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Ardatrave

Attractions and Places To See around Ardatrave - Top 16

Best attractions and places to see around Ardatrave include a variety of historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural areas. This region offers 16 distinct places to explore, ranging from historic castles to unique stone carvings. Visitors can discover significant cultural landmarks set within forested landscapes. The area provides opportunities to engage with local history and natural surroundings.

Best attractions and places to see around Ardatrave

  • The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument that…

Last updated: July 7, 2026

Old Castle Archdale

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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 …

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Tully Castle Ruins

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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 …

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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery

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The two pre-Christian, probably Iron Age stone figures, some 70cm high, stand amongst modern graves in the small, isolated Caldragh graveyard. Both were originally Janus-faced (face on front and back). …

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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 …

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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 …

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christian427
September 6, 2023, Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones

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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Alex
January 18, 2023, Old Castle Archdale

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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Alex
January 18, 2023, Tully Castle Ruins

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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Amy
March 10, 2021, Old Castle Archdale

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 sites can I visit around Ardatrave?

Ardatrave is rich in history, offering several significant sites. You can explore the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age stone figures. Other notable historical attractions include the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle burnt during the Williamite Wars, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked in 1641.

Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Ardatrave area?

Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and features a visitor's centre with exhibitions. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which served as a major WWII flying boat base, sometimes host exhibitions that can be engaging for families.

Where can I find unique ancient monuments in Ardatrave?

The most unique ancient monuments are the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island. These two pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age stone figures are believed to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility. Another site with ancient stones is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring a Bishop's stone, bullaun stone, and a holed stone.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The Ardatrave area offers various outdoor activities, particularly hiking and cycling. You can find numerous routes, including easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Castle Archdale loop'. For cycling, options range from the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' to routes around Tully Castle Ruins. Explore more options on the hiking guide and cycling guide for Ardatrave.

Are there easy hiking trails near the attractions?

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. For instance, you can enjoy an easy walk to Old Castle Archdale via Tom's Island, or explore the 'Castle Archdale loop'. The 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' is another easy option. You can find more details on these and other easy routes in the easy hikes guide for Ardatrave.

Can I find viewpoints or scenic spots among the attractions?

Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a large forest and offers scenic views. The castle itself is perched atop a cliff, providing a picturesque setting amidst thick forest.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ardatrave?

Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes, highlighting the appeal of sites like the ancient Janus Stones and the atmospheric ruins of Old Castle Archdale, where one can easily imagine life centuries ago.

Are there any attractions related to military history in Ardatrave?

Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings have significant military history. During World War II, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 personnel. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and exhibitions sometimes highlight this wartime past.

What kind of routes are available for cycling near Ardatrave's attractions?

Cyclists can enjoy various routes, including the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' for a longer ride. Other options include the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop' and routes connecting Tully Castle Ruins with Lough Melvin. More cycling routes can be found in the cycling guide for Ardatrave.

Can I visit a priory or church with historical significance?

Yes, you can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features a graveyard with several interesting stones, including the 'Bishop's stone', a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, and an early Christian cross slab, offering a glimpse into the region's religious and ancient past.

Are there any circular walks around the attractions?

Yes, several circular walks are available. For example, you can take the 'Castle Archdale loop' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. These routes allow you to explore the attractions and their surroundings in a convenient circular path. Check the hiking guide for more details on circular routes.

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