Attractions and Places To See around Clareview - Top 18
Attractions and places to see around Clareview offer a variety of historical and natural sites. This region features ancient castles, historical monuments, and significant religious structures. Visitors can explore sites that reflect centuries of history and cultural heritage. The area provides opportunities to discover historical architecture and unique stone carvings.
Best attractions and places to see around Clareview
- The most popular attractions is Old Castle Archdale, a forest that contains a 17th-century castle. Situated on a forest clifftop, the…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical attractions can I explore around Clareview?
The region is rich in historical sites. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's center detailing its history, including its burning in 1641. Additionally, explore the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which served as a major flying boat base during WW2.
Are there any unique ancient monuments or religious sites to see?
Yes, you can discover the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian stone figures found in an isolated graveyard. Another notable site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring several interesting stones including the Bishops stone and a holed stone, suggesting a long history of reuse and religious significance.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area offers various outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can find easy hikes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Castle Archdale loop'. For cycling, options include the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or a route from 'Rossmore Point Beacon to Old Castle Archdale'. You can find more details on these routes in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Clareview.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Clareview?
Absolutely. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly, offering a glimpse into history with a visitor's center. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer an interesting historical context that can be engaging for families, sometimes hosting exhibitions about their WW2 past.
Where can I find walking trails near the historical sites?
Many of the historical sites are integrated with walking opportunities. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is situated within a large forest, offering trails. You can explore various easy walking trails, such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. More options are available in the easy hikes guide for Clareview.
What is the significance of the castles in the Clareview area?
The castles in the Clareview area, such as Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, are significant historical landmarks. They reflect centuries of history, including periods of conflict like the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite Wars, and offer insights into the region's past estates and fortified settlements.
Can I learn about local history at these attractions?
Yes, several attractions provide historical context. The visitor's center at Tully Castle Ruins offers exhibitions detailing local stories related to the castle. Similarly, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions about their role as a major flying boat base during WW2, providing insight into more recent history.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these attractions?
While the highlights are primarily historical structures, many are set within natural landscapes. Old Castle Archdale is located on a forest clifftop within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The area also features scenic points along the routes, such as Rossmore Point Beacon, offering views of the surrounding natural environment.
Are there any unique stone carvings or ancient figures to observe?
Yes, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a prime example, featuring two pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age, stone figures. Additionally, at Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, you can find several interesting stones, including a large slab with cup-shaped hollows and an early Christian cross slab.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Clareview?
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the opportunity to explore ancient ruins and monuments. The unique stone carvings and the stories behind sites like Janus Stones and Killadeas Priory Church are often highlighted. The blend of history with natural settings, such as the forest surrounding Old Castle Archdale, also adds to the appeal.
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