Attractions and Places To See around Rathmore - Top 9
Best attractions and places to see around Rathmore, a town in County Kerry, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. Located in the Sliabh Luachra area, the region is known for its rich Irish traditions and ancient heritage. Significant natural features include the Paps of Anu, two breast-shaped hills topped with cairns. The area provides opportunities to explore historical structures and scenic waterways.
Best attractions and places to see around Rathmore
- The most popular attractions is Ballyshannon Town…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Birthplace of Rory Gallagher
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Lough Melvin
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River Erne
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Ballyshannon Town Center
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Castle Caldwell Ruins
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For those who want to hear the music of Rory GALLAGHER – whom the British newspaper The Times praised with "He is one of the few guitarists you can recognize within seconds, his style is so individual." –: In 1977, the native Irishman (1948 to 1995) gave a one-hour concert on the then popular German show "Rockpalast" by Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), which can be viewed on YouTube => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qkr-XlNZKM
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The shimmering waters of Lough Melvin attract anglers from around the world for its beauty and diverse fish. The lake is home to three unique species of trout, as well as salmon, and an endemic species of char, the Melvin charr. If you want to try your hand at fishing, you should purchase a license and consider renting a boat. The lake is 7.5 miles (12 km) long and 1.9 miles (3 km) wide and set amongst the beautiful green countryside along the border of County Leitrim and Country Fermanagh. If you are not into fishing, there's plenty of wonderful flora and fauna to enjoy too.
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Ballyshannon is said to be the oldest town in Ireland and archaeological investigations have indeed found evidence the town dates back as far as 4000 and 2500 BC. The town as it is today was formed by Royal Charter in 1613. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Ballyshannon with the option of sitting out on the water's edge. It makes a great place to start or finish a ride as well as being a cafe stop destination.
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Built in the 17th century, Castle Caldwell was part of the Ulster Plantation, a province of Ireland colonised by British settles throughout King James I era. The castle had a number of inhabitants after that and fell into ruin towards the 1800s. Although access to the castle is now forbidden due to its dangerous state of repair, the surrounding park and forest can be explored freely. Keep your eyes peeled for the ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard.
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Ballyshannon is thought to be the oldest town in Ireland, created by Royal Charter in 1613. Archaeological sites sites discovered in the town date back as far as 4000 and 2500 BC with some of the earliest settlers in Ireland, the parthalonians settling on the nearby Inis Saimer Island. With the sea adjacent to the town and a number of eating and drinking options, the town makes a lovely stop for a break.
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Flowing from Slieve Glah to the Atlantic Ocean, the River Erme is the second longest in Ulster. The river forms part of the border, winding through the beautiful green rolling hills that Ireland is well known for. The river often becomes hard to distinguish as it passes through many Loughs below the Cavan and south Fermanagh drumlin hills. Many Christian and Pagan ancient ruins can be found along the river, some of which are perched on islands and only accessible by boat.
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Flowing 80 miles (129 km) from Slieve Glah to the Atlantic Ocean, the River Erne is the second-longest river in Ulster. The river winds through beautiful countryside in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, making up a part of the border. The river is sometimes hard to distinguish as it makes its way through many loughs at the feet of the Cavan and south Fermanagh drumlin hills. The dramatic landscape was once home to thriving salmon and trout populations, although hydroelectric power stations and water population have led to a decline in their numbers. Along the river lie many Christian and Pagan ancient ruins, some of which are perched atop islands and only accessible by boat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore near Rathmore?
The area around Rathmore offers several beautiful natural features. You can visit Lough Melvin, known for its shimmering waters and diverse fish species, including unique trout and char. The River Erne, the second-longest river in Ulster, also flows nearby, winding through picturesque countryside with ancient ruins along its banks. To the south, the majestic Paps of Anu offer stunning walking country in the Derrynasaggart Mountains, topped with ancient cairns.
Are there historical sites to visit around Rathmore?
Yes, Rathmore and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore Ballyshannon Town Center, considered the oldest town in Ireland with archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. The area also features evidence of ancient inhabitants, including cairns, ring forts, and standing stones. While access to the Rathmore Mound at Rathcroghan is restricted, its historical significance is notable. Further afield, the ruined medieval Rathmore Church in County Meath is a National Monument with intricate historical details.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the 'Lough Melvin loop' or 'Castle Caldwell, Boa Island and Pettigo loop'. For general cycling, consider the 'Assaroe Lake & Rossnowlagh Beach loop' or the 'Bundoran & Lough Melvin loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Rathmore guide and the Cycling around Rathmore guide. Hiking is also popular, especially around The Paps of Anu.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Rathmore?
Absolutely. Both Lough Melvin and Ballyshannon Town Center are considered family-friendly. Lough Melvin offers opportunities to enjoy nature and observe diverse fish, while Ballyshannon provides a historical setting with eating and drinking options suitable for a family break.
What cultural experiences can I find in the Rathmore area?
Rathmore is deeply rooted in the Sliabh Luachra area, renowned for its rich Irish traditions, including traditional music, culture, and poetry. The nearby village of Rockchapel in County Cork hosts a cultural center with regular performances of traditional music, song, and dance. You might also encounter ancient customs, such as locals walking around stone forts on May 1st for the pagan feast of Bealtaine.
Can I visit ancient ruins near Rathmore?
Yes, the area is dotted with ancient ruins. You can explore the remains of Castle Caldwell Ruins, a 17th-century structure within a forest park, though access to the castle itself is restricted due to its condition. The broader Rathmore area also features numerous cairns, ring forts, and standing stones, offering glimpses into ancient Irish heritage.
What is the significance of the Paps of Anu?
The Paps of Anu are two distinctive breast-shaped hills located south of Rathmore in the Derrynasaggart Mountains. These hills, known as 'Da Chich Anann' (the Breasts of Anu), are topped with large cairns believed to cover ancient tombs. Anu was an ancient mythological goddess associated with fertility, cattle, and prosperity, making these hills a site of significant mythological and historical interest.
Are there any attractions related to famous personalities near Rathmore?
Yes, you can visit the Birthplace of Rory Gallagher in Ballyshannon. Rory Gallagher was a renowned Irish blues and rock musician, and a statue has been erected in Ballyshannon to honor him. This is a significant spot for fans of music history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Rathmore?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The ancient heritage of places like Ballyshannon Town Center and the serene landscapes of Lough Melvin and the River Erne are highly valued. The komoot community has shared photos and given positive feedback, highlighting the unique charm and historical significance of the area.
Are there opportunities for fishing near Rathmore?
Yes, Lough Melvin is a significant natural attraction known for its diverse fish, including three unique species of trout, salmon, and the endemic Melvin charr. Anglers from around the world are attracted to its shimmering waters. If you plan to fish, it's advisable to purchase a license and consider renting a boat.
What is the Sliabh Luachra area known for?
Rathmore is situated in the heart of the Sliabh Luachra area, which is celebrated for its vibrant Irish traditions. This region is particularly renowned for its rich traditional music, culture, poetry, and its talented footballers, offering a deep dive into authentic Irish heritage.
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