Attractions and Places To See around Tattykeel Upper - Top 16
Best attractions and places to see around Tattykeel Upper include a variety of historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural features. The region features remnants of castles and priories, offering insights into its past. Visitors can explore significant archaeological sites, including stone circles and cairns. These diverse attractions provide opportunities for historical exploration and engagement with the local landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Tattykeel Upper
- The most popular attraction is Old Castle Archdale, a historical castle situated…
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Tattykeel Upper?
Tattykeel Upper is rich in history, offering several significant sites. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop, or the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a poignant history of attack and abandonment. Additionally, explore the ancient Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC.
Are there any ancient archaeological sites in the Tattykeel Upper area?
Yes, the region features notable archaeological sites. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is a prominent example, consisting of 39 stones arranged around a small cairn, believed to have been used for religious ceremonies or astronomical observations. You can also find Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, which include ancient carved stones like the Bishops stone and bullaun stones.
What is the significance of Killadeas Priory Church and its early Christian stones?
The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones are historically significant for their collection of ancient carved stones within the graveyard. These include the notable Bishops stone, which has been altered and reused over time, and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab. These artifacts offer a glimpse into early Christian practices and art in the region.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Tattykeel Upper?
Yes, several attractions in Tattykeel Upper are suitable for families. The Tully Castle Ruins and the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment are both marked as family-friendly, offering engaging historical exploration. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also provide a family-friendly experience, sometimes hosting exhibitions about their World War II history.
What outdoor activities can I do near Tattykeel Upper's attractions?
Near Tattykeel Upper's attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous cycling routes, including the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' and routes around Old Castle Archdale. For runners, trails like the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop' offer scenic paths. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Cycling around Tattykeel Upper and Running Trails around Tattykeel Upper.
Are there cycling routes near the historical sites?
Yes, there are several cycling routes that pass near or through areas with historical significance. For instance, the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' is an easy route, and you can find routes like 'Old Castle Archdale – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Kesh' which takes you past historical landmarks. Explore more options in the Cycling around Tattykeel Upper guide.
Can I find running trails around Tattykeel Upper?
Absolutely. Tattykeel Upper offers several running trails for various fitness levels. You can try the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick' for a more challenging run, or the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Lisnarrick' for a moderate option. Detailed information on these and other trails can be found in the Running Trails around Tattykeel Upper guide.
What natural features can I expect to see around Tattykeel Upper?
The attractions around Tattykeel Upper are often nestled within natural settings. For example, Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering scenic views and a sense of immersion in nature. The region's landscape generally features forests and clifftops, providing a picturesque backdrop to its historical sites.
What do visitors appreciate most about the attractions in Tattykeel Upper?
Visitors to Tattykeel Upper particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the atmospheric settings of the attractions. The crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, perched on a cliff amidst thick forest, allow visitors to easily imagine life centuries ago. The ancient Drumskinny Stone Circle also captivates with its mysterious past. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes, indicating a strong appreciation for the unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Are there any preserved 19th-century industrial communities nearby?
Based on the provided information, there is no specific mention of a preserved 19th-century industrial community directly within the Tattykeel Upper guide data. The attractions focus primarily on castles, priories, and ancient stone circles.
What is the history behind the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a significant role during World War II. Castle Archdale served as a major base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. These courtyard buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there. Sometimes, exhibitions are held in these courtyards to display key historical notes about the area's wartime use.
Are there any road cycling routes available in the Tattykeel Upper area?
Yes, road cyclists can explore several routes around Tattykeel Upper. Options include the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' which is an easy route, and more moderate rides like the 'Dromare and Omagh loop from Irvinestown'. For a comprehensive list and details, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Tattykeel Upper guide.
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