Attractions and Places To See around Cady - Top 17
Attractions and places to see around Cady include a collection of historical sites, ancient monuments, and castle ruins. The region features significant historical landmarks, some dating back to the 17th century, set within natural landscapes like forests. These sites offer insights into the area's past, including periods of conflict and early settlement.
Best attractions and places to see around Cady
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring two pre-Christian stone figures. These…
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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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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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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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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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 kind of historical sites can I explore around Cady?
The Cady region is rich in historical sites, featuring ancient monuments and castle ruins. You can visit the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian stone figures. Other significant sites include Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a large forest, and the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house burned in 1641 and uninhabited since. Don't miss the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, which feature ancient carved stones including the notable Bishops stone.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Cady area?
Yes, several attractions around Cady are suitable for families. The Tully Castle Ruins offer a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse with an exhibition telling local stories, making it an engaging historical visit for all ages. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which served as a major base during WWII, sometimes host exhibitions that can be interesting for families.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or running, are available near Cady's attractions?
The Cady area offers various outdoor activities, especially around its historical sites. For running, you can explore routes like the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop' or the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop'. Hikers have options such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. You can find more details and routes on the Running Trails around Cady and Hiking around Cady guide pages.
Can I go road cycling near the attractions in Cady?
Absolutely! There are several road cycling routes that allow you to explore the scenic areas around Cady's attractions. Popular options include the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' and the 'Tully Castle Ruins – The Big Tree loop from Heron Island'. These routes offer a great way to see the landscape and historical sites. For more cycling routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Cady guide.
What is unique about the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. Standing about 70cm high, they are notable for being Janus-faced, meaning they originally had a face carved on both the front and back. The simpler figure is thought to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility, making them significant archaeological finds.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale. It played a significant role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 when it was captured by Rory Maguire. Although it was repaired and inhabited again, it was eventually burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. Perched on a forest clifftop, its ruins offer a tangible link to 17th-century life and conflict.
Are there any attractions related to World War II in Cady?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings have a strong connection to World War II. During the war, Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 personnel. These buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to highlight the area's historical use during the war.
What can I expect to see at Tully Castle Ruins?
At Tully Castle Ruins, you'll find the remains of a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. The castle has a dramatic history, having been attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641, after which it was never inhabited again. There's also a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby, which provides an exhibition detailing local stories related to the castle's past.
What are the notable features of Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones?
The graveyard at Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones contains several historically significant stones. The most noted is the Bishops stone, an oddly shaped stone believed to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another large slab features at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab with a Greek cross carved on its reverse side. A holed stone and a broken pillar are also present, adding to the site's ancient mystique.
Is there a specific 'Cady' that this guide focuses on, given the name appears in different regions?
This guide specifically focuses on the 'Cady' region that features historical sites like the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, Old Castle Archdale, and Tully Castle Ruins, which are located in a historical context often associated with Ireland/Northern Ireland. While the name 'Cady' appears in other contexts globally (e.g., California, Florida), the attractions and routes detailed here pertain to this particular historical area.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Cady?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the opportunity to step back in time. For instance, at Old Castle Archdale, many enjoy imagining life hundreds of years ago while wandering its crumbling walls. The unique nature of the Janus Stones and the compelling stories told at the Tully Castle Ruins visitor's centre are also highly valued for their insights into the region's past.
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