Best attractions and places to see around Rahall include a variety of historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural landscapes. The region features several castles and stone circles, offering insights into past eras. These locations provide opportunities to explore historical architecture and significant archaeological finds. Rahall is characterized by its blend of cultural heritage and natural settings.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
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Rahall is rich in historical sites. You can visit the ruins of Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked in 1641, which also features a visitor's centre. Another significant site is Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a large forest. Don't miss the ancient Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC.
Yes, the area features several ancient monuments. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is a notable example, consisting of 39 stones arranged around a small cairn, believed to have been used for religious ceremonies or astronomical observations. Additionally, Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offers a glimpse into early Christian history with its unique carved stones, including the 'Bishops stone' and a holed stone.
The region around Rahall offers beautiful natural settings, particularly at Old Castle Archdale. This site is located within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, providing a scenic backdrop for the historical castle ruins and opportunities for forest exploration.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers historical context with a visitor's centre, and its setting can be engaging for children. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is an open-air site where families can explore ancient history. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also provide an interesting historical setting within a larger estate.
The area around Rahall is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and cycling. For hiking, consider routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. Runners might enjoy 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop'. Cyclists have options such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking, running, and cycling guides around Rahall.
Absolutely. Many of the historical sites are integrated into or near walking paths. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is situated within a large forest, offering easy hiking opportunities like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route. You can explore various trails in the area, with options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Check the hiking guide for Rahall for more specific routes.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. The atmospheric ruins of castles like Old Castle Archdale, perched on a clifftop within a thick forest, allow for an immersive historical experience. The ancient mystery of sites like Drumskinny Stone Circle is also a major draw, offering a unique connection to the past.
Yes, you can visit the area associated with Castle Archdale. The original 17th-century structure, known as Old Castle Archdale, is located on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which were part of the successor estate and played a role during WW2, are also accessible.
Tully Castle Ruins is a historically significant fortified house on Tully Point. It was built for Sir John Hume but was tragically attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, leading to the massacre of its inhabitants. The castle was never reoccupied after this event. A visitor's centre on site provides local historical context and stories related to the castle.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For example, near Old Castle Archdale, you can find routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' which is rated as easy. Many trails around the castles and forests are suitable for leisurely walks, allowing you to explore the historical and natural surroundings comfortably. Refer to the hiking guide for Rahall for more easy options.
The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment dates back to approximately 2000 BC. It is one of five such circles in the area and consists of 39 stones arranged around a small cairn. While its exact purpose remains a subject of study, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations by ancient communities.


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