Attractions and Places To See around Agharainy - Top 17
Attractions and places to see around Agharainy feature a landscape rich in historical sites and natural beauty. The region offers a variety of historical castles, ancient monuments, and forested areas. Visitors can explore sites dating back centuries, providing insight into the area's past. Agharainy is characterized by its historical landmarks and serene natural settings.
Best attractions and places to see around Agharainy
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring two pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. These unique stone carvings are located in the Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island.
- Another must-see spot is Old Castle Archdale, a historical castle situated on Castle Hill within a large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. This castle, built in the 1600s, was the main castle on its former estate before its successor took its place.
- Visitors also love Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn set on Tully Point. Built for Sir John Hume, the castle was attacked and burned in 1641 and was not lived in again.
- Agharainy is known for its historical castles, ancient monuments, and forested areas. The region offers a variety of historical sites and natural settings to see and explore.
- The attractions around Agharainy are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and over 10 photos shared.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
A visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle.
(discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
Highlight • Monument
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
Highlight • Monument
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.
megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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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 historical sites can I explore around Agharainy?
Agharainy is rich in historical sites. You can visit the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. Explore the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop, or the fortified Tully Castle Ruins, which has a visitor's centre detailing its history.
Are there any ancient monuments or religious sites to visit?
Yes, beyond the Janus Stones, you can discover Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features several interesting stones, including the noted Bishops stone, a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, and a holed stone, offering a glimpse into early Christian history.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the Agharainy region?
The region around Agharainy is characterized by serene natural settings and forested areas. While specific natural monuments are not detailed, the historical sites like Old Castle Archdale are situated within large coniferous and mixed broadleaved forests, offering scenic surroundings for exploration.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Agharainy?
Absolutely. Both the Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle offers a visitor's centre with local stories, while the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, a former WWII base, sometimes host exhibitions that can be engaging for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Many attractions are integrated with outdoor opportunities. For instance, you can find easy hiking trails around Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins. There are also various hiking and running routes available in the wider Agharainy area. You can explore options like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. For more details, check the hiking guide or the running trails guide for Agharainy.
Are there easy hiking trails near the attractions?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. For example, near Old Castle Archdale, you can find routes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Castle Archdale loop'. Near Tully Castle Ruins, there's an easy 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. These trails are perfect for a leisurely exploration of the historical sites and their natural surroundings. Find more options in the easy hikes guide for Agharainy.
How long does it typically take to visit the main attractions?
The time required varies by attraction. For sites like the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a visit might take less than an hour. Exploring castle ruins such as Old Castle Archdale or Tully Castle Ruins, especially if combined with a walk around the grounds or a visit to their respective visitor centres, could take 1-2 hours each.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Agharainy?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. Many enjoy imagining life centuries ago while wandering the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, perched atop a cliff. The unique Janus Stones also captivate with their ancient mystery. The overall appeal lies in the historical landmarks set within serene natural environments.
Is there parking available for these attractions?
While specific parking details for each highlight are not provided, historical sites and popular attractions typically offer designated parking areas or are accessible from nearby public parking. It is advisable to check local signage upon arrival or consult specific attraction websites for the most current parking information.
What is the best time to visit Agharainy's attractions?
The best time to visit Agharainy's attractions generally depends on your preference for weather and outdoor activities. Spring and summer offer milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring historical sites and enjoying walks in the forested areas. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter visits might be quieter but require appropriate clothing for colder weather.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth discovering?
While the main highlights are well-regarded, exploring the specific details of sites like Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones can reveal fascinating, lesser-known historical elements such as the Bishops stone or the multiple bullaun stone. These offer a deeper dive into the region's ancient past beyond the more prominent castle ruins.
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