Attractions and Places To See around Carrickagreany - Top 6
Best attractions and places to see around Carrickagreany include historical sites, ancient monuments, and forest trails. The area offers opportunities to explore significant historical structures and natural landscapes. Visitors can discover sites like 17th-century castles and 4000-year-old stone circles. These locations provide insights into the region's past and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Carrickagreany
- The most popular attraction is Old Castle Archdale, a historical castle situated on a forest clifftop. Built in the 1600s, it…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
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Necarne Castle
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Necarne Forest
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The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints
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Popular around Carrickagreany
Tips from the Community
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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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.
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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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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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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.
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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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The Necarne Castle equestrian park includes 200 acres of mixed use land. The walk through these woods features good gravel trails with low grades in a boggy woodland. Continuing will take you through pasture to the castle itself.
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The Garden is located on the property of Sacred Heart Church. Admission is free. Access to the main area is restricted to specific hours but the Famine Memorial portion is unrestricted. It features wooden sculptures by Jonas Raiskas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Carrickagreany?
The area around Carrickagreany is rich in history. You can explore Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin situated on a forest clifftop. Another significant historical site is Necarne Castle, which served as a military hospital during WWII. Don't miss the ancient Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC, and The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints, featuring wooden sculptures and a Famine Memorial.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Carrickagreany?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Drumskinny Stone Circle is a fascinating ancient monument with free entrance. Necarne Forest offers easy gravel trails perfect for a family walk. Additionally, The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints, located on the property of Sacred Heart Church, is family-friendly with free admission to its Famine Memorial portion.
What kind of natural features can I explore?
You can immerse yourself in nature at Necarne Forest, which features 200 acres of mixed-use land with gravel trails winding through boggy woodland and pasture. Old Castle Archdale is also set within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, perched on a clifftop, offering scenic views and a natural setting.
Are there easy walking trails around Carrickagreany?
Absolutely. Necarne Forest provides good gravel trails with low grades, ideal for easy walks. For more options, you can find several easy hiking routes, such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle', by checking the Hiking around Carrickagreany guide.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like those found in Necarne Forest. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Hiking, Cycling, and Road Cycling guides for Carrickagreany.
What is the significance of Drumskinny Stone Circle?
The Drumskinny Stone Circle dates back to 2000 BC and is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. It consists of 39 stones arranged around a small cairn, offering a glimpse into ancient practices.
Can I visit Necarne Castle?
Necarne Castle is a historical ruin. While the surrounding Necarne Forest and equestrian park are accessible for walks, the castle ruin itself is closed to urban explorers, with CCTV in operation.
Are there any religious or spiritual sites to visit?
Yes, you can visit The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints, located on the property of Sacred Heart Church. This site features a Famine Memorial that is always accessible, and the main garden area is open during specific hours. It showcases wooden sculptures by Jonas Raiskas.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and eventually abandoned after being burnt out in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Today, its crumbling walls on a forest clifftop offer a poignant reminder of its past.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Carrickagreany?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The ancient ruins like Old Castle Archdale and Drumskinny Stone Circle offer insights into the region's past, while places like Necarne Forest provide peaceful settings for walks and exploration. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes across these highlights, indicating a positive experience.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, there are several circular walks. For instance, you can find routes like 'View of Tom's Island – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island' and 'Necarne Castle (Castle Irvine) – Necarne Castle loop from Irvinestown'. More circular hiking options are detailed in the Hiking around Carrickagreany guide.
Are the attractions around Carrickagreany generally accessible?
While specific accessibility details for each site vary, attractions like Drumskinny Stone Circle have free entrance, and Necarne Forest features good gravel trails with low grades, which can be more accessible. For The Penal Cross, Garden of Celtic Saints, the Famine Memorial portion is unrestricted.
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