Attractions and Places To See around Derrynawilt East - Top 7

The region offers several beautiful natural features. You can visit Clodagh Glen, a steep-sided gorge with ancient ash trees, a water-sculpted river valley, and a spectacular arch formed by a collapsed cave roof. It's known for its limestone gorge, mystical caves, and waterfalls. Another notable natural site is Carnmore Lough, which provides an extraordinarily wild and scenic viewpoint against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest. Additionally, Lower Lough MacNean (also known as Lough Nilly) is part of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark and features a 42-mile sculpture trail highlighting its rich history and diverse wildlife. You can also find Lough Antrawar, a lough situated in a wet, boggy area southeast of Slieve Beagh.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century, with its original foundation as early as the 6th century. Nearby is Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey, which remains a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. Further afield, Enniskillen Castle, a 15th-century fortress on the banks of the River Erne, offers insights into the region's past. For something unique, explore the Cooneen Ghost House, known for its eerie atmosphere and local legends.

The region around Derrynawilt East is excellent for outdoor activities, particularly cycling and running. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones' or the 'Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones'. If you prefer touring, there's the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse'. Runners can enjoy trails such as 'Lough Antrwar on the An Trá loop' or a shorter 'Running loop from Altawark'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Derrynawilt East, Running Trails around Derrynawilt East, and Cycling around Derrynawilt East guides.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Historical sites like Clones 'Wee' Abbey and Clones Round Tower offer an engaging way to learn about local history. Exploring the natural beauty of Clodagh Glen with its caves and waterfalls can also be an exciting adventure for children. The 42-mile sculpture trail around Lower Lough MacNean provides an interactive way to experience nature and local heritage.

Clodagh Glen is particularly beautiful in springtime when the valley floor is covered with bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic. In summer, you might spot silver-washed fritillaries. The natural beauty of the gorge, caves, and waterfalls can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer vibrant flora and fauna.

When exploring natural areas like Clodagh Glen or the slopes around Lough Antrawar, it's recommended to wear good walking boots due to potentially wet and boggy ground. A waterproof jacket is also advisable, especially given the changeable weather conditions in the region.

Carnmore Lough is considered an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland. It offers stunning views, with the lough appearing against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest, making it a popular spot for photography and enjoying the tranquil landscape.

Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a ruined monastery with a long and turbulent history. Originally founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century, the abbey was destroyed by fire four times. It suffered further during the suppression of monasteries in the 16th century under Henry VIII. Today, visitors can explore its crumbling walls and an interesting graveyard, which are free to access at any time.

The Cooneen Ghost House is thought to be the only house in Ireland where an exorcism has taken place. Local legend suggests that despite the exorcism, the house is still haunted by a poltergeist, and visitors often describe a heavy and eerie atmosphere within its walls. It's a site of interest for those fascinated by paranormal history.

In areas like Clodagh Glen, you might spot elusive pine martens and red squirrels. The reedbeds, fen peats, wet grasslands, and wet woodland around Lower Lough MacNean provide habitats for a variety of mammals, insects, and birds, making it a great spot for wildlife observation.

Yes, for those looking for an easier run, the 'Running loop from Altawark' is an easy-grade trail covering approximately 3.7 kilometers. You can find more details about this and other running options in the Running Trails around Derrynawilt East guide.

The Clones Round Tower was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although its top section is now missing, it once stood at 75 feet (23 meters) and featured four storeys, including a bell storey. It remains a prominent landmark on Clones' skyline, surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard, which contains many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.