Attractions and Places To See around Annashanco - Top 6
Best attractions and places to see around Annashanco include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features ancient monastic ruins, such as Clones 'Wee' Abbey and its associated Round Tower, offering insights into local history. Natural features include several loughs like Carnmore Lough, Lough Antrawar, and Lough Corry, often situated within forests or wild, boggy terrain. These areas provide opportunities for exploring historical monuments and experiencing varied outdoor environments.
Best attractions and places to see around Annashanco
…Last updated: June 29, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
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Clones Round Tower
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Carnmore Lough
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Lough Antrawar
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Lough Corry
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Lough Antrawar lies in the dip southeast of Slieve Beagh. The slopes above the lough are very wet and boggy so this is where the ground drains. The outflow stream flows down the valley and joins the River Blackwater.
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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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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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This mountain lake in Doon Forest is reputed for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore. This lough provides excellent fishing from a boat also.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of attractions can I find around Annashanco?
Annashanco offers a diverse range of attractions, including historical sites like ancient monastic ruins and prominent round towers, as well as natural landscapes featuring several loughs situated within forests or wild, boggy terrain. You can explore places like Clones 'Wee' Abbey, Clones Round Tower, and scenic loughs such as Carnmore Lough.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Annashanco area?
Yes, Clones 'Wee' Abbey is considered family-friendly. It's a ruined monastery with crumbling walls and an interesting graveyard that is free to visit and accessible at any time, offering an engaging historical experience for all ages.
What historical sites are worth visiting around Annashanco?
The region is rich in history. You can visit Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined 12th-century monastery with a fascinating history of destruction and rebuilding. Nearby, the Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century, stands as a prominent landmark surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard, which also features interesting 17th and 18th-century gravestones.
Where can I experience nature and scenic views in Annashanco?
For natural beauty, head to Carnmore Lough, a viewpoint offering an extraordinarily wild and scenic landscape set against a backdrop of coniferous forest. Other loughs like Lough Antrawar and Lough Corry also provide opportunities to enjoy the region's natural environment.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Annashanco area is great for cycling. You can find various routes for road cycling and touring bicycles. For example, there are routes that pass by Clones 'Wee' Abbey and Clones Round Tower. Explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Annashanco and Cycling around Annashanco guide pages.
Are there any specific recommendations for walking or hiking near the loughs?
When visiting loughs like Lough Antrawar, it's recommended to wear good walking boots and a waterproof jacket, as the slopes can be very wet and boggy. While specific hiking trails are not detailed for each lough, the surrounding areas offer opportunities for exploration, especially within Doon Forest near Lough Corry.
What are the difficulty levels of attractions around Annashanco?
Many attractions, particularly the natural loughs and viewpoints like Carnmore Lough, Lough Antrawar, and Lough Corry, are rated as intermediate in difficulty, suggesting some level of physical activity or uneven terrain. Historical sites like Clones 'Wee' Abbey are generally accessible for all.
Can I go fishing in any of the loughs?
Yes, Lough Corry in Doon Forest is reputed for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore or fish from a boat, providing an excellent experience for fishing enthusiasts.
What do visitors enjoy most about the historical sites in Annashanco?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and atmospheric ruins of sites like Clones 'Wee' Abbey, where they can explore crumbling walls and an interesting graveyard. The Clones Round Tower is also admired for its historical significance and its prominent position on the skyline, surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard with its ancient gravestones.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known outdoor spots to explore?
While not widely publicized, the wild and boggy terrain around Lough Antrawar offers a more rugged and secluded outdoor experience for those seeking to venture off the beaten path. Similarly, Lough Corry in Doon Forest provides a tranquil setting, especially for those interested in fishing or quiet walks.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the loughs and forests?
The natural areas around Annashanco, particularly the loughs and coniferous forests, provide habitats for various wildlife. While specific species are not detailed, you can expect to observe local birdlife and potentially other small animals typical of wild, boggy, and forested landscapes in the region. Keep an eye out especially around Carnmore Lough and Lough Corry.
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