Attractions and Places To See around Longlands - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Longlands include a variety of historical sites, ancient ruins, and scenic greenways. The region features landmarks such as 12th-century castles and 5th-century monastic settlements, often situated near loughs and coastlines. Visitors can explore areas with significant historical depth and natural beauty, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and walking. The landscape combines historical interest with diverse natural features, providing a range of experiences for explorers.
Best attractions and places to see around…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Kilmood Church
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Helen's Tower
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The Comber Greenway
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Tips from the Community
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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Perfect way to get out to Comber. Connecting easily with nearby tours of Strangford Lough and Ards. You will be amazed just how quite things get, and all only 30 minutes from Belfast.
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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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Love spending time here. There is a park bench to the far east corner, and to the left of that hosts one of the best views of the Lough. When tides out you can see traces of the old Salmon fisheries. Its so quiet, and there is a picnic area just to the side of the visitors centre. The site also boasts fragments of an early Sun Dial that have been placed by the entrance to the Church.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Longlands?
Longlands is rich in history, offering several significant sites. You can visit Sketrick Castle, a 12th-century historic landmark on Sketrick Island, which was actively involved in 16th-century warfare. Another must-see is Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a pre-Norman monastic site dating back to the 5th century, featuring a church ruin, a round tower, and fragments of an early sundial. Additionally, Helen's Tower, a 19th-century folly and lookout tower, offers historical interest and scenic views.
Are there any ancient ruins or monastic settlements to visit?
Yes, Nendrum Monastery Ruins is an excellent example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. It dates back to the 5th century and consists of three dry-stone walled enclosures, a church ruin, a round tower, and a graveyard. Visitors can also see fragments of an early sundial at the entrance to the church.
Where can I find scenic views or natural features near Longlands?
For scenic views, Sketrick Castle offers beautiful coastal vistas. The grounds are free to explore, providing a great spot to observe the surrounding lough. The Comber Greenway is another excellent choice, offering picturesque scenery including wildflowers, trees, meadows, and grasslands along its traffic-free path. From Nendrum Monastery Ruins, you can enjoy views of the lough, and when the tide is out, traces of old salmon fisheries are visible.
What outdoor activities are available around Longlands?
The Longlands area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling and walking along The Comber Greenway, a traffic-free path connecting Belfast city centre with Comber. For more structured activities, there are numerous routes for road cycling and hiking. You can explore various road cycling routes and hiking trails, including easy options like the Floodgates Walk or routes around Killynether Wood.
Are there any easy walking or cycling paths suitable for all abilities?
Absolutely. The Comber Greenway is a well-maintained, traffic-free footway and cycling path that is perfect for all abilities, offering a gentle way to experience the local scenery. For walkers, there are several easy hiking routes available, such as the Floodgates Walk and trails around Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Longlands?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins are both tagged as family-friendly historical sites where children can explore and learn. The Comber Greenway provides a safe and enjoyable environment for family walks and bike rides amidst nature.
What do visitors enjoy the most about Longlands attractions?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The coastal views from Sketrick Castle, the peaceful atmosphere and lough views at Nendrum Monastery Ruins, and the tranquil, traffic-free experience of The Comber Greenway are frequently highlighted. The opportunity to explore ancient sites and enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and walking in scenic surroundings is a major draw.
Are there any specific tips for visiting Nendrum Monastery Ruins?
When visiting Nendrum Monastery Ruins, look for the park bench in the far east corner for one of the best views of the Lough. When the tide is out, you can spot traces of old salmon fisheries. There's also a picnic area next to the visitors' centre, making it a great spot for a relaxed visit. Don't miss the fragments of an early sundial placed by the church entrance.
What is the best time of year to visit Longlands attractions?
The best time to visit Longlands attractions, especially for outdoor activities like cycling and walking, is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder and more conducive to exploring historical sites and enjoying the natural scenery along paths like The Comber Greenway. The wildflowers and trees are particularly vibrant in spring and summer.
Can I find any unique or lesser-known historical sites in the area?
Beyond the more prominent sites, Kilmood Church offers a charming historical stop. It's a pretty church situated on a rocky knoll above the road, providing a quiet place for reflection. There's even a fresh drinking water tap in the church courtyard for visitors.
Are there opportunities for cycling tours that connect multiple attractions?
Yes, the area offers excellent cycling opportunities. For instance, the 'Mahee Castle – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop from Comber' is an easy road cycling route that allows you to visit Nendrum Monastery Ruins as part of a scenic ride. Many routes connect with The Comber Greenway, providing a traffic-free link to other areas and attractions. You can find more details on road cycling routes around Longlands.
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