Attractions and Places To See around Drumwhinny - Top 17
Attractions and places to see around Drumwhinny include a variety of historical landmarks, ancient cultural sites, and points of interest. The region offers 17 hidden gems for exploration, ranging from castle ruins to unique stone monuments. Visitors can discover sites that reflect the area's past and its distinct heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Drumwhinny
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument that features two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age stone figures.…
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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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 Drumwhinny?
Drumwhinny is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house burned in 1641 with a visitor's center detailing its past. Another significant site is Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s and located on a forest clifftop. Don't miss the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring the notable 'Bishops stone' and other ancient carvings.
Are there any ancient cultural sites or monuments in the Drumwhinny area?
Yes, Drumwhinny is home to unique ancient cultural sites. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a must-see, featuring two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. These figures, originally Janus-faced, stand within the secluded Caldragh graveyard. Additionally, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a glimpse into early Christian heritage with intriguing carved stones.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the attractions in Drumwhinny?
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities near Drumwhinny's attractions. For hiking, explore easy routes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle trails such as the 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop'. Runners have options like the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the easy hikes, MTB trails, and running trails guides around Drumwhinny.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Drumwhinny?
Several attractions around Drumwhinny are suitable for families. The Tully Castle Ruins offer an engaging historical experience with a visitor's center. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, with their WWII history as a flying boat base, can also be an interesting visit for all ages, especially when exhibitions are held.
Where can I find unique historical insights into Drumwhinny's past?
For unique historical insights, visit the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings. These buildings were a central hub for RAF fighters during WWII when Castle Archdale served as a major flying boat base, accommodating up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to showcase this significant wartime history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Drumwhinny?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and unique cultural heritage of Drumwhinny. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are highly popular, as are the historical castle ruins like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins. The community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical significance of these sites.
Are there any easy hiking trails near Drumwhinny's historical sites?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails that allow you to explore the historical sites. For instance, you can take the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route, which is an easy 4.6 km hike. Another option is the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island', an easy 2 km walk. These trails are perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. Find more options in the easy hikes around Drumwhinny guide.
Can I visit the site of a former WWII flying boat base in Drumwhinny?
Yes, you can visit the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings. During World War II, Castle Archdale was a significant flying boat base, housing up to 2,500 people. The courtyard buildings served as a central location for the RAF fighters stationed there, offering a tangible link to this important period in history.
What is the story behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615 by John Archdale, sits on Castle Hill within a large forest. It was the primary castle on its estate before a successor was built in the 1800s. The castle was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689, leaving behind its impressive ruins.
What is the significance of the stones at Killadeas Priory Church?
The graveyard at Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones features several intriguing stones. The 'Bishops stone' is particularly notable, an unusually shaped stone believed to have originally been a carved figure, similar to those found on nearby White Island. Other stones include a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a multiple bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab, and a holed stone.
Are there any challenging mountain biking trails near Drumwhinny's attractions?
For experienced mountain bikers, the 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop' offers a challenging 66 km ride. This route provides an extensive adventure through varied terrain. You can find more details on this and other MTB trails in the MTB Trails around Drumwhinny guide.
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