Top 6 Natural Monuments around Ballywarren
Best natural monuments around Ballywarren are found within County Down, Northern Ireland, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The region features diverse landscapes, from the shores of Strangford Lough to ancient megalithic sites. These locations provide insights into both geological formations and prehistoric human activity. The area is characterized by its rolling hills and coastal features, making it suitable for outdoor exploration.
Best natural monuments around Ballywarren
- The most popular natural monuments is Strangford Stone, a man-made monument and natural monument located within a Country Park. This megalith is recognized as the tallest in Ireland, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough.
- Another must-see spot is Delamont Country Park, a natural monument and viewpoint. This 200-acre park offers peace and tranquility on the shores of Strangford Lough, providing a setting for walks and nature observation.
- Visitors also love Ballynoe Stone Circle, an impressive historical site and natural monument. This late Neolithic to early Bronze Age monument consists of over 50 upright stones, offering a connection to ancient history.
- Ballywarren is known for its stone circles, dolmens, and country parks. Visitors can explore a variety of ancient sites and natural landscapes.
- The natural monuments around Ballywarren are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Strangford Stone
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Ballynoe Stone Circle
Highlight • Historical Site
Excavation uncovered a slab feature with three compartments at the west end of the cairn, which could suggest the court tomb tradition, and a single stone cist at the east end which could point to the passage tomb tradition.
Cremated remains representing at least seven individuals and some Neolithic pottery were found. Parallels for the outer stone circle with sites in Cumbria have been suggested.
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Annadorn Dolmen
Highlight • Historical Site
An early account suggests that this was formerly inside a large circular cairn and approached through a lintelled passage, so it may be the remains of a passage tomb. It is famous as the platform from which Thomas Russell addressed a crowd of United Irishmen in 1803, after the main 1798 rising.
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Delamont Country Park
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St Patrick's Well
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Saint Patrick founded Ardtole Church which can be seen on the horizon. In the next field at low tide Saint Patrick's Road becomes visible. This was to be his route to the Isle of Man but when a red haired woman crossed his path he seen it as a bad omen and didn't make the journey.
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This impressive stone circle, dating from the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, consists of over 50 upright stones enclosing a diameter of around 35 metres. Access is via a narrow hedge-lined path that takes you directly to the entrance of the circle
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One of the best kept Circles I know of. The late Neolithic to earlier Bronze Age monument was excavated in 1937–1939 but its development and date are still not entirely clear. Excavation uncovered a slab feature with three compartments at the west end of the cairn, which could suggest the court tomb tradition, and a single stone cist at the east end which could point to the passage tomb tradition. Cremated remains representing at least seven individuals and some Neolithic pottery were found. Parallels for the outer stone circle with sites in Cumbria have been suggested.
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The Well is an ancient site of pilgrimage with legends of Saint Patrick. The waters of the well are said to cure any ailment. Saint Patrick founded Ardtole Church which can be seen on the horizon. In the next field at low tide Saint Patrick's Road becomes visible. This was to be his route to the Isle of Man but when a red haired woman crossed his path he seen it as a bad omen and didn't make the journey.
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The Dolmen can be found on the north east shore of Loughinisland Lake, within sight of Loughinisland Church. A slightly displaced capstone covers a rectangular chamber of which three side stones survive. An early account suggests that this was formerly inside a large circular cairn and approached through a lintelled passage, so it may be the remains of a passage tomb. It is famous as the platform from which Thomas Russell addressed a crowd of United Irishmen in 1803, after the main 1798 rising.
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day.
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day.
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day. Steamers Coffee Shop Serves a wide variety of refreshments, including full breakfast and lunch menus, great coffee and ice cream in the summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit around Ballywarren?
Visitors frequently enjoy exploring Strangford Stone, which is the tallest megalith in Ireland, located within Delamont Country Park. Another highly regarded site is the Ballynoe Stone Circle, an impressive late Neolithic to early Bronze Age monument with over 50 upright stones.
Are there any natural monuments suitable for families with children?
Yes, several natural monuments around Ballywarren are family-friendly. Delamont Country Park, home to the Strangford Stone, offers 200 acres of space for walks and nature observation on the shores of Strangford Lough. The Ballynoe Stone Circle and Annadorn Dolmen are also suitable for families, offering a glimpse into ancient history in a natural setting.
What kind of historical or archaeological natural monuments can I find in the area?
The region is rich in historical natural monuments. You can visit the Ballynoe Stone Circle, a significant late Neolithic to early Bronze Age site. The Annadorn Dolmen, located near Loughinisland Lake, is another ancient burial site with historical ties to Thomas Russell. Further afield, the iconic Legananny Dolmen, a well-preserved Neolithic tripod portal tomb, offers a tangible connection to Ireland's ancient past.
Are there dog-friendly natural monuments or trails near Ballywarren?
Yes, both the Ballynoe Stone Circle and the Annadorn Dolmen are marked as dog-friendly, allowing you to explore these ancient sites with your canine companion. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash and follow local guidelines.
Where can I find panoramic views of the County Down landscape?
For expansive panoramic views, consider hiking to the summit of Slieve Croob. As the highest peak in the Dromara Hills, it offers stunning vistas across County Down and towards the Mourne Mountains. Delamont Country Park also provides beautiful views over Strangford Lough.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Ballywarren offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore easy trails like the 'Delamont Long Walk' or the 'Strangford Stone – Delamont Country Park loop'. If you're interested in road cycling, routes such as the 'Downpatrick to Ballynahinch loop' are available. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes and road cycling guides around Ballywarren.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Ballywarren?
While the natural monuments can be visited year-round, spring and summer (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration. This period provides longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, ideal for hiking and enjoying the scenic views. Autumn also offers beautiful landscapes with changing foliage.
Are there any unique geological features or natural phenomena to observe?
Beyond the ancient man-made structures, the region boasts natural features like Slieve Croob, which is the source of the River Lagan and part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The geological formations supporting the Legananny Dolmen, with its large capstone balanced on unusually tall stones, also present a unique sight where natural rock formations meet ancient human engineering.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in this region?
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and deep historical significance. Many enjoy the tranquility and peace offered by sites like Delamont Country Park and the mystical appeal of ancient sites such as the Ballynoe Stone Circle. The opportunity to connect with both nature and prehistoric human activity is a major draw.
Are there any natural monuments that are considered 'hidden gems' or less commonly known?
While not entirely hidden, the Annadorn Dolmen, located on the north-east shore of Loughinisland Lake, offers a serene and historically rich experience. Its scenic location and connection to Irish history, including Thomas Russell's address, make it a compelling visit that might be less frequented than other larger sites.
Is public transport available to reach these natural monuments?
While Ballywarren itself is a smaller locality, public transport options in County Down can be limited for direct access to all remote natural monuments. It is advisable to check local bus routes for connections to nearby towns like Downpatrick or Killyleagh, from where some sites like Delamont Country Park might be accessible, potentially requiring a short taxi ride or walk. For more remote sites like Slieve Croob or Legananny Dolmen, a car is generally recommended.
Are there cafes or pubs near the natural monuments for refreshments?
Within Delamont Country Park, you can find Steamers Coffee Shop, which offers a variety of refreshments, including breakfast and lunch menus, coffee, and ice cream. For other natural monuments, especially those in more rural settings, it's best to plan for refreshments in nearby villages or towns before or after your visit.
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