Attractions and Places To See around Rahalton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Rahalton include a variety of historical sites and natural features. This region is characterized by ancient castles, significant religious monuments, and unique archaeological finds. Visitors can explore a landscape rich in history, from medieval ruins to pre-Christian stone carvings.
Best attractions and places to see around Rahalton
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring two pre-Christian, probably Iron Age stone figures. These unique stone carvings…
Last updated: June 24, 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 sites can I explore around Rahalton?
Rahalton is rich in historical sites. You can visit the ancient Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop, which played a significant role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another must-see is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume, which was attacked and burned in 1641 and remains uninhabited since. Don't miss the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient carved stones and a holed stone in its graveyard.
Are there any unique ancient monuments in the Rahalton area?
Yes, Rahalton is home to the fascinating Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These two pre-Christian, probably Iron Age stone figures, stand among modern graves in an isolated graveyard on Boa Island. They are unique for their Janus-faced carvings, with one likely representing a Celtic god of vegetation and fertility.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Rahalton's attractions?
The area around Rahalton offers various outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can explore trails like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop' for easy hikes. For cycling, routes like 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island' provide scenic rides. Find more options in the easy hikes around Rahalton guide or the cycling around Rahalton guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Rahalton?
Absolutely! Both Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition telling local stories. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, a former WWII flying boat base, sometimes host exhibitions detailing the area's wartime history, which can be engaging for all ages.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Rahalton?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and atmospheric settings. They enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, imagining life centuries ago, and exploring the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. The historical narratives at places like Tully Castle Ruins also captivate visitors interested in the region's past.
Can I find easy walking trails near Rahalton's historical sites?
Yes, several easy walking trails are available. For instance, the area around Old Castle Archdale, located within a 520-hectare forest, offers pleasant walks. You can also find easy routes like the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' which is just over 2 km. More options are detailed in the easy hikes around Rahalton guide.
What is the significance of the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings hold historical importance as a major base for flying boats during World War II, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to showcase the area's key historical role during the war.
Are there any religious or ancient spiritual sites in Rahalton?
Yes, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a glimpse into ancient spiritual practices. The graveyard contains several interesting stones, including the 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with 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.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured by Rory Maguire during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and though later repaired, it was ultimately burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. It sits on a forest clifftop, offering a tangible connection to centuries of history.
Where can I learn more about the local history of Rahalton?
To delve deeper into local history, visit the visitor's centre at Tully Castle Ruins. Housed in a restored farmhouse, it features an exhibition that tells various local stories related to the castle and its past. Additionally, the historical context provided at Old Castle Archdale and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offers further insights into the region's heritage.
Are there any archaeological finds or ancient carvings to see?
Yes, the most notable archaeological finds are the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age, stone figures are unique for their double-faced carvings. Additionally, at Killadeas Priory Church, you can see early Christian stones, including a slab with cup-shaped hollows and a holed stone, which have been altered and reused over centuries.
Most popular attractions around Rahalton
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