Attractions and Places To See around Drummal - Top 16
Best attractions and places to see around Drummal include a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes. This region offers 16 notable places to explore, ranging from ancient castles to significant religious monuments. Visitors can discover historical ruins set within forests and explore sites with rich local history.
Best attractions and places to see around Drummal
- The most popular attractions is Old Castle Archdale, a forest and historical site situated on Castle Hill. The castle was built in the…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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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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Necarne Castle
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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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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Drummal?
Drummal is rich in history, offering several notable sites. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a large forest. Another significant ruin is Necarne Castle, which served as a military hospital during WWII. Don't miss Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its dramatic past.
Are there any ancient religious sites in Drummal?
Yes, you can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features a graveyard with several interesting stones, including the 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting its reuse as an early Christian cross slab.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Drummal?
Absolutely. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer insights into the area's history, particularly its role during WWII, and sometimes host exhibitions suitable for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near Drummal's attractions?
The area around Drummal offers various outdoor activities, especially cycling and running. You can find numerous routes, such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' for touring bicycles, or running trails like the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. For more options, explore the cycling routes or running trails around Drummal.
Where can I find forest areas to explore around Drummal?
The Old Castle Archdale is situated within a vast 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. This area provides ample opportunities for walking and enjoying nature amidst historical ruins.
Are there easy walking trails around Drummal?
Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for walking. For instance, the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island' is an easy cycling route that can also be enjoyed on foot. For more detailed walking and running options, check the running trails guide which includes easy difficulty routes.
What is the best time of year to visit Drummal's attractions?
The best time to visit Drummal's attractions, especially for outdoor activities and exploring historical ruins, is typically during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and days are longer. This allows for comfortable exploration of sites like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins.
Are there any attractions related to World War II history in Drummal?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major base for flying boats during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to highlight the area's significant role during the war. Additionally, Necarne Castle was used as a military hospital during the conflict.
How much time should I allocate for visiting the main historical sites?
To fully appreciate sites like Old Castle Archdale, Tully Castle Ruins, and Killadeas Priory, it is recommended to dedicate at least half a day to each, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas or visitor centres. A full day could allow for a more leisurely visit to two major sites.
Are there visitor facilities at the historical sites?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins has a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. For other sites, facilities may be more limited, so it's advisable to check in advance.
What do visitors enjoy most about Drummal's attractions?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the natural settings of Drummal's attractions. The opportunity to wander through crumbling castle walls like those at Old Castle Archdale, imagining past lives, is a common highlight. The diverse exploration opportunities, from ancient religious sites to forest areas, also receive positive feedback.
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