Overview
Boa Island (Irish: Inis Badhbha) lies in the northern arm of Lower Lough Erne, about a 30‑minute drive north‑west of Enniskillen. The A47 road traverses the island’s five‑mile length, crossing two bridges that link it to the mainland. Its most celebrated attraction is Caldragh Cemetery, where two striking stone figures – the two‑sided Dreenan (commonly called the Janus Stone) and the single‑sided Lustymore Man – stand amid an active burial ground.
History & Background
The island’s name means “Badhbh’s Island”, referring to the Celtic war goddess associated with the carrion crow. Archaeologists generally date the stone figures to the 1st century AD, though debate persists over whether they are Iron Age pagan idols or early‑medieval Christian monuments.
- Dreenan (Janus Stone) – First recorded in 1841 by painter‑antiquarian George Victor Du Noyer, the statue was later surveyed by Dorothy Lowry‑Corry in 1933. It features two faces, each with a wide eye, straight nose and a mouth that is either open or tongue‑sticking. The torso is a square block with crossed arms, a belt and a later‑added base that now supports the stone.
- Lustymore Man – Originating on neighbouring Lustymore Island, this single‑faced figure was moved to Boa Island in 1939 after being discovered in a disused graveyard. Its simpler carving shows a straight‑nosed face with an open mouth and arms resting on its knees.
Both statues were found within Caldragh Cemetery, an early Christian burial site dating from 400‑800 AD, suggesting a layered cultural landscape where pre‑Christian symbols were incorporated into a Christian sacred space. The island also hosts a denuded cairn near Inishkeeragh Bridge – the oldest visible monument – and the remains of at least eleven raths, including a counterscarp rath, underscoring its long‑standing strategic importance.
What to See & Do
- Caldragh Cemetery and the stone figures – Walk among the graves to view the Janus Stone’s two faces and the Lustymore Man. Tradition holds that visitors leave a coin in the shallow groove atop each head as an offering. See the dedicated page for more details at Caldragh Cemetery.
- Scenic drives – The A47 offers uninterrupted vistas of Lough Erne’s shimmering waters, dotted with islands and framed by low hills. Lay‑bys provide perfect photo spots.
- Walking and wildlife – Lakeshore paths afford gentle walks where waterfowl, otters and summer swans can be spotted.
- Historic sites – Explore the cairn at the southern tip and the scattered rath remains that pepper the farmland.
Nearby attractions
A short drive from Boa Island connects you to several other points of interest on the Lower Lough Erne circuit:
- Magho Jetty Loughshore Trail – coastal walk with views of the lake and islands.
- Tully Castle – a well‑preserved 17th‑century tower house.
- Castle Caldwell – historic estate with woodland walks.
- Caldragh Cemetery – the burial ground that houses the Janus and Lustymore figures.
Practical Information
| Opening Times | Details |
|---|---|
| All year | Open free of charge; the site is outdoors and accessible at any time. |
Getting there: Follow the A47 to either bridge that connects Boa Island to the mainland. Parking is available at the Caldragh Cemetery lay‑by and at several roadside spots.
Facilities: There are no permanent visitor facilities on the island; bring water, snacks and appropriate weather gear.
Accessibility: The cemetery grounds are uneven and may be challenging for wheelchair users.
Visiting tip: The stone figures are best viewed in soft morning light, when shadows highlight the facial features. Take a moment to respect the active burial ground and keep to the marked paths.
Enjoy the blend of myth, history and natural beauty that makes Boa Island a unique stop on any Lower Lough Erne itinerary.