Are you trying to discover the best things to do with kids in Enniskillen? Devenish Island Monastic Site is a spectacular historic ruin and outdoor island heritage activity category where families can step off a boat, climb a medieval tower, and discover ancient Christian history. Located right on an island in Lower Lough Erne, this open-air landmark brings centuries of raiding Vikings and old Irish saints directly to life for young explorers.

Prices start from £0.00 as visiting this remarkable historic monument is completely free for everyone. While the ground entry to the island itself requires no ticket, families will need to factor in the local ferry or private boat hire fees to cross the water.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that pairs an exciting boat crossing with genuine historical adventure, this island site is an outstanding option. It provides youngsters with an active, educational day out where they can explore ruined stone walls, learn about ancient defensive towers, and picnic surrounded by scenic lake views.

Key Features

• Educational Day Out: Children can learn about early Christian settlements, Norse Viking raids, and traditional Irish monastic craftsmanship.
• Interactive Exhibits: The outdoor landscape functions as a living history classroom where kids can inspect early stone carvings and stand inside ruined churches.
• Sensory Play Elements: Hearing the water lapping against the island shores, touching rough weathered limestone blocks, and climbing steep grassy slopes offers wonderful sensory feedback.

Detailed Highlights

• The Perfect Round Tower: A beautifully preserved 12th-century stone tower that stands over 80 feet tall. Children will love looking up at the high doorway and learning how monks used ladders to hide from fierce invaders.
• St. Molaise's House: The compact, stone-roofed ruined church building named after the island's 6th-century founder. Kids can explore the small foundation walls and imagine how simple island life was centuries ago.
• The Great Augustinian Abbey: A large ruined monastery featuring a high central tower and an elevated square cloister area. Youngsters can walk through the dramatic stone arches and look for old carvings hidden in the masonry.
• The High Cross Carvings: An intricately decorated stone cross displaying detailed historic patterns and faces from the 15th century. Children can play detective to see who can spot the tiny carved figures first.
• The Island Hill Viewpoint: A short walking path leading up to the highest ridges of the green island fields. It provides a brilliant, breezy vantage point where families can watch boats sail across Lower Lough Erne.

Specific Named Objects & Features

• The 12th-Century Round Tower
• The Augustinian Abbey Ruins
• The Lower Church (St. Mary's)
• St. Molaise's House Foundations
• The Sculptured 15th-Century High Cross
• The Small On-Site Museum Collections