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Home > NIEA > Places to Visit > Country Parks and Countryside Centres > Castle Archdale Country Park

Castle Archdale Country Park

Last updated: 30 September 2011

This beautiful country park extends to cover 230 acres along the shores of Lower Lough Erne. The park boasts an abundance of nature trails and woodland and lough side walks. There is also a butterfly garden, wildflower meadow and deer enclosure. Boats are available for hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands.

The country park is located on the demesne of the Archdale Manor House, which was built in 1773. The region is abundant in historical features with many monastic sites such as Devenish and White Island located nearby. In addition, Lough Erne played an important role in World War II as the most westerly flying-boat station. 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'.

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Castle Archdale Country Park
Irvinestown
County Fermanagh
BT94 1PP

Tel: 028 6862 1588
Fax: 028 6862 1375


Opening times as follows:

Country Park:

1 October - 30 March - 9.00am to 4.30pm daily


Visitor Centre:

1 October - 30 March - 12.00noon to 4.00pm Sunday

Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Features

  • Visitors Centre, Cafe and Toilet DDA compliant
  • DDA compliant access paths on site
  • Push wheelchairs available for outdoor usage
  • DDA compliant picnic tables

  • Countryside centre and museum
  • Tea rooms (seasonal opening)
  • 'Castle Archdale at War' exhibition
  • Farm machinery display
  • Red deer enclosure
  • Wildfowl ponds
  • Butterfly garden and wildflower meadow
  • Orienteering
  • Toilets
  • Car and coach parking

Boats are available for hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands, some of which are National Nature Reserves. Bicycle hire are also available.

This beautiful country park extends to cover 230 acres along the shores of Lower Lough Erne. The park boasts an abundance of nature trails and woodland and lough side walks. There is also a butterfly garden, wildflower meadow and deer enclosure. Boats are available for hire for those wishing to explore the nearby islands.

  • A Woodland School
  • A large area of mature coniferous woodland
  • A pond with dipping platform
  • A wildflower meadow
  • 'Castle Archdale at War' exhibition
  • Devenish (by arrangement)

Resources suitable for use at this site

KS 1

 I See The Wood (.PDF 2.69Mb)Opens in new window.
Nessa Newt's Wetland and Bog Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.68Mb)Opens in new window.
Nessa Newt Irish Version (.PDF 2.53Mb)Opens in new window.
Harry Hare's Field and Farm Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.10Mb)Opens in new window.
Harry Hare Irish Version (.PDF 2.03Mb)Opens in new window.

 

KS 1 and 2

Living Things: Plants and Animals (.PDF 3.49Mb)Opens in new window.
Mini Beasts Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.63Mb)Opens in new window.
Woodland Habitat Studies – Worksheets (.PDF 2.12Mb)Opens in new window.

 

KS 2

 Meet The Mammals (.PDF 2.33Mb)Opens in new window.
Meet The Mammals Irish version (.PDF 2.33Mb)Opens in new window.
Red Squirrels (.PDF 7.08Mb)Opens in new window.

 

KS 2 and 3

Let's Explore Devenish Activity Booklet (.PDF 1.42Mb)Opens in new window.
Let's Explore Life in Early Times (.PDF 3.06Mb)Opens in new window.

 

KS 3

 Meet The Earth (.PDF 663Kb)Opens in new window.
Microclimate Investigations at Castle Archdale (.PDF 1.26Mb)Opens in new window.
Anglo Norman’s In Ireland (.PDF 4.24Mb)Opens in new window.

 

Teachers

 Woodland Habitat Studies - Photocopiable Resources for Teachers (.PDF 1.88Mb)Opens in new window.
Pond Study (.PDF 457Kb)Opens in new window.
Spring in the Woodland (.PDF 487Kb)Opens in new window.
Wildlife in Autumn and Winter (.PDF 826Kb)Opens in new window.


Visitors to the Country Park should remember the Park code:

  • Protect trees, flowers and animals
  • The 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
    See NIEA policy in relation to dogs at NIEA managed properties and sites (.PDF 76Kb)Opens in new window.
  • 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