When you arrive at Castle Archdale Holiday Park, you’re stepping into more than just one of the most scenic spots on the shores of Lough Erne — you’re parking up on a site that once played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Today, our peaceful pitches overlook calm waters and woodland walks. But during the Second World War, this very ground formed part of RAF Castle Archdale, a vital flying boat base on the front line against Nazi Germany.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into the wartime history of the estate, check out the official WWII heritage leaflet:
RAF Castle Archdale – A Hidden Wartime Giant
Between 1939 and 1945, RAF Castle Archdale was a hive of activity. From here, flying boats such as Catalinas and Sunderland’s took off over the Atlantic, searching for German U-boats and protecting vital convoy routes.
At its peak, up to 2,500 personnel were stationed in the camp, with eight squadrons based here at various times, including British and Canadian forces. Among them was 422 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force, whose members trained and flew from these waters in defense of Allied shipping.
What makes this story even more remarkable is how little remains visible at first glance. The Nissen huts are gone. The noise of aircraft engines has long faded. Yet beneath the surface, the history is still here.
From Slipway to Holiday Park
One of the most fascinating connections to our park today is the Slipway — the very area where flying boats were hauled from the water for urgent maintenance.
The expansive concrete servicing area that once echoed with aircraft engines is now home to our holiday park. Where ground crews once worked around the clock, families now relax, unwind, and enjoy the tranquility of the Fermanagh countryside.
It’s a powerful contrast — from wartime urgency to peaceful escape.
Key WWII Sites You Can Still Explore
During your stay, you can follow the Heritage Trail through Castle Archdale Country Park and discover the remarkable remains of this wartime base:
- The Operations Block – Once the nerve centre of the base where crews were briefed before Atlantic patrols. (Today, it houses the park’s shop and restaurant.)
- Filter House – One of the few surviving wartime buildings, originally used to treat and supply water throughout the camp.
- Shetland Dock – Built in 1945 and believed to be the only surviving dock of its type in the world.
- Bomb Stores – Concrete bases surrounded by blast walls, once used to house depth charges.
- Burma Road – A forest track leading to isolated ammunition stores.
- Guard Room & Irving Stone – The original security checkpoint, near a lime arch woven by young airmen in the 1940s that still grows today.
- Skunk Hollow – The Canadian aircrew sleeping quarters, named after the comic strip Li’l Abner.
The Heritage Trail routes range from short 25-minute strolls to longer one-hour walks, making it easy to combine history, nature, and fresh air during your visit.
From Plantation Estate to Wartime Base
Long before the RAF arrived, Castle Archdale was the ancestral home of the Archdale family, who settled here in 1614 during the Plantation of Ulster. During the war, the castle itself became the administrative and communications centre of the base.
Although the original castle no longer stands, the Exhibition Centre (in the former stable block) tells the story of the estate, the flying boat station, and the daily lives of those who served here.
A Peaceful Stay in a Place of Significance
At Castle Archdale Holiday Park, we’re proud to offer more than just a beautiful setting — we offer a connection to a unique chapter of local and international history.
When you enjoy a lakeside sunset, take a woodland walk, or cycle through the park, you’re sharing the landscape with the memory of the men and women who once served here.
It’s a place where history and nature sit side by side.
We invite you to explore, reflect, and experience this extraordinary heritage during your stay with us.
Planning your visit? Get in touch with our team at Castle Archdale Holiday Park and discover the perfect blend of relaxation, scenery, and history on the shores of Lough Erne.