Attractions and Places To See around Ballyboley - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ballyboley include a mix of natural landscapes and historical sites. The area features extensive forests, such as Ballyboley Forest, known for its diverse tree species and wildlife. Coastal views and reservoirs provide additional natural appeal, while historical landmarks like ancient castles and monastic ruins contribute to the region's cultural significance.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballyboley
- The most popular attractions is Sketrick Castle, a castle that is a historic landmark…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Ballycopeland Windmill
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Helen's Tower
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Whiterock Harbour
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Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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It's home to two yacht clubs: Strangford Lough Yacht Club and 1.5 kilometres (0.95 mi) to the north, Down Cruising Club. Between the two yacht clubs is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, now in a state of ruin. To the south of Whiterock is Ballymorran Bay.
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Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order.
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A small visitor centre is located inside the Millers house with a Cafe onsite open to the public. Disabled access is not possible within the windmill. This is a group of traditional buildings on a sloping site with changes of level. Wheelchair users can gain access to the exhibition but may find this difficult. Some parts of the complex are inaccessible for wheelchairs. Please note: Online booking is essential. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day however cannot be guaranteed. Tours of the windmill can now be booked on the official Ballycopeland Windmill website https://www.ballycopelandwindmill.com .
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Daft Eddy's Restaurant / Pub is very popular with Cyclists, and is just up the hill. There is also a Car park with full facilities if you look back to the mainland just on your left.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Ballyboley?
The Ballyboley area offers several natural attractions. Ballyboley Forest is known for its diverse native tree species and non-waymarked walking trails, including a section of the Ulster Way. Nearby, Killylane Reservoir provides a picturesque setting for strolls, runs, and picnics. For panoramic views, Black Hill stands at 381m, offering vistas of the Irish coastline, while Scawt Hill provides views of the Antrim Coast.
Are there historical sites to visit near Ballyboley?
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can explore the grounds of Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island. The Nendrum Monastery Ruins, dating back to the 5th century, are considered the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. Additionally, Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down, and Helen's Tower is a 19th-century folly with historical significance.
What outdoor activities are available in the Ballyboley area?
Beyond exploring attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Ballyboley Forest is ideal for leisurely strolls and jogs. Killylane Reservoir is perfect for running or relaxing picnics. For those interested in hiking, there are easy hikes around Ballyboley, including routes like the Boundary Walk at Mount Stewart. Anglers can also find rainbow trout in Killylane Reservoir.
Are there any family-friendly attractions around Ballyboley?
Several attractions are suitable for families. The grounds of Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins offer historical exploration in an open setting. Browns Bay Beach is a safe sandy beach for swimming, with wide grassy areas and public toilets. Ballycopeland Windmill also has a visitor centre and cafe, though access within the windmill itself may be limited for those with mobility issues.
Where can I find scenic views in Ballyboley?
For scenic views, Black Hill offers panoramic vistas of the Irish coastline and surrounding countryside. Scawt Hill provides views of the Antrim Coast. At Nendrum Monastery Ruins, there's a bench offering one of the best views of the Lough. Whiterock Harbour also provides beautiful scenic spots on the shore of Strangford Lough.
What kind of wildlife can I spot in Ballyboley Forest?
Ballyboley Forest is a good spot for wildlife enthusiasts. It is known for its diverse fauna, including woodpeckers, owls, buzzards, red squirrels, badgers, and foxes, making it an excellent location for birdwatching.
Are there any beaches suitable for swimming near Ballyboley?
Yes, Browns Bay Beach, located at the northern tip of Islandmagee, is a popular and safe sandy beach suitable for swimming. It also offers views of the Antrim coast and the Maidens rocks with their lighthouses, and has amenities like a car park and public toilets.
What is the significance of Ballycopeland Windmill?
Ballycopeland Windmill is historically significant as the only remaining working windmill in East Down. Built in the late 18th or early 19th century, it operated until World War I and was later restored to full working order between 1950 and 1978. It features a small visitor centre in the Miller's house and a cafe.
Can I find easy walking trails in the Ballyboley area?
Yes, there are several options for easy walks. Ballyboley Forest has non-waymarked trails suitable for leisurely strolls. Killylane Reservoir also offers easy paths for walking. For more structured easy hikes, you can explore the easy hikes around Ballyboley guide, which includes routes like the Mount Stewart Gardens loop.
What is the history behind Sketrick Castle?
Sketrick Castle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island. This 15th-century tower house was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. Originally four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage, it featured four ground-level chambers, including a large vaulted room. Although half of it collapsed in an 1896 storm, part of its bawn wall still survives, and its grounds are free to explore.
What makes Nendrum Monastery Ruins a notable historical site?
Nendrum Monastery Ruins is considered the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland, dating back to the 5th century with links to St. Patrick. The monastery consists of three round dry-stone walled enclosures, one within the other, and includes fragments of an early sundial. When the tide is out, traces of old salmon fisheries can be seen, adding to its historical intrigue.
Is Ballyboley Forest known for any local legends or folklore?
Yes, Ballyboley Forest has a chilling reputation as one of Northern Ireland's most paranormally active locations. Local legends suggest it was once a sacred Druid site and is believed to contain a doorway to the Celtic 'Otherworld'. Visitors have reported experiencing unease, hearing phantom footsteps and voices, seeing strange mists, and even encountering ghostly figures. There are also tales of strange occurrences and a belief that certain stones within the forest are cursed.
Are there cycling routes available near Ballyboley's attractions?
Yes, the Ballyboley area offers various cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes and general cycling routes around Ballyboley. These guides feature routes like the Donaghadee Lighthouse loop or the Ards Peninsula quarter loop, allowing you to explore the scenic countryside and coastal areas by bike.
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