Attractions and Places To See around Drumhoney - Top 16
Best attractions and places to see around Drumhoney include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features forests, castles, and ancient monuments, offering opportunities for exploration. It is known for its 16 hidden gems, appealing to those interested in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Best attractions and places to see around Drumhoney
- The most popular attractions is Old Castle Archdale, a forest and historical site situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare forest. The castle was built in the 1600s and was destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689.
- Another must-see spot is Necarne Castle, a historical site that was once called Irvine Castle. This ruin was used as a military hospital during WWII and has since lost its roof.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point. The castle was attacked and burned in 1641 and was not lived in again, with a visitor's centre now housing an exhibition about its history.
- Drumhoney is known for its historical sites, castles, and ancient monuments. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ruined castles to early Christian stones.
- The attractions around Drumhoney are appreciated by the komoot community, with 13 photos contributed and 12 upvotes given to highlights in the area.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight • Forest
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Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
A visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle.
(discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
Highlight • Monument
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.
megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight • Monument
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Necarne Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
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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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit near Drumhoney?
The Drumhoney area is rich in history. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a vast forest that was destroyed in 1689. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its history. Don't miss Necarne Castle, once a military hospital during WWII, and the ancient Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring unique carved stones in its graveyard.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Drumhoney?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre with exhibitions that can engage younger visitors. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, part of the larger Castle Archdale estate, often host exhibitions related to its WWII history, which can be an interesting educational experience for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near Drumhoney's attractions?
The Drumhoney area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and road cycling. For easy hikes, consider trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. Runners might enjoy the 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) – Necarne Castle loop'. Cyclists have options such as the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop'. You can find more details and routes in the easy hikes, running trails, and road cycling routes guides for Drumhoney.
Are there good walking trails near Drumhoney attractions?
Absolutely. Many attractions are situated within areas perfect for walking. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is located within a 520-hectare forest, offering extensive walking opportunities. The area around Necarne Castle also provides pleasant walking paths, though the castle itself is a ruin. For specific routes, check out the easy hikes around Drumhoney guide, which includes trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Tully Castle Ruins loop'.
Where can I experience nature around Drumhoney?
Nature is abundant around Drumhoney. The most prominent natural feature is the extensive forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale, a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest perfect for exploration. The region's landscape generally features natural settings, offering opportunities for scenic walks and enjoying the local flora and fauna.
What is the best time to visit Drumhoney attractions?
The best time to visit Drumhoney attractions generally depends on your preferred activities. For outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling, the warmer, drier months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are usually most pleasant. Historical sites like the castles can be visited year-round, but good weather enhances the experience of exploring their outdoor ruins and surrounding landscapes.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known historical sites in the Drumhoney area?
Beyond the more prominent castles, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones are a fascinating hidden gem. Located in a graveyard, these ancient stones, including the 'Bishops stone' and a 'bullaun stone' with cup-shaped hollows, offer a glimpse into early Christian history and local folklore, often overlooked by casual visitors.
Is parking available at Drumhoney attractions?
Parking availability varies by attraction. For instance, Necarne Castle offers free parking. For other sites like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, parking is typically available nearby, often in designated car parks for visitors to the wider estates or historical sites. It's advisable to check specific site information for detailed parking instructions.
How long should I plan to spend at Drumhoney attractions?
The time needed depends on the attraction. For sites like Tully Castle Ruins with its visitor's centre, you might spend 1-2 hours. Exploring the extensive forest around Old Castle Archdale could take several hours if you include walking trails. For a comprehensive visit to multiple historical sites and some outdoor activity, plan for at least a full day or spread your visits over a weekend.
Are there any attractions related to World War II history near Drumhoney?
Yes, the area has connections to WWII. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to display key historical notes from that period. Additionally, Necarne Castle was used as a military hospital during the war.
Can I bring my dog to attractions or on walks near Drumhoney?
Many outdoor areas and walking trails around Drumhoney are dog-friendly, especially within the forests and natural landscapes. For example, the extensive forest around Old Castle Archdale is generally suitable for dog walks. However, specific rules may apply to the interior of historical ruins or visitor centres, so it's always best to keep dogs on a leash and check local signage.
What kind of wildlife can I spot around Drumhoney?
The natural landscapes, particularly the forests and lakeside areas, offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. The 520-hectare forest around Old Castle Archdale is home to various bird species and small mammals. Depending on the season, you might spot deer, red squirrels, and a diverse range of birdlife, especially near water bodies.
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