Attractions and Places To See around Drumcrin - Top 5

The Drumcrin area is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins, both offering a glimpse into 17th-century life and set within beautiful natural landscapes. Another significant historical site is Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century, and the nearby Clones Round Tower. Additionally, the Drumkeerin Heritage Centre celebrates local history with a reconstructed Irish cottage and farmyard, while Tully Castle Ruins and Creevelea Abbey also offer historical insights.

Yes, the area features several ancient ruins and monastic sites. Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a ruined monastery from the 12th century, known for its interesting graveyard and free access. Nearby, the Clones Round Tower, originally part of the abbey, is a prominent historical landmark. Creevelea Abbey, situated on the banks of the River Bonet, is another ancient stone ruin and one of Ireland's last friaries established before the dissolution of monasteries.

Drumcrin is surrounded by scenic natural beauty. Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins are set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, offering stunning lake views and ancient woodlands. The Crom Castle Boathouse provides splendid views out onto Lough Erne. The wider Drumkeerin area is characterized by scenic mountains, lakes, and woods, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the natural landscape.

Many attractions around Drumcrin are suitable for families. The Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins are located within a large nature reserve, perfect for exploring woodlands and spotting wildlife like deer and red squirrels. The Crom Castle Boathouse is a great spot for a picnic by the lake. The Drumkeerin Heritage Centre, with its reconstructed cottage and farmyard, also offers an engaging experience for all ages.

There are several hiking opportunities around Drumcrin, particularly within the Crom Estate. You can explore trails like the Crom Estate Trail, or enjoy easy loops such as the Crom Castle Boathouse – Crom Castle loop. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Drumcrin guide, which includes routes like the Old Crom Castle Ruins – Crom Estate Castle Ruins loop. The Miner's Way and Historical Trail also offers a longer, verdant loop through the region.

Yes, the Drumcrin area offers various cycling routes. For road cycling, you can find easy to moderate routes like the Scotshouse, Redhills and Belturbet loop or the Kilgarrow Lough loops. For touring, options include sections of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail or loops around the Crom Estate. You can find more details and routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Drumcrin and Cycling around Drumcrin guides.

The Crom Estate, a significant nature conservation area, is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot wild deer, pine martens, and red squirrels. The estate also hosts many rare species, including various butterflies and all eight species of native bats. The ancient woodlands and tranquil islands provide important habitats for these creatures.

The best time to visit Drumcrin for outdoor activities generally aligns with milder weather. Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural landscapes and historical sites. These seasons also provide the best opportunities for wildlife spotting within areas like the Crom Estate.

Visitors often appreciate the blend of history and nature. The Old Crom Castle Ruins are loved for their setting on Upper Lough Erne and the surrounding nature conservation area. The Crom Estate Castle Ruins are valued for being part of a large nature reserve with woodlands and a lake. The historical significance and free access of Clones 'Wee' Abbey also make it a popular spot.

The Crom Estate, which includes the castle ruins and boathouse, has a coffee shop on-site. The Drumkeerin Heritage Centre also opened a coffee shop in 1999, providing refreshments for visitors exploring the local history. For other attractions, it's advisable to check local amenities in nearby towns.

Yes, at the Crom Estate, you can hire a boat to explore Upper Lough Erne, offering a unique perspective of the castle ruins, islands, and surrounding natural beauty. This provides an excellent way to experience the tranquil waters and scenic landscape.

The Crom Estate is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas, managed by the National Trust. It encompasses 2,000 acres of ancient woodland, tranquil islands, and the ruins of Old Crom Castle. It's a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, including wild deer, pine martens, red squirrels, and various rare species of butterflies and bats. It also features the Crom Estate Castle Ruins and the Crom Castle Boathouse.