Attractions and Places To See around Drumskimly - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Drumskimly include a variety of historical sites, natural features, and ancient monuments. The region features historical castles, ancient stone carvings, and natural formations like caves and waterfalls. These Drumskimly attractions offer insights into local history and provide opportunities to explore diverse landscapes. Visitors can discover landmarks and natural features that highlight the area's heritage and geology.
Best attractions and places to see around Drumskimly
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
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
Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Drumskimly.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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
1
0
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
0
0
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
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.
0
0
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)
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Drumskimly?
Drumskimly is rich in historical sites. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle with a dramatic history of capture and abandonment. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house that was attacked and burned in 1641. Additionally, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a glimpse into ancient religious practices and unique stone carvings.
Are there any unique ancient monuments in Drumskimly?
Yes, Drumskimly features the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These two pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age, stone figures are found among modern graves in the isolated Caldragh graveyard on Boa Island. They are believed to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.
What natural features can I explore near Drumskimly?
For natural wonders, visit Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall. This site features a complex cave system, fed by a tumbling waterfall, offering a fascinating natural spectacle. Remember to watch your step as rocks can be unstable and slippery.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Drumskimly?
While many historical sites are suitable for families, Tully Castle Ruins is specifically noted as family-friendly. It includes a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or hiking, can I do near Drumskimly's attractions?
The area around Drumskimly offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can find routes like the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop' which is an easy touring bicycle route. If you prefer hiking, there are easy trails such as the 'Castle Archdale loop' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Drumskimly, Cycling around Drumskimly, and Easy hikes around Drumskimly guides.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners around Drumskimly?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. For instance, you can enjoy the 'Castle Archdale loop' which is approximately 4.3 km, or the shorter 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' at about 2 km. These routes are perfect for a leisurely walk and are detailed in the Easy hikes around Drumskimly guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Drumskimly?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and unique character of the sites. For example, at Old Castle Archdale, people enjoy imagining life hundreds of years ago while wandering its crumbling walls. The distinctiveness of the Janus Stones also captivates those interested in ancient history and unique artifacts.
Can I visit the Old Castle Archdale and explore its surroundings?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a large 520-hectare forest. You can explore the castle ruins and enjoy the surrounding coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The castle, built in the 1600s, offers a historical experience perched atop a cliff.
What is the significance of the stones at Killadeas Priory Church?
The graveyard at Killadeas Priory Church contains several interesting stones. The 'Bishops stone' is particularly noted, having been altered and reused multiple times. Another significant stone is a large slab with at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab. There's also a holed stone and a broken stone pillar, all contributing to the site's ancient historical and religious context.
Is Pollnagollum Cave accessible for all visitors?
Pollnagollum Cave is fairly accessible, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Caution is advised with small children due to potentially unstable and slippery rocks. If you plan to venture into the cave system, it's recommended to be well-equipped with a good light and helmet.
Where exactly are the Janus Stones located?
The Janus Stones are located in the Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island. This small, isolated graveyard provides a serene setting for these unique pre-Christian stone figures.
What kind of history is associated with Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. Its history is marked by a tragic event on Christmas Eve in 1641 when it was attacked and burned by Rory Maguire, leading to the massacre of its inhabitants. The castle was never reoccupied after this event, and its story is preserved in the visitor's centre.
Most popular attractions around Drumskimly
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:
