Attractions and Places To See around Drumgoland - Top 4
Attractions and places to see around Drumgoland include historical sites, ancient religious buildings, and natural areas. The region features a mix of cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, with several notable landmarks. Visitors can explore ruins of castles and abbeys, alongside natural reserves with diverse flora and fauna. These attractions offer insights into the area's history and provide opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Drumgoland
- The most popular attractions is Old Crom Castle Ruins, a…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
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Crom Estate Castle Ruins
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Clones Round Tower
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Old Crom Castle Ruins
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Wild deer, pine marten, red squirrels and many rare …
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Crom Castle Boathouse
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Managed by the National Trust, the Crom Estate is a large nature reserve of woodlands, lake, castle ruins and islands. It is an important habitat for pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels and butterflies. There is a coffee shop at the estate and if you fancy something different you can hire a boat to explore the lough. For more details check out the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom
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The Crom Castle estate boathouse sits on the shore of Lough Erne below the main castle. The views out on onto the water from the boathouse are splendid, the perfect spot to pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy some relaxation.
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The round tower in Clones was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although it would once have stood at 75 feet (23 m), the top part is now missing. Nonetheless, it is still a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. There would once have been four storeys, including a bell storey. St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower, is also an interesting place to explore with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Crom is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas. Wild deer, pine marten, red squirrels and many rare species including butterflies can all be found on the estate. Also inhabiting the surrounding area are all eight species of native bats and an outstanding array of rare lichens. The 2,000 acre demesne contains ancient woodland, tranquil islands, estate cottages and Old Crom Castle, all linked by the breathtakingly beautiful landscape designed by W.S.Gilpin in the 19th century. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/crom-estate-p675551)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Drumgoland?
The area around Drumgoland is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century, with its interesting graveyard. Also, explore the Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins, both set within a large nature reserve on the shores of Upper Lough Erne. Don't miss the Clones Round Tower, a prominent 10th-century structure that was once part of the abbey.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Drumgoland area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins are located within a nature reserve, offering space for exploration and wildlife spotting. The Crom Castle Boathouse provides splendid views over Lough Erne, perfect for a family picnic. The historic Clones 'Wee' Abbey is also accessible and free to visit, offering an educational glimpse into the past.
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see?
The Drumgoland area, particularly around the Crom Estate, is a significant nature conservation area. You can observe wild deer, red squirrels, and pine martens. The estate is also home to all eight species of native bats and a diverse array of rare lichens. The landscape features ancient woodlands, tranquil islands, and the expansive Upper Lough Erne, providing a rich habitat for various species.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Drumgoland?
For breathtaking views, visit the Old Crom Castle Ruins, which offers picturesque vistas over Upper Lough Erne. The Crom Castle Boathouse also provides splendid views out onto the water, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.
Are there hiking opportunities near the attractions?
Absolutely! The Crom Estate offers several easy hiking trails. You can explore the Crom Estate Trail, or enjoy loops like the Crom Castle Boathouse – Crom Castle loop, and the Old Crom Castle Ruins – Crom Estate Castle Ruins loop. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Drumgoland guide or the broader Hiking around Drumgoland guide for detailed routes.
What kind of outdoor activities are available in the Drumgoland region?
Beyond exploring historical sites, the region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on various trails, including those within the Crom Estate. The area around Upper Lough Erne is also suitable for boating, with boat hire available at the Crom Estate. For running enthusiasts, there are several moderate running trails, such as the Old Crom Castle (Ruins) loop and the Castle Balfour loop, detailed in the Running Trails around Drumgoland guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Drumgoland for outdoor activities?
While specific data for Drumgoland isn't available, generally, the best time to visit Ireland for outdoor activities is during the late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). These months typically offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and pleasant conditions for hiking and exploring natural sites. Summer (July-August) is also popular but can be busier.
Can I bring my dog to the attractions and trails?
Many outdoor areas in Ireland, including nature reserves and walking trails, are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be kept on a leash to protect wildlife. For specific attractions like the Crom Estate, it's advisable to check their official website for their current dog policy before visiting. Generally, trails are welcoming to well-behaved dogs.
Are there any unique geological features in the area?
While the immediate Drumgoland area is known for its historical and natural estates, Ireland as a whole boasts unique geological formations. For example, the Burren in County Clare is a distinctive limestone landscape, though it is located further west from Drumgoland's immediate vicinity. The local landscape around Drumgoland is characterized by its loughs, woodlands, and ancient geological formations that support its diverse ecosystems.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Crom Estate?
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the rich biodiversity of the Crom Estate. It's appreciated for its ancient woodlands, the serene Upper Lough Erne, and the opportunity to spot wildlife like deer, red squirrels, and pine martens. The historical castle ruins and the scenic boathouse also add to its charm, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Is there public transport available to reach attractions around Drumgoland?
Information on specific public transport routes directly to Drumgoland attractions is not detailed in the guide data. For planning your visit, it's recommended to check local transport services for County Fermanagh and County Monaghan, which are the counties where the main attractions like Crom Estate and Clones Abbey are located. Often, reaching more remote natural estates might require personal transport.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the attractions?
Yes, the Crom Estate, which hosts the Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins, has a coffee shop on site. This provides a convenient spot for refreshments during your visit to the nature reserve.
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