Attractions and Places To See around Golan - Top 8
Best attractions and places to see around Golan include historical sites, natural landscapes, and family-friendly locations. The region offers a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying scenic viewpoints. Visitors can discover a mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty. This area provides diverse options for outdoor activities and historical exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Golan
- The most popular attractions is Old Crom Castle Ruins, a viewpoint set on the shores of Upper Lough…
Last updated: June 24, 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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Carnmore Lough
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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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This is an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland. The lough appears on your right as you travel down Carnmore Road against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest.
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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 explore around Golan?
The region around Golan is rich in history. You can visit the ancient ruins of Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a monastic site dating back to the 6th century, though the current ruins are from the 12th century. Another significant historical landmark is the Clones Round Tower, a prominent 10th-century structure that was once part of the abbey. Additionally, the Old Crom Castle Ruins offer a glimpse into the past, set against the beautiful backdrop of Upper Lough Erne.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Golan area?
Yes, several attractions around Golan are suitable for families. The Old Crom Castle Ruins and the wider Crom Estate Castle Ruins are excellent choices, offering expansive natural reserves with woodlands, a lake, and opportunities to spot wildlife. These sites provide space for exploration and enjoyment for all ages.
Where can I find natural viewpoints and scenic landscapes around Golan?
For stunning natural views, head to Old Crom Castle Ruins, which offers picturesque vistas over Upper Lough Erne. Another beautiful spot is Carnmore Lough, a wild and scenic viewpoint nestled against a vibrant green coniferous forest, perfect for enjoying the tranquility of nature.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Golan offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, such as the 'Old Crom Castle (Ruins) loop' or the 'Doon Forest loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like the 'Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop' and touring bicycle routes including the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail'. You can find more details and routes on the Running Trails around Golan, Road Cycling Routes around Golan, and Cycling around Golan guide pages.
Are there any specific trails for running near the attractions?
Yes, if you enjoy running, you'll find several trails nearby. Popular options include the 'Old Crom Castle (Ruins) loop' which is a moderate 7 km route, and the 'Doon Forest loop', a moderate 10 km trail. These routes offer a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. More running trails can be found in the Running Trails around Golan guide.
What cycling routes are available for exploring the Golan area?
Cyclists have a good selection of routes. For road cycling, consider the 'Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones', an easy 42 km ride. If you prefer touring, the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse' offers a moderate 36 km journey. You can discover more options and detailed maps on the Road Cycling Routes around Golan and Cycling around Golan guide pages.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Crom Estate?
The Crom Estate Castle Ruins and its surrounding nature reserve are important habitats for a variety of wildlife. Visitors often spot wild deer, pine martens, red squirrels, and various rare species of butterflies. The estate is also home to all eight species of native bats and an outstanding array of rare lichens, making it a significant conservation area.
What is the significance of Clones 'Wee' Abbey?
The Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a historically significant site, originally founded by St. Tigernach in the 6th century. Although it was destroyed by fire multiple times and suffered during the suppression of monasteries in the 16th century, its crumbling walls and interesting graveyard still stand today, offering a tangible link to centuries of monastic history. It's free to visit and accessible at any time.
Can I explore the Clones Round Tower and its surroundings?
Yes, the Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century, is a prominent feature in Clones. While its top part is now missing, it remains an impressive structure. The surrounding St Tierney's graveyard is also worth exploring, featuring many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach, providing a deeper historical context to your visit.
What makes Carnmore Lough a unique viewpoint?
Carnmore Lough is considered an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of the region. Its unique appeal comes from the lough appearing on your right as you travel down Carnmore Road, set against a dramatic backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest. It offers a serene and picturesque natural escape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Golan?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The ancient ruins like Clones 'Wee' Abbey and Clones Round Tower offer fascinating insights into the past. Meanwhile, the natural reserves such as Crom Estate Castle Ruins and scenic viewpoints like Carnmore Lough are loved for their tranquility, wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
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