Attractions and Places To See around Drumhirk - Top 7

Drumhirk is rich in history. You can visit Knockmany Cairn, an ancient Neolithic passage tomb with rare megalithic art, located on Knockmany Hill. Another significant site is the View of Aughintain Castle, where you can see the ruins of a castle dating back to 1618, with musket holes still visible on its walls. Further afield, in Drumshanbo, you can find the historic St John's Church of Ireland and a Famine Graveyard.

Yes, Knockmany Forest is an excellent choice for families, offering peaceful strolls through towering woodlands and seasonal displays of bluebells. The forest is categorized as family-friendly. In the wider region, Drumshanbo offers the Acres Lake Boardwalk, Ireland's first floating boardwalk, which is part of a walking and cycling trail suitable for all ages.

The area around Drumhirk features several natural attractions. Knockmany Forest provides beautiful woodland scenery, especially when bluebells are in bloom. You can also explore the edges of the Slieve Beagh ASSI via the Slieve Beagh Gravel Road. In the broader region, Slieve Croob offers extensive views across County Down, and Lough Allen near Drumshanbo is a significant natural feature.

There are several options for walking and hiking. Knockmany Forest offers pleasant strolls. For more challenging routes, the Slieve Beagh Gravel Road provides a well-surfaced track with climbs. You can also find various running and walking trails, including loops around Knockmany Forest and Knockmany Cairn. For detailed routes, check out the Running Trails around Drumhirk guide.

Yes, the area offers various cycling routes. You can find options like the Carleton Cycle Trail and the Clogher loop for touring bicycles, or more challenging road cycling routes such as the Clogher to Seskinore loop. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Cycling around Drumhirk guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Drumhirk guide.

Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance of sites like Knockmany Cairn with its ancient art, and the peaceful, scenic beauty of Knockmany Forest. The opportunity to explore historical ruins and enjoy tranquil woodlands is a common highlight.

Yes, for Knockmany Cairn, there is a parking space located at the bottom of Knockmany Hill, making it convenient to start your walk up to the tomb from there.

While specific events for Drumhirk are not detailed, the nearby town of Drumshanbo hosts notable festivals. These include the Joe Mooney Summer School, an award-winning festival celebrating traditional Irish music, song, and dance every July, and An Tóstal, a week-long family festival featuring various activities and entertainment.

In the broader region, specifically in Drumshanbo, you can visit The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney. This is a notable attraction for those interested in local spirits and offers a unique cultural experience.

The best time to visit outdoor attractions like Knockmany Forest is typically during spring and summer when the weather is milder, and the natural scenery, such as bluebells, is at its peak. Autumn also offers beautiful foliage. For hiking and cycling, dry conditions are generally preferable.

Yes, the View of Aughintain Castle offers scenic sights across fields to the historic castle ruins. In the wider region, Slieve Croob provides extensive views across County Down and towards the Mourne mountain range.

Absolutely. Besides Knockmany Forest, you can enjoy a peaceful track running through the Favour Royal Forest Track, which consists predominantly of coniferous plantation trees, offering a tranquil environment for a stroll.