s Island. Its length and circular route provide a clear guide for anyone looking for a marked trail rather than an activity on the water.
History around Castle Archdale
Old Castle Archdale is a fortified structure built in 1612. When it was built, the Archdale family came to Ireland from Suffolk, England. The history of the site therefore dates back to the early 17th century.
A later historical period is the Second World War: Castle Archdale Country Park was then the main base for flying boats. The “Castle Archdale at War” exhibition in the visitor centre recalls this role.
A council update dated 13 January 2026 reports that visitor information panels were installed in Lisnarrick as part of improvements to visitor services in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. The renewed panels preserve important information about history and culture. They thus add insights into cultural history to the site’s historical themes.
Water activities and access to Inishmakill
At Castle Archdale Marina in Lisnarrick, Castle Archdale Marina Boat Hire & Water Sports offers kayaks and canoes for hire, so you can explore nearby islands or paddle on the marina. You can also rent bicycles: the available rides follow trails along Lough Erne and mountain-bike routes beside the lake. Check the rental options again before your trip.
The White Island Guided Hydrobike Tour starts at Castle Archdale in Lisnarrick. It takes you by hydrobike to White Island and offers a guided historical account of the island and Lough Erne. This sets it apart from a self-guided paddle trip by providing historical context as part of the tour.
Access to Inishmakill must be arranged before your visit through the area warden, who is based at Castle Archdale Country Park. The island has a circular earth path and a landing jetty suitable only for small boats, not cruisers. Take this access requirement into account when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Letterbreen, Aghnablaney, Enniskillen, Ederney, Drumgoon, Newtownbutler, Irvinestown, Belleek.
For the broader travel overview: Fermanagh.
