Attractions and places to see around Rosspoint, a seaside village in County Sligo, Ireland, offer a range of experiences. The area is characterized by its picturesque coastal setting, featuring Blue Flag beaches and views across Sligo Bay to Oyster and Coney Islands, set against the Dartry Mountains. Rosspoint holds cultural significance with its maritime heritage and connections to poet William Butler Yeats. This region provides a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites for exploration.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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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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Devenish Monastic Site is generally considered to be the most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements. Devenish was founded in the 6th century by St Molaise. It was raided by Vikings in 837 and burned in 1157, but in the Middle Ages flourished as the site of a parish church and St Mary's Augustinian Priory. There are extensive low earthworks on the hillside, but the earliest buildings are St Molaise's House (a very small church) and the fine round tower close by, both with striking Romanesque decorations from the 12th century. Teampull Mรณr, the lower church, dates from the early 13th century and has a beautifully moulded south window. It was extended to the east in about 1300, while later additions include a residential wing to the north and the Maguire Chapel to the south, with 17th century heraldic slabs. St Mary's Augustinian Priory on the hilltop dates from the middle 15th and early 16th centuries, with church, tower and small north cloister. In its graveyard stands an unusual, intricately-carved cross of the middle 15th century. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devenish_Island - https://web.archive.org/web/20120224043140/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=746
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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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Rosspoint is renowned for its natural beauty. You can enjoy two kilometers of Blue Flag beaches, perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. The area offers incredible views across to Oyster and Coney Islands, with the dramatic backdrop of the Dartry Mountains, including Knocknarea and Benbulben. The wild beauty of Sligo Bay is also a prominent feature.
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641. For early Christian history, visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient carved stones, or the Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century.
Beyond exploring the attractions, Rosspoint offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy coastal walks, sea angling, and boat charters in Sligo Bay. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale'. Runners can find trails such as the 'Old Castle Archdale โ Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. Find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Rosspoint, Road Cycling Routes around Rosspoint, and Running Trails around Rosspoint guides.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Tully Castle Ruins offer a visitor's centre with exhibitions, making history engaging for all ages. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, part of a former WWII flying boat base, provide an interesting historical context. The Blue Flag beaches are also ideal for family outings, swimming, and picnicking.
Rosspoint is home to several distinctive landmarks. The 'Metal Man Lighthouse' guards the entrance to Sligo Harbour, a 3.7-meter high statue placed offshore in 1821. You can also spot the freestanding 'Oyster Island Lighthouse' and the 'Lower Rosses Lighthouse'. The 'Waiting on Shore Monument' is a poignant bronze statue honoring the village's maritime heritage. Additionally, 'Elsinore House', the childhood holiday home of poet W.B. Yeats, is a site of cultural significance.
Yes, weather permitting, boat trips depart from Rosspoint to the uninhabited Inishmurray Island. This island is home to an early Christian monastic settlement and unique flora and fauna, offering a fascinating day trip. Boats also service Coney Island.
The summer months (June to August) are generally ideal for visiting Rosspoint, offering the best weather for enjoying the beaches, coastal walks, and boat trips. However, the natural landscapes and historical sites can be appreciated year-round, with spring and autumn providing milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Yes, the esteemed County Sligo Golf Club is located north of Rosses Point and annually hosts the West of Ireland Championship. For sailing enthusiasts, the Sligo Yacht Club offers sailing courses for both children and adults during the summer months.
Rosspoint has a lively pub scene and a selection of restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments after a day of exploring.
Yes, for a unique wellness experience, you can visit The Hot Box Sauna, an outdoor sauna located at the Sligo Yacht Club, offering relaxation with coastal views.
While the main attractions are popular, exploring the wider Sligo area can reveal hidden gems. Consider visiting the less-trafficked parts of the Dartry Mountains for quieter walks, or seek out smaller, local beaches. The various monastic sites like Devenish Monastic Site, though historically significant, might offer a more tranquil experience compared to bustling coastal spots during peak season.
Rosspoint holds a special connection to the famous poet William Butler Yeats. 'Elsinore House', an abandoned cottage in the village, was his childhood holiday home and is known to have inspired much of his work. The scenic beauty of the area, including the views of Sligo Bay and the mountains, deeply influenced his poetry.


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