Lisnarrick: Islands, Trails and History

The specific highlights include the wooded islands in Castle Archdale Islands Nature Reserve, the Tom’s Island Trail, and history and activities at Castle Archdale.

Islands and scenery on Lough Erne

The islands in Castle Archdale Islands Nature Reserve are the summits of drumlin hills. When Lough Erne formed, their lower parts were flooded. This explains the shape of the islands: they are the higher parts of the hills. The reserve comprises five islands covered in deciduous woodland. They lie about 0.75 miles from the shore of Castle Archdale Country Park.

The park’s location also provides a specific landmark for orientation: it is one mile on the Enniskillen side of the village of Lisnarick. The park is signposted on the B82 between Enniskillen and Kesh. The distance and the signposted road are separate points of reference to bear in mind when finding your way.

Trails and access

The Tom’s Island Trail is an easy 2.5 km circular route that runs mostly along forestry roads. It follows the river to Lower Lough Erne and then the shoreline through dense woodland. Along the way, there are views of White Island and Davy’s Island. The trail’s location is Kiladeas Road in Lisnarick, Fermanagh.

Inishmakill offers a different type of trail: there is a circular earth path and a landing jetty suitable only for small boats, not cruisers. You must arrange access before your visit through the area manager, who is based at Castle Archdale Country Park. So if you plan to visit Inishmakill, make this arrangement part of your preparations; the restriction on the landing jetty applies whether or not you plan to use the island’s trail.

Castle Archdale and its history

During the Second World War, Castle Archdale Country Park was the main flying-boat base. The “Castle Archdale at War” exhibition in the visitor centre recalls this role. Old Castle Archdale is a fortification built in 1612. When it was built, the Archdale family came to Ireland from Suffolk, England. The fortification’s early history and the country park’s military role in the Second World War therefore represent two very different historical periods.

Lisnarick also has a connection to local history and culture: on 13 January 2026, visitor information boards were installed there as part of improvements to the visitor welcome in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. The updated boards preserve important information about history and culture.

Water sports and tours

Castle Archdale Marina Boat Hire & Water Sports is located at Castle Archdale Marina in Lisnarick. There you can hire kayaks and canoes to explore the nearby islands or paddle around the marina. Check the hire service again before your trip. The possible activities differ: kayaks and canoes take you out on the water, while bicycle hire is associated with trails on Lough Erne and mountain biking along the lakeshore.

Bicycles can also be hired at Castle Archdale Marina. The options mentioned include cycling on the trails around Lough Erne and mountain biking along the lakeshore; you should also check this hire service again before your trip. The White Island Guided Hydrobike Tour starts in Castle Archdale in Lisnarick. It takes you by hydrobike to White Island and offers a guided historical presentation about White Island and Lough Erne. The rental options therefore differ from a tour that combines a specific route with a historical guide.

Discover more destinations: Drumgoon, Belleek, Aghnablaney, Enniskillen, Derrygonnelly, Irvinestown, Letterbreen, Ederney

For the main travel guide: Fermanagh.