Attractions and Places To See around Muckros - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Muckros include a variety of historical sites and natural features. The region offers a blend of ancient monuments, ruined castles, and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore sites dating back to the Iron Age and medieval periods, set within diverse landscapes. This area provides opportunities to discover historical narratives and distinctive cultural landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Muckros
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Muckros.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
1
0
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.
1
0
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!
1
0
Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
0
0
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.
0
0
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)
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Muckros?
Muckros is rich in history, offering several fascinating sites. You can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, which are pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age stone figures. Explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a vast forest, or discover the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a dramatic history. Don't miss the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Muckros area?
Yes, several attractions around Muckros are suitable for families. The Tully Castle Ruins and Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment are both marked as family-friendly. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insights into the area's history, including its role in WWII, which can be engaging for all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Muckros area provides various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Castle Archdale loop'. For running enthusiasts, there are routes such as the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. Road cycling is also popular, with options like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop'. You can explore more routes in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Muckros, Running Trails around Muckros, and Road Cycling Routes around Muckros.
Where can I see ancient monuments in Muckros?
For ancient monuments, head to the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, featuring unique Iron Age stone figures. Another significant ancient site is the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, a prehistoric site believed to have been used for religious ceremonies or astronomical observations.
What are the best places for a historical walk or hike?
You can combine history with a walk by visiting Old Castle Archdale, which sits on a forest clifftop and offers a glimpse into 17th-century life. The surrounding 520-hectare forest provides ample walking opportunities. Another option is a walk around Tully Castle Ruins on Tully Point, where you can explore the fortified house and bawn.
Are there any castles to visit in Muckros?
Yes, Muckros features several castle sites. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s and destroyed in 1689. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house from the 17th century. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer a historical perspective, having served as a major flying boat base during WWII.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Muckros?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and unique character of the attractions. For instance, the Old Castle Archdale is praised for its atmospheric crumbling walls and its setting on a forest clifftop, allowing visitors to imagine life centuries ago. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are noted for their unique pre-Christian carvings.
Can I find information about the history of the castles in Muckros?
Absolutely. The Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 and played a role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 before being destroyed in 1689. At Tully Castle Ruins, a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse provides an exhibition detailing local stories related to the castle, including its attack and burning in 1641.
Are there any natural monuments or unique geological features to see?
While the primary attractions are historical, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery and Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment are considered both man-made and natural monuments due to their ancient stone formations and integration with the landscape.
What are the best places for a leisurely walk in nature?
The area around Old Castle Archdale, situated within a 520-hectare forest, offers excellent opportunities for leisurely walks amidst coniferous and mixed broadleaved trees. You can also find easy hiking routes like 'Castle Archdale loop' which are perfect for enjoying the natural surroundings.
Are there any specific tips for visiting Tully Castle Ruins?
When visiting Tully Castle Ruins, be aware that access to the castle itself is on foot only. There is a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby that houses an exhibition with local stories related to the castle, which is highly recommended for context.
Can I learn about World War II history in Muckros?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer a glimpse into WWII history. During the war, Castle Archdale was a significant base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to display key historical notes from that period.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
