Attractions and Places To See around Drumary - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Drumary include a collection of historical sites, ancient monuments, and castle ruins. This region features significant historical landmarks, offering insights into past eras and local heritage. Visitors can explore fortified structures and unique stone carvings set within natural landscapes. The area provides opportunities to engage with history through well-preserved sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Drumary
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument that…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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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 sites can I explore around Drumary?
Drumary is rich in historical sites, including several significant castle ruins and ancient monuments. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin set within a large forest, or explore the remains of Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's center detailing its dramatic history. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insights into the area's past, including its role during WWII.
Are there any ancient monuments or unique archaeological finds in Drumary?
Yes, Drumary features unique ancient monuments. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a must-see, featuring two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age stone figures in an isolated graveyard. You can also discover the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, which include a Bishops stone, a bullaun stone, and a holed stone with significant historical alterations and carvings.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Drumary?
Absolutely. Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and includes a visitor's center with exhibitions. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer an engaging experience for families, sometimes hosting exhibitions about the area's history.
What outdoor activities can I do near Drumary's historical sites?
The area around Drumary's attractions offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, easy hikes, and road cycling. Many of these routes pass by or are close to the historical sites, allowing you to combine sightseeing with outdoor exercise.
Are there easy walking or hiking trails around Drumary?
Yes, Drumary offers several easy walking and hiking trails. For example, you can explore the easy hikes guide which includes routes like the Castle Archdale loop and the Tully Castle Ruins loop, perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the scenery and history.
Can I go running near Drumary's attractions?
Yes, there are several running trails available near Drumary's attractions. The running trails guide features routes such as the Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop, offering scenic paths for your run.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see near Drumary's attractions?
While primarily known for its historical sites, the attractions around Drumary are often set within beautiful natural surroundings. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a clifftop within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a blend of history and natural beauty.
Where can I learn more about the history of the castles in Drumary?
To delve deeper into the history of Drumary's castles, you can visit the visitor's center at Tully Castle Ruins, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle. The tips for Old Castle Archdale also provide detailed historical context about its construction, capture during the Irish Rebellion, and abandonment.
Are there cycling routes suitable for road bikes in the Drumary area?
Yes, road cyclists can find suitable routes around Drumary. The road cycling routes guide provides options like the Carrick Lough loop from Derrygonnelly and the Tully Castle Ruins – The Big Tree loop, allowing you to explore the region on two wheels.
What do visitors enjoy most about Drumary's attractions?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the unique nature of Drumary's attractions. The crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale allow one to imagine life centuries ago, while the pre-Christian Janus Stones offer a glimpse into ancient beliefs. The well-preserved historical sites provide a tangible connection to past eras and local heritage.
Is there parking available at Drumary's attractions?
While specific parking details for each attraction are not provided, historical sites and visitor centers like Tully Castle Ruins typically offer parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
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