Attractions and Places To See around Sandholes - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Sandholes include a mix of historical sites, religious buildings, and natural landscapes. Sandholes is a compact rural village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, situated approximately 3.5 miles south of Cookstown. The surrounding area offers points of interest that reflect local heritage and provide opportunities for exploration. Visitors can find historical ruins, significant religious sites, and natural areas with diverse wildlife.
Best attractions and places to see around Sandholes
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Last updated: July 1, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
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Crom Estate Castle Ruins
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Clones Round Tower
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Old Crom Castle Ruins
Highlight • Viewpoint
Wild deer, pine marten, red squirrels and many rare …
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Crom Castle Boathouse
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Managed by the National Trust, the Crom Estate is a large nature reserve of woodlands, lake, castle ruins and islands. It is an important habitat for pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels and butterflies. There is a coffee shop at the estate and if you fancy something different you can hire a boat to explore the lough. For more details check out the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom
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The Crom Castle estate boathouse sits on the shore of Lough Erne below the main castle. The views out on onto the water from the boathouse are splendid, the perfect spot to pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy some relaxation.
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The round tower in Clones was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although it would once have stood at 75 feet (23 m), the top part is now missing. Nonetheless, it is still a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. There would once have been four storeys, including a bell storey. St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower, is also an interesting place to explore with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Crom is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas. Wild deer, pine marten, red squirrels and many rare species including butterflies can all be found on the estate. Also inhabiting the surrounding area are all eight species of native bats and an outstanding array of rare lichens. The 2,000 acre demesne contains ancient woodland, tranquil islands, estate cottages and Old Crom Castle, all linked by the breathtakingly beautiful landscape designed by W.S.Gilpin in the 19th century. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/crom-estate-p675551)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Sandholes?
The region around Sandholes offers several historical sites. You can explore the ruins of Old Crom Castle Ruins, a viewpoint on Upper Lough Erne, or the Crom Estate Castle Ruins, which are part of a larger nature reserve. Another significant site is Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century, and the nearby Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century.
Are there any natural attractions or scenic viewpoints in the Sandholes area?
Yes, the area boasts several natural attractions. The Old Crom Castle Ruins offer a scenic viewpoint on the shores of Upper Lough Erne. The Crom Estate Castle Ruins are set within a large nature reserve featuring woodlands, a lake, and diverse wildlife. Additionally, the Crom Castle Boathouse provides splendid views out onto Lough Erne, perfect for relaxation.
What family-friendly attractions are available near Sandholes?
Several attractions are suitable for families. The Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins are both family-friendly, offering space to explore nature and history. The Clones 'Wee' Abbey, with its crumbling walls and interesting graveyard, can also be an engaging historical visit for families. The Crom Castle Boathouse is a great spot for a family picnic by the lake.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Sandholes?
There are various walking and hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes like the Crom Estate Trail, or explore routes such as the 'Old Crom Castle (Ruins) loop' for a moderate challenge. For more options, check out the running trails around Sandholes, which also include walking paths.
Are there cycling routes available around Sandholes?
Yes, the area offers several road cycling routes. You can find options like the 'Scotshouse, Redhills and Belturbet loop' or the 'Kilgarrow Lough – Killymackan Lough loop'. For a comprehensive list of routes and their difficulties, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Sandholes guide.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the region?
The Crom Estate area, home to the Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins, is an important nature conservation area. You might spot wild deer, pine martens, red squirrels, and various rare species of butterflies. The estate also hosts all eight species of native bats and an outstanding array of rare lichens.
Is there accommodation available near Sandholes?
While Sandholes is a compact village, the nearby Tullylagan House Hotel offers accommodation. It is a 19th-century Manor House Hotel set within 30 acres of private grounds and landscaped gardens, featuring the Tullylagan River.
What are the religious sites of interest in Sandholes village?
Within Sandholes village, you can find Sandholes Presbyterian Church, which has a history dating back to 1798 with extensions in 1862 and a modern hall built in 2016. There is also the Tullylagan Gospel Hall.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for all abilities near Sandholes?
Yes, for easier walks, consider trails within the Crom Estate. The Crom Estate Trail is an easy hike, and routes like the 'Crom Castle Boathouse – Crom Castle loop' are also rated as easy. These trails often feature relatively flat terrain through woodlands and along the lake.
What is the best time of year to visit Sandholes for outdoor activities?
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, generally, the spring and summer months (April to September) offer the most favorable weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring historical sites and nature reserves in Northern Ireland. The longer daylight hours and milder temperatures make for a more comfortable experience.
Where can I learn about traditional farming heritage in the Sandholes area?
The Tullylagan Vintage Owners Association maintains 14 acres at Berkeley's Farm in the townland of Gallanagh. This association works to preserve traditional farming methods, offering insight into the region's agricultural heritage.
Are there any amenities like cafes or shops directly in Sandholes?
Sandholes is a compact rural village centered around a crossroads, providing a modest range of services. For more extensive amenities, including cafes and shops, you would likely need to visit nearby larger towns such as Cookstown, which is approximately 3.5 miles north.
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