Boa IslandAbout Boa Island
Boa Island is an island in Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, noted for a group of carved stone figures located in an open cemetery. The carved stones, including a two-faced figure often called the Janus stone, are regarded as important examples of Early Medieval and possibly pre-Christian sculpture in Ireland.
The island’s main antiquities are the carved stones set in the Caldragh cemetery; they are modest in scale but of high archaeological interest and are typically the principal reason visitors go to the island. The setting is rural and the stones are viewed in situ rather than in a formal gallery.
The carved figures on Boa Island are usually dated to the early medieval period by archaeologists, though simpler interpretations suggest some features may be older or the subject of local traditions. The island has been occupied continuously as a local community site and the stones have attracted antiquarian interest since at least the 19th century.
Boa Island sits in Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh and is linked to the mainland by a causeway/bridge, making it accessible by road; it lies within the lake landscape of central Fermanagh.
- Stone figures: The most visited antiquities are two standing carved stones of early medieval or older date, found in the island cemetery and accessible at ground level.
What to See#
- Caldragh cemetery and carved stones: Small burial ground on the island that contains several carved stone figures, including the well known two-faced stone often called the ‘Janus’ figure; the stones are displayed in an open cemetery setting rather than inside a formal museum.
Best Time to Visit Boa Island
Boa Island is best visited in the warmer months; the carved stones in the Caldragh cemetery are the draw and can be photographed year-round, weather permitting.
Weather & Climate near Boa Island
Boa Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1281 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 133 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 102 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 105 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 74 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 75 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.8 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 15.8h |
| June | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 78 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.9h |
| July | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 91 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 12° - 18° | 15° | 106 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 10° - 16° | 13° | 112 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 138 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 10° | 5° | 136 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 131 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
How to Get to Boa Island
Boa Island is reached by road from Enniskillen (about a 25-30 minute drive). Follow local signage for the Belleek/Lough Erne circuit and take the causeway and minor roads that cross into the island. There is on-island parking and short walks to the Caldragh cemetery.
Tips for Visiting Boa Island
- Drive from Enniskillen (about 20-25 km) via the N3/A46 and the local causeways; the island is accessed by road rather than ferry.
- Visit the Caldragh cemetery at dawn or late afternoon for low-angle light on the carved stones-expect wind and variable weather.
- Look for the two carved stone figures (the 'Janus' and the seated figure) in the Caldragh cemetery; they predate the modern island community and are quietly powerful.