Attractions and Places To See around Drumard - Top 17
Attractions and places to see around Drumard include a variety of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. Located in County Tyrone, the region offers diverse points of interest for exploration. Visitors can discover ancient ruins, significant historical monuments, and serene natural settings. The area provides opportunities to engage with local history and the landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Drumard
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring two pre-Christian,…
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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During WW2 Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats and housed up to 2,500 people. Buildings such as these would have been a central location for the RAF fighters who lived here. Sometimes exhibitions are held in these courtyards to display some of the key historical notes of the use of this area during the war.
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Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The castle was built in the 1600s and was the main castle on this former estate before its successor took it's place in the 1800s, Castle Archdale.
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Old Castle Archdale sits on a forest clifftop. It is named 'old' to distinguish it from its successor, the 18th century Castle Archdale. The castle was built by an Englishman from Suffolk who had been granted the estate in 1612 after paying 5 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence for the 1000 acres of land. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 the castle was captured by Rory Maguire as part of the uprising to retake his lands that had been lost in 1607. The heir to the castle was saved by his nurse however the other children were killed. After the castle was returned to the family it was repaired and lived in until 1689. The castle saw its end during the Williamite Wars when the castle was burnt out and abandoned.
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This fortified house is on Tully Point and built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked by John Maguire and burned on Christmas Eve with all its inhabitants massacred. After that it was not lived in again. There is a visitors centre in a restored farmhouse that has an interesting exhibition telling a number of stories relating to the castle. To visit the castle be sure to step off the bike as it is on foot only!
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Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, it's easy to imagine how life would have been hundreds of years ago as you wander the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale. Built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale, the castle was captured by the Irish in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The castle was inhabited until 1689, when it was destroyed by fire and abandoned.
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This fortified house and bawn are set on Tully Point and were built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire and the inhabitants massacred. It was not lived in again. A visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical castles can I visit around Drumard?
The Drumard area is rich in historical castles. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle perched on a forest clifftop. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its dramatic history. Additionally, the small ruins of Mountjoy Castle, built in 1602, offer a glimpse into the past overlooking Lough Neagh, and the 17th-century Castle Caulfield Ruins feature intriguing details like 'murder holes'.
Are there any unique ancient monuments or religious sites to see?
Yes, Drumard features several unique ancient and religious sites. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a must-see, featuring two pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures in an isolated graveyard. You can also visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, which include the notable Bishop's stone and a bullaun stone with cup-shaped hollows.
What natural attractions or viewpoints are there near Drumard?
For natural beauty, Dungannon Park Weir offers a serene spot with water cascading like a waterfall into a pond, perfect for picnics. You can also find expansive views of the County Tyrone countryside from Tullyhogue Fort. The area around Old Castle Archdale also provides scenic forest clifftop views.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Drumard area?
Absolutely. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which served as a major base during WW2, also offer an interesting historical experience for families, sometimes hosting exhibitions.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Drumard's attractions?
The Drumard area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking, mountain biking, and cycling routes. For easy walks, explore options like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Castle Archdale loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try routes such as 'Drumskinny stone circle and Lough Bradan loop'. Cyclists might enjoy the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. You can find more details and routes in the easy hikes around Drumard guide, MTB Trails around Drumard guide, and Cycling around Drumard guide.
Are there easy hiking trails near the attractions?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. For example, you can enjoy the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' trail, the 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' route, or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. These are great for a leisurely exploration of the area. More easy hikes can be found in the Easy hikes around Drumard guide.
Where can I find historical sites related to the O'Neills in County Tyrone?
Tullyhogue Fort is a significant historical site in County Tyrone, once serving as the crowning place for the O'Neills as Chiefs of Ulster. It offers a deep connection to the region's ancient past and provides expansive views of the surrounding countryside.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Drumard?
Visitors particularly enjoy the rich historical context and the serene natural settings. The crumbling walls of sites like Old Castle Archdale allow for imagining past life, while the unique Janus Stones offer a fascinating glimpse into pre-Christian history. The tranquil atmosphere of places like Dungannon Park Weir is also highly appreciated for relaxation and picnics.
Are there any sites related to World War II history in Drumard?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major flying boat base during World War II, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF personnel stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to highlight the area's wartime history.
Can I find any unique stone carvings or monuments in the area?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are particularly unique, featuring two pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures with faces on both front and back. Additionally, at Killadeas Priory Church, you can find several interesting stones, including a multiple bullaun stone with cup-shaped hollows and an early Christian cross slab.
What kind of cycling routes are available near Drumard?
Cyclists have several options around Drumard, ranging from easy to difficult. You can explore routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop'. For more challenging rides, consider the 'Tully Castle Ruins – Lough Melvin loop'. Detailed routes are available in the Cycling around Drumard guide.
Are there mountain biking trails for different skill levels?
Yes, mountain biking trails near Drumard cater to various skill levels. You can find easy routes such as 'Drumskinny stone circle and Lough Bradan loop' or 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop'. For a more difficult challenge, the 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop' is available. Check the MTB Trails around Drumard guide for more options.
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