Tully Castle & Tully Point – Ruins on Lough Erne

Overview

Tully Castle stands on Tully Point, a narrow peninsula jutting into the waters of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. Built in the early 1600s as a fortified house and bawn for Scottish planter Sir John Hume, the ruin commands striking waterfront scenery and a palpable sense of history. Managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the site is a key stop on the Fermanagh Lakelands heritage trail and sits just off the A46 Loughshore Road, roughly 12 km north-west of Enniskillen.

Getting There

• By car: Follow the A46 Loughshore Road from Enniskillen. The site is well signposted, with a dedicated car park located beside the visitor centre. A disabled parking space is available close to the entrance.
• Public transport: Ulsterbus routes connect Enniskillen to the nearby village of Belleek. The Loughshore Road stop is within walking distance of the castle grounds.
• Cycling: The surrounding countryside roads are quiet and suitable for cycling. Note that the final approach to the ruins involves a short, uneven path from the car park.

History and Background

Tully Castle was erected during the Plantation of Ulster, designed both as a status symbol for the Hume family and as a defensive stronghold on the plantation frontier. Its most tragic chapter occurred during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. On Christmas Eve that year, forces led by Rory Maguire attacked the house, which was then occupied largely by women and children. Following a negotiated surrender by Lady Mary Hume, the agreement was broken, the house was set alight, and dozens of occupants were killed. The Hume family never returned, and the structure was left to decay, standing today as a powerful reminder of the era’s conflict.

What to See & Do

Ruins and Landscape

Walk among the weathered stone walls of the bawn and the remnants of the fortified house. The earthworks clearly outline the original defensive perimeter, making for compelling photography, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the lake reflects the sky. On clear days, panoramic views stretch across Lough Erne, with islands such as Heron, Gay, and Inishmakill visible in the distance.

Visitor Centre and Exhibition

A restored farmhouse adjacent to the castle houses the visitor centre. Inside, interactive displays, artefacts, maps, and personal accounts explore the Hume family’s story, the events of 1641, and the broader context of the Plantation. The exhibition is designed to be engaging for visitors of all ages.

Scenic Walks

• Tully Castle Walk: A 1-mile (1.6 km) circular trail that loops past the ruins, the exhibition building, and a traditional Irish cottage. The route is well marked and easy to follow, though the uneven terrain means it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
• Shoreline strolls: The perimeter paths around the point are open year-round and offer peaceful opportunities for bird-watching. Waders, gulls, and ducks are frequently spotted, especially during migration seasons.

Wildlife and Conservation

Tully Point sits within an important wader corridor on Lough Erne. The surrounding wetlands and open water support a variety of birdlife, including goldeneyes, teal, mallard, and occasional golden plover. Recent conservation efforts across Fermanagh have focused on protecting species like the Eurasian curlew, and the area’s natural habitats continue to provide vital breeding and feeding grounds for migratory birds. Spring and autumn are particularly rewarding times to visit for bird-watchers.

Annual Events

• Fermanagh Fishing Classic: Held each May on Lough Erne, this major coarse-fishing competition attracts anglers from across Ireland, Britain, and Europe. While the main events centre around Enniskillen, the waters around Tully Point are popular for early-morning fishing for pike, perch, and roach.
• Heritage Walks: Throughout the summer, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency frequently organises guided walks along the Fermanagh Lakelands trail. These often include a stop at Tully Castle to discuss its 17th-century history and the surrounding landscape.

Nearby Attractions

• Castle Archdale Country Park – A lakeside park featuring walking trails, a war museum, and water-sports facilities.
• Cliffs of Magho – Dramatic limestone cliffs offering sweeping views over the Erne valley.
• Boa Island – Home to the unique Janus Stones, a striking double-faced early Christian carving.
• Castle Hume – A beautifully preserved 17th-century house and gardens on the shores of Lough Erne, with a pleasant lakeside promenade.
• Enniskillen Castle – A historic fortress in the heart of the island town, housing the Fermanagh County Museum and the Ulster American Folk Park nearby.

Practical Information

• Admission: Free for the ruins and visitor centre. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Parking: On-site car park with a dedicated disabled space near the exhibition centre. A second, larger car park is available for coaches and larger groups.
• Accessibility: The grounds and visitor centre are accessible, but the main walking trail and historic earthworks are not wheelchair-friendly due to uneven surfaces and steps.

Plan to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to catch the best light on the water and avoid the midday crowds. The car park fills up quickly during peak summer weekends, so leaving some extra time for your journey is always a smart move.