Tully Castle & Tully Point – Ruins on Lough Erne

Overview

Tully Castle sits on Tully Point, a small peninsula that projects into the waters of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. The ruin, a fortified house and bawn built for the Scottish planter Sir John Hume in the early 1600s, commands striking water‑front scenery and a sense of isolation that still echoes its turbulent past. Managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the site forms part of the Fermanagh Lakelands heritage trail and is easily reached from the A46 (Loughshore Road).

Getting There

• By car: The site is accessed via the A46 Loughshore Road, about 12 km north‑west of Enniskillen. A well‑signposted car park sits beside the visitor centre, with a dedicated disabled space.
• Public transport: Local Ulsterbus services run between Enniskillen and the nearby village of Belleek; the stop at Loughshore Road is a short walk to the castle.
• Cycling: The surrounding roads are quiet and suitable for a leisurely bike ride, though the final approach to the ruins involves a short, uneven path.

History / Background

The castle was erected during the Plantation of Ulster as a symbol of Hume’s new status and as a defensive stronghold on the plantation frontier. Its most dramatic chapter unfolded during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. On Christmas Eve, rebel leader Rory Maguire attacked the house, which was then occupied mainly by women and children. After a brief surrender negotiated by Lady Mary Hume, the attackers broke the agreement, set the house alight and killed around 60 women and children and 15 men. The Hume family never returned, and the building fell into ruin, remaining a poignant reminder of the era’s violence.

What to See & Do

Ruins and Landscape

• Walk among the crumbling stone walls of the bawn and the remains of the fortified house. The earthworks outline the original defensive perimeter, offering excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset when the lake reflects the sky.
• Panoramic views stretch across Lough Erne, with nearby islands such as Heron, Gay and Inishmakill visible on clear days.

Visitor Centre and Exhibition

• A lovingly restored farmhouse near the castle houses a small visitor centre. Interactive panels, artefacts, maps and personal accounts bring the Hume family, the 1641 massacre and the wider plantation history to life for all ages.

Scenic Walks

• Tully Castle Walk – a 1‑mile (1.5 km) circular, easy‑graded trail that loops past the ruins, the exhibition building and a traditional Irish cottage. The path is well‑marked, though not wheelchair‑accessible.
• Leisurely shoreline strolls are open year‑round, ideal for bird‑watching; waders, gulls and ducks are common during migration seasons.

Seasonal Highlights & Wildlife

Spring and autumn bring the greatest influx of migratory birds to Lough Erne, making Tully Point a favoured spot for bird‑watchers. Look out for whooper swans, goldeneyes and a variety of waders feeding in the shallow waters around the point. The changing light at sunrise and sunset also creates dramatic photographic conditions, especially when the lake mirrors the sky.

Wildlife and Conservation

Tully Point lies within an important wader corridor on Lough Erne. Recent national efforts to protect the critically‑endangered Eurasian curlew have seen head‑started birds released in nearby Sliabh Beagh, Co Fermanagh, with the first breeding territory recorded just 50 km from Tully. The curlew’s distinctive call can now be heard again on the lakelands during the breeding season, adding another reason for bird‑watchers to visit. The site’s open wetlands also support goldeneyes, teal, mallard and occasional golden plover, making it a rewarding spot for both casual observers and serious ornithologists.

Annual Events

• Fermanagh Fishing Classic – Held each May on Lough Erne, this flagship coarse‑fishing competition draws hundreds of anglers from Ireland, Britain and mainland Europe. While the event’s main venues are in Enniskillen, the surrounding waters provide excellent fishing for pike, perch and roach, and many participants use Tully Point as a scenic base for early‑morning outings.
• Local Heritage Walks – Throughout the summer months, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency organises guided walks along the Fermanagh Lakelands heritage trail, often stopping at Tully Castle to discuss its 17th‑century story and the surrounding natural environment.

Nearby Attractions

• Castle Archdale Country Park – a lakeside park with walking trails, a war museum and water‑sports facilities.
• Cliffs of Magho Walk – dramatic limestone cliffs offering sweeping views over the Erne valley.
• Boa Island – home to the unique Janus Stones, a striking double‑faced carving from the early Christian period.
• Castle Hume – a 17th‑century house and gardens on the shores of Lough Erne, with a pleasant lakeside promenade.
• Lough Erne Resort – a 5‑star hotel, spa and golf complex offering dining, accommodation and additional leisure activities for visitors staying longer in the area.

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 accommodates coaches.
• Accessibility: The grounds are open to all, but the main walking trail is not wheelchair‑accessible.

Enjoy a blend of history, nature and spectacular lake vistas at Tully Castle & Tully Point – a memorable stop on any Fermanagh itinerary.