Attractions and Places To See around Drumcloona - Top 12

Drumcloona offers a diverse range of attractions, including significant historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural viewpoints. You can explore unique stone carvings, castle ruins, and serene lake vistas.

Yes, Drumcloona is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. Another significant site is Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin with a dramatic history, or the prehistoric Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment dating back to 2000BC.

For scenic views, head to Rossmore Point Beacon, where a white beacon marks a spot with serene views over Lough Erne, complete with a bench for relaxation. Old Castle Archdale also offers a viewpoint from its forest clifftop setting.

Absolutely! The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer a historical experience that can be engaging for families, sometimes hosting exhibitions. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is also considered family-friendly, offering a glimpse into ancient history with free entrance. Additionally, the scenic Rossmore Point Beacon provides a pleasant spot for families to enjoy lake views.

The area around Drumcloona is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes. For easy hikes, consider trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Castle Archdale loop'. Cyclists can explore routes such as the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop'. You can find more details and routes in the komoot guides for easy hikes, general hiking, and cycling around Drumcloona.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. For instance, you can enjoy the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop', both offering accessible paths to explore the natural beauty and historical sites. Find more options in the Easy hikes around Drumcloona guide.

The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are two unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. They are approximately 70cm high and stand in an isolated graveyard. Both were originally Janus-faced, meaning they had faces on both the front and back. The simpler figure is more damaged, and they are thought to represent a Celtic Cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.

Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It is situated on a forest clifftop and played a significant role during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 when it was captured. The castle was inhabited until 1689 when it was destroyed by fire during the Williamite Wars and subsequently abandoned.

Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during World War II, housing up to 2,500 people, including RAF fighters. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to highlight the area's role during the war.

The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment dates back to 2000BC and is one of five such circles in the area. It consists of 39 stones arranged around a small cairn. While its exact purpose is unknown, it is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. Entrance to the site is free.

Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the serene natural beauty. They enjoy wandering the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, imagining life centuries ago, and taking in the peaceful views over Lough Erne from the bench at Rossmore Point Beacon. The unique Janus Stones also captivate those interested in ancient history.