Attractions and Places To See around Rateen - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see around Rateen include a mix of historical sites and natural features. The region features ancient monastic ruins, historic castle estates, and prominent round towers. Visitors can also explore scenic loughs and forested areas. Rateen offers a variety of points of interest for those interested in history and the outdoors.
Best attractions and places to see around Rateen
- The most popular attractions is Crom Estate Castle Ruins, a forest and historical site that includes…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
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Crom Estate Castle Ruins
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Clones Round Tower
Highlight • Historical Site
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Carnmore Lough
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Lough Corry
Highlight • Lake
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Managed by the National Trust, the Crom Estate is a large nature reserve of woodlands, lake, castle ruins and islands. It is an important habitat for pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels and butterflies. There is a coffee shop at the estate and if you fancy something different you can hire a boat to explore the lough. For more details check out the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom
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This is an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland. The lough appears on your right as you travel down Carnmore Road against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest.
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This mountain lake in Doon Forest is reputed for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore. This lough provides excellent fishing from a boat also.
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The round tower in Clones was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although it would once have stood at 75 feet (23 m), the top part is now missing. Nonetheless, it is still a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. There would once have been four storeys, including a bell storey. St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower, is also an interesting place to explore with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Rateen?
Rateen offers several beautiful natural features. You can visit Carnmore Lough, a wild and scenic lake set against a backdrop of coniferous forest. Another option is Lough Corry, a mountain lake in Doon Forest known for brown trout fishing. The Crom Estate Castle Ruins also encompass a large nature reserve with woodlands and a lake, providing important habitats for various wildlife.
What historical sites can I visit in Rateen?
Rateen is rich in history. You can explore Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century with a fascinating history of destruction and rebuilding. The Crom Estate Castle Ruins offer a glimpse into the past within a beautiful nature reserve. Additionally, the Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century, is a prominent historical landmark.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Rateen?
Yes, Rateen has attractions suitable for families. The Crom Estate Castle Ruins is a great option, offering a large nature reserve with woodlands, a lake, and castle ruins to explore. It's managed by the National Trust and provides opportunities for boat hire. Clones 'Wee' Abbey, with its crumbling walls and interesting graveyard, is also listed as family-friendly and free to visit.
Can I go cycling around Rateen's attractions?
Absolutely! Rateen offers several cycling opportunities. You can find various routes for both touring bicycles and road cycling. For example, there's the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse' for touring, or the 'Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones' for road cycling. You can find more details and routes on the Cycling around Rateen and Road Cycling Routes around Rateen guide pages.
Are there hiking or walking trails near Rateen's attractions?
Yes, there are running and walking trails available. For instance, you can explore routes like the 'Castle Balfour loop from Lisnaskea' or the 'Doon Forest loop from Knocks.' These trails offer a chance to experience the region's natural beauty on foot. More information on these and other routes can be found in the Running Trails around Rateen guide.
What is the significance of the Clones Round Tower?
The Clones Round Tower was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. While its top part is now missing, it once stood at 75 feet (23 m) and would have had four storeys, including a bell storey. It remains a prominent feature on Clones' skyline, surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard, which contains interesting 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
Where can I spot wildlife in Rateen?
The Crom Estate Castle Ruins is an excellent place for wildlife spotting. Managed by the National Trust, this large nature reserve is an important habitat for various species, including pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels, and butterflies.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the main attractions?
Yes, if you visit the Crom Estate Castle Ruins, there is a coffee shop located on the estate where you can relax and refuel during your visit.
Can I go fishing or boating on the lakes in Rateen?
Yes, you can. Lough Corry is particularly reputed for good brown trout fishing, with anglers able to wade on one side or fish from a boat. At the Crom Estate Castle Ruins, you can also hire a boat to explore the lough.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions in Rateen?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The ancient monastic ruins like Clones 'Wee' Abbey and the prominent Clones Round Tower offer a deep dive into the region's past. The scenic loughs, such as Carnmore Lough, and the forested areas of Crom Estate are highly valued for their wild and scenic charm, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Are there any ancient abbeys to explore in Rateen?
Yes, Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a significant ancient monastic ruin in Rateen. Founded as early as the 6th century, though the current ruins date to the 12th century, it offers a fascinating look into the region's religious history, having been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.
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