Attractions and Places To See around Coolnasillagh - Top 6
Best attractions and places to see around Coolnasillagh include natural landscapes and historical sites. This townland, located west of the Garvagh to Ringsend road in the Ballerin area, features the Coolnasillagh Area of Special Scientific Interest, known for its wet grassland. The upper reaches of Coolnasillagh offer moorland and bogland environments, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking. The region combines natural beauty with historical context, making it suitable for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Coolnasillagh
- The most popular attractions is Carnmore Lough, a viewpoint that offers an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland. This lough appears against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest.
- Another must-see spot is Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a religious building and historical site. This ruined monastery dates back to the 12th century, with an original foundation from the 6th century, and features crumbling walls and an interesting graveyard.
- Visitors also love Clones Round Tower, a historical site that was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although its top part is missing, it remains a prominent feature on Clones' skyline and is surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard.
- Coolnasillagh is known for its natural viewpoints, lakes, and historical monuments. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from scenic loughs within forests to ancient abbey ruins and round towers.
- The attractions around Coolnasillagh are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 upvotes and 3 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
Highlight • Religious Site
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.
Tip by
Clones Round Tower
Highlight • Historical Site
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.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Carnmore Lough
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Lough Corry
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
1
0
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in Coolnasillagh?
Coolnasillagh is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the Carnmore Lough, a scenic viewpoint with a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest. The area also features the Coolnasillagh Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), known for its species-rich wet grassland, and the upper reaches offer distinctive moorland and bogland environments. Another beautiful spot is Lough Corry, a mountain lake popular for brown trout fishing.
Are there any historical sites to visit near Coolnasillagh?
Yes, you can explore significant historical sites. The Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century, with an original foundation from the 6th century, featuring crumbling walls and an interesting graveyard. Nearby, you'll find the Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey, which remains a prominent feature on Clones' skyline.
What kind of hiking trails are available around Coolnasillagh?
The region around Coolnasillagh offers a variety of hiking trails catering to different fitness levels. Popular options include loops in Glenshane Forest, Drumnaph Forest, and the Eagle Rock Trail via Moydamlaght Forest in the Sperrins. For specific routes, you can find options like the Errasallagh and Kimran Forest loop via Lough Corry, or various loops around Crom Castle. Discover more details and routes on the Hiking around Coolnasillagh guide.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in the area?
The Clones 'Wee' Abbey is considered family-friendly, offering an engaging historical experience with its ruins and graveyard. Additionally, many of the natural areas and easy walking trails, such as those found in the Easy hikes around Coolnasillagh guide, are suitable for families to enjoy together.
Where can I find parking for walks in Coolnasillagh?
The Coolnasillagh Road itself is noted as a picturesque location with parking available. There's also a more secluded dirt path for those seeking a quieter spot to park before heading out on walks.
What is the Coolnasillagh Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)?
The Coolnasillagh ASSI is a protected area recognized for its species-rich wet grassland, a scarce habitat in Northern Ireland. It is located within the Coolnasillagh River valley and is an important site for biodiversity. You can find more information about this protected area on the DAERA NI website.
Can I go cycling near Coolnasillagh attractions?
Yes, there are cycling opportunities in the wider region. Routes like the Kingfisher Cycle Trail and various loops around the Crom Estate offer diverse cycling experiences. For detailed routes and information, refer to the Cycling around Coolnasillagh guide.
What makes Carnmore Lough a popular spot?
Carnmore Lough is highly regarded for being an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland. Its appeal lies in the stunning view of the lough set against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest, offering a truly picturesque natural landscape.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for beginners around Coolnasillagh?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. The Easy hikes around Coolnasillagh guide lists routes such as the Errasallagh and Kimran Forest loop via Lough Corry, and various short loops within the Crom Estate, which are suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll.
What is the best time of year to visit Coolnasillagh for outdoor activities?
While Coolnasillagh offers beauty year-round, the spring and summer months generally provide the most favorable weather for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the natural landscapes. However, the moorland and bogland areas can offer a distinct, atmospheric experience even in cooler, wetter conditions, provided you are prepared for the weather.
What kind of landscape can I expect in the upper reaches of Coolnasillagh?
As you ascend to the upper reaches of Coolnasillagh, which steadily climb to about 1000 feet, you will encounter a distinct natural environment characterized by moorland and bogland. This offers a different, more rugged landscape compared to the lower river valleys.
Is Lough Corry suitable for fishing?
Yes, Lough Corry, a mountain lake in Doon Forest, is reputed for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore or fish from a boat, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
