Attractions and Places To See around Clonkee - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Clonkee encompass a variety of historical sites and natural features. The region offers ancient monastic ruins, medieval castles, and scenic lake areas. Visitors can explore significant archaeological monuments and enjoy landscapes shaped by waterways and woodlands.
Best attractions and places to see around Clonkee
- The most popular attractions is Old Crom Castle Ruins, a viewpoint and historical site set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne. This estate is a significant nature…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
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Old Crom Castle Ruins
Highlight • Viewpoint
Wild deer, pine marten, red squirrels and many rare …
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Crom Estate Castle Ruins
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Clones Round Tower
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Crom Castle Boathouse
Highlight • Structure
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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 Clonkee?
Clonkee is rich in history, offering several significant sites. You can visit Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century with an interesting graveyard. Nearby, the Clones Round Tower, originally part of the abbey, is a prominent landmark. Additionally, explore the Old Crom Castle Ruins and the Crom Estate Castle Ruins, both offering glimpses into the region's past on the shores of Upper Lough Erne.
Are there any natural beauty spots or viewpoints in the Clonkee area?
Yes, the Clonkee area boasts beautiful natural settings. The Old Crom Castle Ruins offer a viewpoint set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, which is also a significant nature conservation area. The Crom Estate Castle Ruins are located within a large nature reserve featuring woodlands and a lake. For stunning water views, the Crom Castle Boathouse provides splendid vistas out onto Lough Erne.
What kind of wildlife can I spot in the Clonkee region?
The Crom Estate, home to the Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins, is an important nature conservation area. Here, you can find wild deer, pine marten, red squirrels, and many rare species of butterflies. All eight species of native bats also inhabit the surrounding area, alongside an outstanding array of rare lichens.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Clonkee?
Many attractions in Clonkee are suitable for families. The Clones 'Wee' Abbey is free to visit and offers an interesting historical exploration. The Crom Estate, encompassing the Old Crom Castle Ruins, Crom Estate Castle Ruins, and Crom Castle Boathouse, is a large nature reserve with woodlands and a lake, perfect for outdoor family activities. You can also hire a boat to explore Lough Erne from the estate.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Clonkee area offers various outdoor activities, particularly around the Crom Estate. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Crom Estate Trail or explore longer loops around the castles and boathouse. For more details on routes, check out the Hiking around Clonkee guide. Running enthusiasts can find suitable paths in the Running Trails around Clonkee guide.
Are there easy hiking trails available near Clonkee's attractions?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails, especially within the Crom Estate. Popular options include the Crom Estate Trail (approximately 4 km), and various loops connecting the Old Crom Castle Ruins, Crom Estate Castle Ruins, and Crom Castle Boathouse. These trails are generally flat and suitable for a relaxed walk. You can find more details in the Easy hikes around Clonkee guide.
What is the history behind Clones 'Wee' Abbey?
The Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a ruined monastery with a long 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 and lay in ruin less than a hundred years later, though some monks resided there until the 18th century. Today, you can explore its crumbling walls and the historic graveyard.
Can I visit the Clones Round Tower?
Yes, the Clones Round Tower is a prominent historical site. Originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey, it once stood at 75 feet (23 m) tall. Although the top part is now missing, it remains a significant feature on Clones' skyline. The tower is surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard, which is also interesting to explore with its 17th and 18th-century gravestones.
What makes the Crom Estate a special place to visit?
The Crom Estate, home to the Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins, is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas. Managed by the National Trust, it features ancient woodlands, tranquil islands, and the historic castle ruins, all set against the backdrop of Upper Lough Erne. It's a haven for diverse wildlife and offers a blend of history and natural beauty, with opportunities for walking and boat hire.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots to discover in Clonkee?
While the main attractions are well-regarded, the broader Crom Estate itself can feel like a hidden gem with its extensive grounds. Exploring the various trails within the estate, beyond the immediate castle ruins, can lead to peaceful spots and unique wildlife sightings. The Crom Castle Boathouse, for instance, offers a serene spot for relaxation with splendid views over Lough Erne, perfect for a quiet picnic.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Clonkee?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of history and nature. The ancient ruins like Clones 'Wee' Abbey and the Clones Round Tower offer a deep dive into the region's past. The natural beauty of the Crom Estate, with its woodlands, lake, and abundant wildlife, is also highly appreciated. The scenic views from the Old Crom Castle Ruins and the peaceful atmosphere around the Crom Castle Boathouse are frequently highlighted by those who visit.
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