Attractions and Places To See around Carrigans - Top 4
Best attractions and places to see around Carrigans include historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features important nature conservation areas, such as the 2,000-acre Crom Estate with its ancient woodland, tranquil islands, and Old Crom Castle. Carrigans offers a variety of places to explore, from ruined abbeys to significant natural habitats. These locations provide insights into the area's history and biodiversity.
Best attractions and places to see around Carrigans
- The most popular attractions is Old Crom Castle Ruins,…
Last updated: June 29, 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
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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
Are there family-friendly attractions around Carrigans?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Both Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins are part of the larger Crom Estate, which offers woodlands, a lake, and opportunities to spot wildlife like red squirrels and deer. Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery, is also listed as family-friendly and free to visit.
What historical sites can I visit near Carrigans?
Carrigans is rich in historical sites. You can explore the ancient Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century with an interesting graveyard. Nearby, the Clones Round Tower, originally part of the abbey, is a prominent historical landmark. Additionally, the Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins offer glimpses into the area's past within a significant nature conservation area.
What natural features can I explore in the Carrigans area?
The region boasts important natural landscapes, particularly within the Crom Estate. Here, you can find ancient woodlands, tranquil islands, and the shores of Upper Lough Erne. The estate is home to diverse wildlife, including wild deer, pine marten, and red squirrels. The Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins are nestled within this natural setting, offering both historical and ecological interest.
Are there hiking trails near the attractions?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails, especially around the Crom Estate. For example, you can enjoy the 'Crom Estate Trail' (approx. 4 km) or various loops like the 'Crom Castle Boathouse – Crom Castle loop' (approx. 7.2 km). You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Carrigans guide and the Easy hikes around Carrigans guide.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Crom Estate?
Crom Estate is a significant nature conservation area, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors often spot wild deer, pine martens, and red squirrels. The estate also supports all eight species of native bats and a remarkable array of rare lichens, making it a rich spot for nature observation.
Is there anywhere to get refreshments near the attractions?
Yes, within the Crom Estate, where both Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins are located, there is a coffee shop available for visitors.
Can I explore the lake at Crom Estate?
Yes, the Crom Estate is situated on the shores of Upper Lough Erne. You can enjoy views of the lake from various points, including the Crom Castle Boathouse. The estate also offers the option to hire a boat to explore the lough directly.
What is the significance of Clones 'Wee' Abbey?
Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a ruined monastery with a history dating back to the 6th century, though the current ruins are from the 12th century. It suffered multiple destructions by fire and later during the suppression of monasteries. Today, it offers a glimpse into early Irish monastic life with its crumbling walls and a graveyard featuring 17th and 18th-century gravestones.
Are there cycling routes available around Carrigans?
Yes, there are road cycling routes in the vicinity. Examples include the 'Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones' (approx. 42 km) and the 'Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones' (approx. 37.7 km). You can find more detailed information on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Carrigans guide.
What makes the Crom Estate a unique place to visit?
The Crom Estate is unique for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It's one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas, featuring 2,000 acres of ancient woodland, tranquil islands, and the picturesque Upper Lough Erne. It's also home to the Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins, offering a chance to explore history within a vibrant natural habitat.
What can I see at the Clones Round Tower?
The Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century, is a significant historical landmark in Clones. Although its top part is now missing, it remains a prominent feature. The surrounding St Tierney's graveyard is also worth exploring, with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
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