Best attractions and places to see around Drumlish, a village in County Longford, Ireland, offers a blend of historical sites, cultural events, and ancient settlements. The area provides opportunities to explore its past and natural landscape. There are 13 hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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"continual slur on Irish caving" It's actually only a few hundred metres is accessible and it's total length is thought to be 2km. No where near the longest cave in Ireland. Consider a trip in only if well equipped with a good light and helmet. Alternatively/also consider visiting McKenzies back lounge just down the road. A much drier watering hole. ;)
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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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Devenish Monastic Site is generally considered to be the most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements. Devenish was founded in the 6th century by St Molaise. It was raided by Vikings in 837 and burned in 1157, but in the Middle Ages flourished as the site of a parish church and St Mary's Augustinian Priory. There are extensive low earthworks on the hillside, but the earliest buildings are St Molaise's House (a very small church) and the fine round tower close by, both with striking Romanesque decorations from the 12th century. Teampull Mór, the lower church, dates from the early 13th century and has a beautifully moulded south window. It was extended to the east in about 1300, while later additions include a residential wing to the north and the Maguire Chapel to the south, with 17th century heraldic slabs. St Mary's Augustinian Priory on the hilltop dates from the middle 15th and early 16th centuries, with church, tower and small north cloister. In its graveyard stands an unusual, intricately-carved cross of the middle 15th century. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devenish_Island - https://web.archive.org/web/20120224043140/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=746
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Founded by Saint Laisrén mac Nad Froích (aka St Molaise) in the 6th century, the monastic site was built on a pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick. As you view the Island from Trory Pier you can see the 25 metre tall 12th century round tower standing majestically above the ruined buildings. The tower has wooden floors and can be climbed by the public via a series of ladders. The tower is decorated with 12th century romanesque features, the most unusual feature is a beaded cornice running around the top of tower with head sculpture featured above the bell-storey windows. - http://www.megalithicireland.com/Devenish%20Round%20Tower.html - https://archive.ph/20121224010315/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/places/monuments/devenish.shtml#selection-1091.0-1091.30
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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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Pollnagollum Cave (meaning Hole of the Dove) is the longest cave system in Ireland. The cave system is complex and fascinating and is fed by a tumbling waterfall that topples off a limestone cliff. Watch your stepping here as rocks can be unstable and slippery, and don't forget your camera for some awesome shots.
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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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Drumlish and its surroundings are rich in history. Within the village, you can visit the Land War Memorial, which commemorates a significant period in Irish history, and the historic Drumlish Mill, a restored water-powered corn mill. Evidence of ancient settlements includes several Ringfort Sites and the remains of the Melkagh Dolmen, a portal tomb approximately 2 km north of the village. Further afield, consider visiting the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's center, or the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, known for its unique historical grave markers.
Yes, for nature lovers, the Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall is a must-see. This complex cave system is fed by a tumbling waterfall off a limestone cliff, offering a fascinating natural monument to explore. Remember to watch your step as rocks can be unstable and slippery.
Drumlish celebrates its heritage and culture. You can walk the Drumlish Heritage Trail, which features information boards installed in 2021, providing insights into local history. The village also hosts the annual 'Marquee in Drumlish' festival, a popular music event since 2009. Additionally, the Bishop William O'Higgins Bronze Sculpture stands as a tribute to a local historical figure.
Yes, the Kilmahon Graveyard near Corn Hill is the oldest in the Drumlish/Ballinamuck area, possibly dating back 1500 years and associated with the local holy man Muadan. In the village, St Mary's Church, built in 1907, is the local Roman Catholic church. For more ancient religious sites, the Devenish Monastic Site and its impressive Devenish Island Round Tower offer a glimpse into early Christian Ireland, though they are further afield from Drumlish itself.
The area around Drumlish offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find routes like the 'Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. Cyclists can explore routes such as 'Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop' or 'The Big Tree – Carrickreagh Forest loop'. You can find more detailed routes and guides for hiking, cycling, and running around Drumlish on komoot.
Many of the historical sites can be engaging for families. The Tully Castle Ruins, for example, has a visitor's center with an exhibition that tells local stories, which can be interesting for children. Exploring the Drumlish Heritage Trail can also be a fun and educational activity for families.
The best time to visit Drumlish generally depends on your preferred activities. The summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather, ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and attending events like the 'Marquee in Drumlish' festival. Spring and autumn provide milder temperatures, which are pleasant for hiking and exploring historical sites without the peak season crowds.
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. For instance, the 'Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave' is rated as easy, as is the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. These offer accessible ways to enjoy the local scenery and historical points of interest.
The Drumlish Heritage Trail is an excellent starting point, with information boards detailing local heritage. For deeper insights, the Drumlish Heritage and History Society website provides extensive information on the area's past, including details on local graveyards like Kilmahon Graveyard.
Drumlish is home to several ancient settlement indicators. You can find various Ringfort Sites scattered throughout Drumlish and its surrounding townlands, which are remnants of early Irish habitations. Additionally, the Melkagh Dolmen, a prehistoric portal tomb, provides a tangible link to the area's ancient past.
Yes, runners can find several trails. Options include the 'View of Lough Nabrickboy – Lough Nabrickboy loop from Tullynasrahan' and the 'Blackslee Waterfall loop from Whiterocks'. These routes offer varying distances and difficulties, perfect for a scenic run. More running trails can be found on komoot's Running Trails around Drumlish guide.


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