Attractions and Places To See around Derryard - Top 7

The region around Derryard is rich in history. You can explore Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century, which has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Nearby, you'll also find Clones Round Tower, a prominent feature on the skyline that was originally part of the abbey. For a unique historical experience, visit the Cooneen Ghost House, known for its intriguing paranormal history.

Yes, the area offers serene natural landscapes. Carnmore Lough is a particularly wild and scenic viewpoint, where the lough appears against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest. You can also visit Lough Antrawar, nestled in a dip southeast of Slieve Beagh, offering a tranquil lake setting.

The region provides various outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail' or loops around Clones and Rockcorry. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy trails such as the 'Lough Antrawer Loop' or the 'Slieve Beagh loop via lough Antrawer'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Derryard and Cycling around Derryard guides.

Yes, Clones 'Wee' Abbey is considered family-friendly. It offers an interesting historical exploration with its crumbling walls and graveyard, which can be a fascinating experience for all ages. The site is free to visit and accessible at any time.

For hiking, consider the 'Lough Antrawer Loop' which is a moderate 11.6 km trail, or the 'Slieve Beagh loop via lough Antrawer' covering 8.9 km, also moderate. If you prefer easier walks, the 'Errasallagh and Kimran Forest loop via Lough Corry' is an easy 6.5 km option. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Derryard guide.

Cyclists have several options, including the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse (Ride 6)', a moderate 35.9 km route. For longer rides, there's the 'Glaslough, Clones and Rockcorry loop from Monaghan', a difficult 121.5 km route. Shorter, easy loops like the 'Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones' are also available. Explore more in the Cycling around Derryard guide.

Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a ruined monastery that originated in the 6th century, founded by St. Tigernach. It was destroyed by fire four times throughout its history and suffered during the suppression of monasteries in the 16th century. Although it lay in ruin, solitary monks continued to live there until the 18th century. Today, visitors can explore its crumbling walls and the interesting graveyard.

The Cooneen Ghost House is thought to be the only house in Ireland where an exorcism has taken place. It is said to be haunted by a poltergeist, and visitors often report a heavy and eerie atmosphere within its walls, making it a unique historical site for those interested in the paranormal.

Lough Antrawar is located in a wet and boggy area southeast of Slieve Beagh. Good walking boots and a waterproof jacket are recommended due to the ground conditions. The outflow stream from the lough flows down the valley to join the River Blackwater.

Yes, Clones Round Tower was originally part of the abbey complex. It's located within St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower and also contains many 17th and 18th-century gravestones, as well as the tomb shrine of St Tighernach. Both sites are in close proximity, allowing for a combined historical exploration.

Carnmore Lough offers an extraordinarily wild and scenic landscape. As you travel down Carnmore Road, the lough appears against a striking backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest, providing picturesque views.

Yes, for an easy walk, consider the 'Errasallagh and Kimran Forest loop via Lough Corry', which is about 6.5 km. Another easy option is the 'Lough Jenkin – Lough Nadarra loop from Altagoaghan', a shorter 4.4 km trail. These trails are great for those looking for a less strenuous outdoor experience. More options can be found in the Hiking around Derryard guide.