Best attractions and places to see around Tullyrain. Tullyrain is a townland in County Down, situated within a region known for its diverse historical sites and natural landscapes. The surrounding area offers a mix of ancient monuments, monastic ruins, and forest parks. Visitors can explore significant historical landmarks and engage with the natural environment.
Last updated: July 1, 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 Mór, 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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Founded by Saint Laisrén mac Nad Froích (aka St Molaise) in the 6th century, the monastic site was built on a pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick. As you view the Island from Trory Pier you can see the 25 metre tall 12th century round tower standing majestically above the ruined buildings. The tower has wooden floors and can be climbed by the public via a series of ladders. The tower is decorated with 12th century romanesque features, the most unusual feature is a beaded cornice running around the top of tower with head sculpture featured above the bell-storey windows. - http://www.megalithicireland.com/Devenish%20Round%20Tower.html - https://archive.ph/20121224010315/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/places/monuments/devenish.shtml#selection-1091.0-1091.30
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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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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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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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Once called Irvine Castle, hence the town of Irvinestown, it is now a ruin closed to urban explorers, including cctv. It was in use as late as WWII, when it was a military hospital, but it has since lost its roof and been overtaken by plant life.
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The region around Tullyrain is rich in history. You can explore the ruins of Necarne Castle, a 19th-century structure that once served as a military hospital. Another significant site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient stones and an early Christian cross slab. Further afield, the Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century, offers extensive ruins including a well-preserved round tower.
Yes, Necarne Forest provides gravel paths through boggy woodland and pasture, leading to Necarne Castle. For a broader natural experience, the Sperrins Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are within the wider region. Here you can find places like Gortin Glen Forest Park, known for woodland trails and wildlife, and Drumnaph Nature Reserve with ancient woodland and diverse habitats.
The area around Tullyrain offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' or 'Racecourse Lough loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes such as 'Dromare and Omagh loop' and touring bicycle options like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the hiking guide, road cycling guide, and cycling guide for Tullyrain.
Yes, Necarne Forest is considered family-friendly, offering easy walks through woodlands. The wider region also features attractions like Gortin Glen Forest Park, which provides woodland trails suitable for families, and the Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air museum with interactive exhibits that can be engaging for all ages.
You can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, which features ancient stones with cup-shaped hollows and an early Christian cross slab. The Devenish Monastic Site also contains significant archaeological remains from the 6th century onwards. Further afield, the Beaghmore Stone Circles in the Sperrins offer a glimpse into Bronze Age history with their alignments to celestial movements.
The Devenish Monastic Site is one of Lough Erne's most important island church settlements, founded in the 6th century. It features St Molaise's House, the ruins of Teampull Mór, St Mary's Augustinian Priory, and a striking 12th-century Round Tower, which can be climbed for expansive views.
Yes, there are easy walking options available. Necarne Forest offers good gravel trails with low grades. Specific routes like 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' and 'Racecourse Lough loop' are rated as easy. You can explore more easy hiking options in the hiking guide for Tullyrain.
While specific viewpoints in Tullyrain are not highlighted, the wider region, particularly the Sperrins Mountains, offers spectacular scenery. The Glenelly Valley is renowned for its idyllic setting and breathtaking views of the Sperrins' main ridge. Sawel Mountain, the highest peak in the Sperrins, also provides expansive views across Counties Londonderry and Tyrone.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of Tullyrain, the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh offers a unique open-air museum experience, chronicling Irish emigration to North America. An Creagán Visitor Centre, located in the foothills of the Sperrins, provides insights into the local landscape's heritage and archaeological sites.
The Sperrins Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Northern Ireland's largest mountain range. It's known for its stunning landscapes, extensive bog and moorland areas, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Key features include Sawel Mountain, the scenic Glenelly Valley, and Gortin Glen Forest Park. You can learn more about this area at daera-ni.gov.uk.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The ancient stones and historical context of sites like Killadeas Priory Church and the monastic ruins on Devenish Island are highly valued. The tranquil walks through Necarne Forest and the historical intrigue of Necarne Castle also contribute to a rich visitor experience.


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