Top 6 Natural Monuments around Audley'S Acre
Best natural monuments around Audley'S Acre are located within a 200-acre Country Park on the shores of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. This area is recognized for its natural beauty and historical significance. The landscape features ancient standing stones and other prehistoric monuments. It provides a setting for exploring both natural and archaeological features.
Best natural monuments around Audley'S Acre
- The most popular natural monument is Strangford Stone, a man-made monument and natural monument situated within a 200-acre Country…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Strangford Stone
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Ballynoe Stone Circle
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Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House
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Strangford Stone
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The stone stands at a …
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Annadorn Dolmen
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This impressive stone circle, dating from the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, consists of over 50 upright stones enclosing a diameter of around 35 metres. Access is via a narrow hedge-lined path that takes you directly to the entrance of the circle
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The historic gardens at Seaforde are situated both within and adjacent to the old walled garden, whose structure dates from the early half of the 18th century. The hidden, micro-climate gardens boast Ireland’s oldest living maze and support a renowned collection of plants, collected from distant corners of the world thanks to the travels of keen plantsman Patrick Forde. The gardens also include an arboretum containing champion trees and rare species. The Tropical Butterfly House is the atmospheric, jungle home to a myriad species of free flying butterflies. All peacefully at home surrounded by exotic and tropical plant life.
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One of the best kept Circles I know of. The late Neolithic to earlier Bronze Age monument was excavated in 1937–1939 but its development and date are still not entirely clear. Excavation uncovered a slab feature with three compartments at the west end of the cairn, which could suggest the court tomb tradition, and a single stone cist at the east end which could point to the passage tomb tradition. Cremated remains representing at least seven individuals and some Neolithic pottery were found. Parallels for the outer stone circle with sites in Cumbria have been suggested.
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The Dolmen can be found on the north east shore of Loughinisland Lake, within sight of Loughinisland Church. A slightly displaced capstone covers a rectangular chamber of which three side stones survive. An early account suggests that this was formerly inside a large circular cairn and approached through a lintelled passage, so it may be the remains of a passage tomb. It is famous as the platform from which Thomas Russell addressed a crowd of United Irishmen in 1803, after the main 1798 rising.
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day.
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The impressive Strangford Stone that sits inside the Delamont Country Park in Northern Ireland holds the mighty title of the highest megalith stone in Europe! The stone stands at a whopping 12.5 metres tall and was assembles by 1000 people in 1999. It stands in an elevated position, boasting superb views over Strangford Lough and towards Slieve Croob and the Mountains of Mourne
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day. Steamers Coffee Shop Serves a wide variety of refreshments, including full breakfast and lunch menus, great coffee and ice cream in the summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Audley'S Acre and where is it located?
Audley'S Acre refers to a 200-acre Country Park situated on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. This area is renowned for its natural beauty and significant historical and archaeological features, including ancient standing stones and prehistoric monuments.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments to visit around Audley'S Acre?
Yes, several natural monuments in the area are suitable for families. The Strangford Stone, located within Delamont Country Park, is family-friendly. Additionally, the Ballynoe Stone Circle and Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House are also great options for all ages, offering a mix of history, nature, and interactive experiences.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments around Audley'S Acre?
Yes, some natural monuments are dog-friendly. For instance, the Ballynoe Stone Circle and Annadorn Dolmen are noted as dog-friendly. Always ensure your dog is kept on a lead and that you clean up after them to preserve the natural environment.
What kind of historical and archaeological sites can I explore?
The region is rich in historical and archaeological sites. You can visit the impressive Ballynoe Stone Circle, an ancient monument dating from the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, featuring over 50 upright stones. Another significant site is the Annadorn Dolmen, a prehistoric burial chamber near Loughinisland Lake.
Are there any viewpoints or natural features with scenic vistas?
Yes, the Strangford Stone, situated in Delamont Country Park, offers superb views over Strangford Lough and towards Slieve Croob and the Mountains of Mourne from its elevated position. The entire 200-acre Country Park itself provides peace, beauty, and tranquility along the shores of Strangford Lough.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Audley'S Acre offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and hiking. For cycling, explore routes like the 'Delamont to Ardglass Harbour loop'. Runners can enjoy trails such as the 'Delamont Country Park running loop'. Hikers have options like the 'Delamont Long Walk' or the 'Strangford Stone – Delamont Country Park loop'. You can find more details on these activities in our guides for Cycling around Audley'S Acre, Running Trails around Audley'S Acre, and Hiking around Audley'S Acre.
Are there specific hiking trails to explore the natural monuments?
Yes, there are several hiking trails that allow you to explore the natural monuments. For example, the 'Strangford Stone – Delamont Country Park loop' is an easy 5.7 km hike that takes you past the impressive Strangford Stone. You can find more hiking options in our dedicated guide for Hiking around Audley'S Acre.
What amenities are available near the natural monuments, such as cafes or facilities?
Within Delamont Country Park, where the Strangford Stone is located, you can find Steamers Coffee Shop. It offers a variety of refreshments, including breakfast and lunch menus, coffee, and ice cream during the summer. The Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House also has facilities available for visitors.
Is there parking available at the natural monuments?
Yes, parking is available at some locations. For instance, the Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House offers parking facilities. For other sites like the Strangford Stone within Delamont Country Park, parking is generally available within the park itself.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The area, particularly around Strangford Lough and within Delamont Country Park, is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. The Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House specifically features a Tropical Butterfly House with a myriad of free-flying butterflies amidst exotic plant life. The wider parkland and lough shore are home to various bird species and other local fauna.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Audley'S Acre?
The natural monuments around Audley'S Acre can be enjoyed year-round. However, for the best experience of the gardens and outdoor activities, spring and summer offer pleasant weather and vibrant blooms, especially at Seaforde Gardens. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter offers a quieter, more serene atmosphere for exploring the historical sites.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known natural monuments worth visiting?
While the Strangford Stone and Ballynoe Stone Circle are well-known, the Annadorn Dolmen offers a more secluded historical experience. This ancient dolmen, possibly the remains of a passage tomb, is located on the north-east shore of Loughinisland Lake and provides a quiet glimpse into prehistoric times.
Most popular attractions around Audley'S Acre
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