Attractions and Places To See around Mount Darby - Top 6
Best attractions and places to see around Mount Darby include a mix of historical sites, religious buildings, and natural viewpoints. The area offers opportunities to explore ancient ruins and serene natural landscapes. Visitors can discover significant historical landmarks and tranquil loughs. This region provides a diverse range of points of interest for those exploring its surroundings.
Best attractions and places to see around Mount Darby
- The most popular attractions is Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a religious building that is a…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
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Clones Round Tower
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Carnmore Lough
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Lough Corry
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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This is an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland. The lough appears on your right as you travel down Carnmore Road against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest.
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This mountain lake in Doon Forest is reputed for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore. This lough provides excellent fishing from a boat also.
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The round tower in Clones was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although it would once have stood at 75 feet (23 m), the top part is now missing. Nonetheless, it is still a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. There would once have been four storeys, including a bell storey. St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower, is also an interesting place to explore with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of attractions can I find around Mount Darby?
The area around Mount Darby offers a diverse range of attractions, including significant historical sites, religious buildings, and serene natural viewpoints. You can explore ancient ruins and tranquil loughs.
Are there any historical sites to visit near Mount Darby?
Yes, the area is rich in history. A prominent historical site is the Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Another significant site is Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century that has a fascinating history of destruction and rebuilding.
What natural features or viewpoints are worth seeing?
For natural beauty, you can visit Carnmore Lough, an extraordinarily wild and scenic viewpoint set against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest. Another beautiful spot is Lough Corry, a mountain lake in Doon Forest known for brown trout fishing.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Mount Darby area?
Yes, Clones 'Wee' Abbey is considered a family-friendly attraction, offering an interesting historical experience for all ages to explore its crumbling walls and graveyard.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region around Mount Darby is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for running, cycling, and road cycling. For running, explore options like the 'Running loop from Lisnaskea' or 'Doon Forest loop from Knocks'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail' or loops around Clones. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Mount Darby guide or the Cycling around Mount Darby guide.
Are there any specific cycling routes I can take?
Absolutely. For cycling, you can try the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse (Ride 6)', which is a moderate 35.9 km route. There are also various loops starting from Clones, such as the 'Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop'. For road cycling, consider the 'Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones'. More routes are available in the Cycling around Mount Darby and Road Cycling Routes around Mount Darby guides.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Mount Darby?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The ancient ruins of Clones 'Wee' Abbey and the prominent Clones Round Tower offer a glimpse into the past, while the wild and scenic Carnmore Lough provides a tranquil escape into nature.
Can I go fishing in the lakes around Mount Darby?
Yes, Lough Corry in Doon Forest is reputed for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore or fish from a boat.
What is the difficulty level of the running routes in the area?
The running routes around Mount Darby vary in difficulty. You can find easy routes like the 'Running loop from Altawark' (3.7 km) or moderate options such as the 'Running loop from Lisnaskea' (8.1 km) and the 'Doon Forest loop from Knocks' (10 km). For more details, check the Running Trails around Mount Darby guide.
Are there any long-distance cycling trails available?
Yes, the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse (Ride 6)' is a notable long-distance option, covering approximately 35.9 kilometers and rated as moderate difficulty. There are also longer loops like the 'Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones' which is around 63.8 kilometers.
What is the historical significance of Clones 'Wee' Abbey?
The Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a ruined monastery that dates back to the 12th century, though its origins trace to St. Tigernach in the 6th century. It was destroyed by fire multiple times and suffered during the suppression of monasteries in the 16th century. Today, you can explore its crumbling walls and the interesting graveyard.
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