Top 8 Natural Monuments around Clough
Best natural monuments around Clough include a diverse range of natural and man-made features. The area's landscape offers opportunities to explore ancient sand dune systems, tranquil forest parks, and historical stone circles. With 8 natural monuments identified, Clough provides varied outdoor experiences for visitors.
Best natural monuments around Clough
- The most popular natural monuments is Murlough Nature Reserve Boardwalk, a viewpoint that runs through a 6000-year-old sand dune system. This diverse ecosystem is home to various wildlife species including…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Murlough Nature Reserve Boardwalk
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Tollymore Forest Park Stone Arch Bridge
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Ballynoe Stone Circle
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Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House
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Castlewellan Peace Maze
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Tips from the Community
This impressive stone circle, dating from the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, consists of over 50 upright stones enclosing a diameter of around 35 metres. Access is via a narrow hedge-lined path that takes you directly to the entrance of the circle
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See if you can find your way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze. Castlewellan Peace Maze, is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes representing the puzzle that was to become a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. To encourage a sense of common ownership, the maze was planted by people from all over Northern Ireland, plus nearly 4,000 school children. Planted in 2000
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The historic gardens at Seaforde are situated both within and adjacent to the old walled garden, whose structure dates from the early half of the 18th century. The hidden, micro-climate gardens boast Ireland’s oldest living maze and support a renowned collection of plants, collected from distant corners of the world thanks to the travels of keen plantsman Patrick Forde. The gardens also include an arboretum containing champion trees and rare species. The Tropical Butterfly House is the atmospheric, jungle home to a myriad species of free flying butterflies. All peacefully at home surrounded by exotic and tropical plant life.
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One of the best kept Circles I know of. The late Neolithic to earlier Bronze Age monument was excavated in 1937–1939 but its development and date are still not entirely clear. Excavation uncovered a slab feature with three compartments at the west end of the cairn, which could suggest the court tomb tradition, and a single stone cist at the east end which could point to the passage tomb tradition. Cremated remains representing at least seven individuals and some Neolithic pottery were found. Parallels for the outer stone circle with sites in Cumbria have been suggested.
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This boardwalk runs right through the thick of the Murlough Nature Reserve, a beautiful 6000-year-old sand dune system owned by the National Trust. This diverse and fragile ecosystem is home to a number of fascinating wildlife species including mammals, birds, and hundreds of insects.
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Tullymore forest is beautiful for walking,relaxing and enjoying this peaceful park, from the car park take anyone of the walks, bring a picnic and just enjoy yourself, try the 'long haul trail' recommended.
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Accessible from the public car park and the national trusts own, free to members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly natural monuments to visit around Clough?
Several natural monuments around Clough are ideal for families. The Murlough Nature Reserve Boardwalk offers an accessible path through a 6000-year-old sand dune system, perfect for wildlife spotting. Tollymore Forest Park Stone Arch Bridge is located within a peaceful forest with various trails suitable for all ages. Additionally, the Castlewellan Peace Maze provides an engaging activity for children and adults alike, encouraging visitors to find the peace bell at its center.
Are there any historical or archaeological natural monuments near Clough?
Yes, the Ballynoe Stone Circle is a significant historical site. This impressive monument, dating from the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, consists of over 50 upright stones. It offers a glimpse into ancient traditions and is considered one of the best-preserved stone circles in the area.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Clough?
The area around Clough offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore various running trails, such as those found in the Running Trails around Clough guide. For cyclists, there are numerous road cycling routes, including those detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Clough guide, and general cycling routes in the Cycling around Clough guide. Many of these routes pass by or are close to the natural monuments, allowing for combined exploration.
Where can I experience unique natural features around Clough?
The Murlough Nature Reserve Boardwalk is an excellent place to experience a 6000-year-old sand dune system, which is a diverse and fragile ecosystem. You can observe various wildlife species, including mammals, birds, and hundreds of insects, making it a unique natural experience.
Are there any natural monuments around Clough that are dog-friendly?
Yes, the Ballynoe Stone Circle is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companion to explore this ancient site. Additionally, the Castlewellan Peace Maze is also dog-friendly, offering a fun outing for the whole family, including your pet.
What are the highlights for nature and wildlife enthusiasts near Clough?
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the Murlough Nature Reserve Boardwalk, which traverses a rich sand dune ecosystem home to diverse flora and fauna. For a different kind of wildlife experience, the Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House offers an atmospheric jungle environment with free-flying butterflies and exotic plant life.
Is there parking available at the natural monuments around Clough?
Yes, for instance, the Murlough Nature Reserve Boardwalk is accessible from a public car park, and National Trust members can use their own car park. Tollymore Forest Park Stone Arch Bridge also has various trails available directly from its car park. The Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House also provides parking facilities.
What makes Tollymore Forest Park a notable natural monument?
Tollymore Forest Park Stone Arch Bridge is a highlight within a beautiful and peaceful forest park. Visitors can enjoy walking, relaxing, and exploring various trails that start directly from the car park. It's an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a tranquil environment.
What is the significance of the Castlewellan Peace Maze?
The Castlewellan Peace Maze is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes. It symbolizes the journey towards a peaceful future for Northern Ireland, having been planted by people from across the region, including nearly 4,000 schoolchildren. The goal is to find the peace bell at its center, representing unity and hope.
What can I expect at Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House?
At Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House, you can explore historic gardens, including Ireland’s oldest living maze, and a renowned collection of plants. The Tropical Butterfly House itself is an atmospheric jungle environment where myriad species of free-flying butterflies reside amidst exotic plant life, offering a vibrant and immersive experience.
Are there any natural monuments around Clough that offer good viewpoints?
Yes, the Murlough Nature Reserve Boardwalk is categorized as a viewpoint, offering scenic perspectives as it winds through the ancient sand dune system. It provides excellent opportunities to observe the diverse landscape and wildlife of the reserve.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Clough?
While specific seasonal tips are not provided for all monuments, generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring outdoor sites like Murlough Nature Reserve and Tollymore Forest Park, with blooming flora and active wildlife. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, especially in forested areas. The Tropical Butterfly House at Seaforde Gardens is an indoor attraction, making it suitable for visits year-round.
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