Attractions and Places To See around Rabbit Island - Top 17
Attractions and places to see around Rabbit Island include historical sites and natural monuments. This region features a diverse landscape with forests and historical ruins. Visitors can explore ancient castles and unique stone carvings that reflect the area's rich past.
Best attractions and places to see around Rabbit Island
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument that features two pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. These unique carvings are Janus-faced and stand among modern…
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Tips from the Community
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 historical sites can I explore around Rabbit Island?
The region is rich in history. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a vast forest, or the poignant Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its dramatic past. Don't miss the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which played a significant role during WWII.
Are there any unique ancient monuments or carvings to see?
Yes, the area features distinctive ancient monuments. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a must-see, featuring two pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. Additionally, Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a collection of historical stones, including the notable Bishops stone and a bullaun stone.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Rabbit Island offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop', or explore cycling routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. For a more relaxed pace, there are easy hikes available, including the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island'. You can find more details on these activities in the running trails guide, cycling guide, and easy hikes guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Rabbit Island?
Absolutely. Both Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are marked as family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre that can engage younger visitors with local stories, while the Courtyard Buildings offer historical insights into their WWII past.
What are the difficulty levels of walking trails near the attractions?
Walking trails vary in difficulty. For instance, the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' is an easy hike, perfect for beginners. Other routes, like the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop', are considered moderate. More challenging options, such as the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop', are also available for experienced hikers. Always check the specific route details for the most accurate difficulty rating.
What natural features can I expect to see when visiting the historical sites?
Many historical sites are nestled within beautiful natural settings. For example, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a clifftop within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering scenic views and opportunities to enjoy nature alongside history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Rabbit Island?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the unique ancient monuments. The crumbling castle walls of Old Castle Archdale and the distinctive Janus Stones are frequently highlighted. The community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes, indicating a strong appreciation for the area's historical and cultural depth.
Are there any cycling routes that pass by these attractions?
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the area. Routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' and the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop' offer opportunities to cycle near some of the historical sites. You can find more detailed cycling routes in the cycling guide for the region.
Can I learn about the local history at the attractions?
Definitely. The Tully Castle Ruins feature a dedicated visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse, which houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle's history. The tips for Old Castle Archdale also provide extensive historical context about its construction, sieges, and abandonment.
What kind of religious sites or ancient stones are present?
Beyond the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, you can explore Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features several interesting stones in its graveyard, including the Bishops stone, a bullaun stone with cup-shaped hollows, and a holed stone, all offering a glimpse into early Christian and pre-Christian practices.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots near the attractions?
While not explicitly listed as dedicated viewpoints, Old Castle Archdale is perched on a clifftop within a forest, offering natural scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Exploring the trails around these historical sites will naturally lead to picturesque spots.
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