Attractions and Places To See around Curraghmore - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see around Curraghmore include a historic estate, natural features, and cultural sites. Curraghmore is known for its expansive demesne, which has been the ancestral home of the Marquis of Waterford since 1170. The estate features 1,000 to 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland, and grazing fields, making it a significant private demesne in Ireland. Visitors can explore historical landmarks and natural beauty within this region.
Best attractions and places to see around Curraghmore
- The most…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
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During WW2 Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats and housed up to 2,500 people. Buildings such as these would have been a central location for the RAF fighters who lived here. Sometimes exhibitions are held in these courtyards to display some of the key historical notes of the use of this area during the war.
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Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The castle was built in the 1600s and was the main castle on this former estate before its successor took it's place in the 1800s, Castle Archdale.
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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
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Old Castle Archdale sits on a forest clifftop. It is named 'old' to distinguish it from its successor, the 18th century Castle Archdale. The castle was built by an Englishman from Suffolk who had been granted the estate in 1612 after paying 5 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence for the 1000 acres of land. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 the castle was captured by Rory Maguire as part of the uprising to retake his lands that had been lost in 1607. The heir to the castle was saved by his nurse however the other children were killed. After the castle was returned to the family it was repaired and lived in until 1689. The castle saw its end during the Williamite Wars when the castle was burnt out and abandoned.
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This fortified house is on Tully Point and built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked by John Maguire and burned on Christmas Eve with all its inhabitants massacred. After that it was not lived in again. There is a visitors centre in a restored farmhouse that has an interesting exhibition telling a number of stories relating to the castle. To visit the castle be sure to step off the bike as it is on foot only!
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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
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Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, it's easy to imagine how life would have been hundreds of years ago as you wander the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale. Built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale, the castle was captured by the Irish in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The castle was inhabited until 1689, when it was destroyed by fire and abandoned.
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This fortified house and bawn are set on Tully Point and were built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire and the inhabitants massacred. It was not lived in again. A visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in the Curraghmore area?
The Curraghmore region is rich in history. You can visit the ancestral home of the Marquis of Waterford, Curraghmore House, which dates back to 1170. Other significant historical sites include the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, and Tully Castle Ruins. Don't miss the prehistoric Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment.
Are there any unique architectural or artistic features to see at Curraghmore Estate?
Yes, Curraghmore Estate features several unique elements. The magnificent Curraghmore House itself showcases neoclassical rooms with plasterwork by James Wyatt and grisaille panels by Peter de Gree. A must-see is the enchanting Shell House Folly, decorated with shells from around the world, built in 1754.
What natural features and gardens can I discover at Curraghmore?
Curraghmore Estate boasts an impressive 1,000 to 2,500 acres of formal gardens, ancient oak woodlands, and an arboretum. The Clodagh River flows through the estate, providing a haven for wildlife. You can also find one of Ireland's tallest trees, a Sitka spruce planted in the 1830s, overlooking King John's Bridge.
What kind of walking trails are available at Curraghmore Estate?
The estate offers several scenic walking trails, including the Farm Hill Walk, River Walk, and Pleasure Garden Walk, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning scenery and natural beauty of the demesne. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the easy-rated "Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island" or "Castle Archdale loop" found in the Hiking around Curraghmore guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities around Curraghmore?
Many historical sites in the area are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins and Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment are listed as family-friendly. The extensive grounds of Curraghmore Estate with its walking trails also offer a great outdoor experience for all ages.
Can I go cycling near the attractions in Curraghmore?
Absolutely! The region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes like the "Boa Island and Pettigo loop" for road cycling or the "Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop" for touring bicycles. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Curraghmore and Cycling around Curraghmore guides.
What is the best time to visit Curraghmore Estate and its surrounding attractions?
While specific seasonal considerations for all attractions vary, the formal gardens and woodlands of Curraghmore Estate are particularly beautiful during spring and summer when flowers are in bloom and the weather is milder for walking. Guided tours of Curraghmore House and the Shell House Folly are typically available during specific periods, so it's advisable to check their official website for current opening times.
How long should I plan for a visit to Curraghmore House and Gardens?
To fully appreciate Curraghmore House, its gardens, and the Shell House Folly, you should allocate at least half a day. Guided tours of the house and folly take a specific amount of time, and exploring the extensive grounds and walking trails can easily fill several hours.
Are there any ancient monuments or structures related to Irish history in the area?
Beyond Curraghmore House's medieval tower-house origins, you can find King John's Bridge, built in 1205, one of Ireland's oldest bridges. The estate is also encircled by a 20-kilometer Famine Relief Boundary Wall, built in the 1850s, offering a tangible link to a significant period in Irish history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Curraghmore?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich historical context and natural beauty. For instance, the Old Castle Archdale is loved for its atmospheric ruins perched on a forest clifftop, allowing visitors to imagine life hundreds of years ago. The unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are also a popular highlight for their ancient mystery.
Where can I find information about visiting Curraghmore House and Gardens?
For detailed information on opening hours, guided tours, and any special events at Curraghmore House and Gardens, it is best to visit their official website directly. You can often find a link to their site via Visit Waterford.
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