Attractions and Places To See around Aghamore - Top 10
Best attractions and places to see around Aghamore include archaeological sites, lakes, and peatlands. This rural village in eastern County Mayo, Ireland, offers insights into traditional Irish culture and history. The area features several small lakes and bogland, characteristic of the Irish landscape, alongside ancient ringforts and souterrains. Aghamore serves as a base for exploring both local historical sites and the wider natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see around Aghamore
- The most popular attractions is Lower Lough MacNean…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Lower Lough MacNean
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Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall
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Carrick Lough
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Monea Castle Ruins
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Gravel Path by the Lake
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Tips from the Community
Wonderful rolling gravel riding through the Culeigh Lakelands Global Unesco Geopark. You'll cut through dense woodland and traverse more open spaces with far reaching views on a clear day.
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Would not regard the Sligo Road from Enniskillen to Belcoo as a cycle friendly road. Extremely poor surface for considerable stretches, very bendy in places too. I live in Enniskillen; have cycled it but would avoid it if at all possible. Cycling via Five Points , on Swanlinbar Road; then via old rail line from old Letterbreen railway station towards Lough MacNean ; or take road from Five Points towards Gortatole is a far more pleasant and safer option.
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"continual slur on Irish caving" It's actually only a few hundred metres is accessible and it's total length is thought to be 2km. No where near the longest cave in Ireland. Consider a trip in only if well equipped with a good light and helmet. Alternatively/also consider visiting McKenzies back lounge just down the road. A much drier watering hole. ;)
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Pollnagollum Cave (meaning Hole of the Dove) is the longest cave system in Ireland. The cave system is complex and fascinating and is fed by a tumbling waterfall that topples off a limestone cliff. Watch your stepping here as rocks can be unstable and slippery, and don't forget your camera for some awesome shots.
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Fairly accessible but not wheelchair accessible. Would be very careful with small children as well
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Covering an area of 9 acres (3.7 ha), Carrick Lough is a small lake compared to some of its impressive neighbours such as Lough Erne. Set amongst green countryside, the lake, although small, is still a lovely place to visit. With a thriving population of pike, perch, bream, and roach, the lake is popular with anglers. It's also home to diverse flora and fauna. The lakeshore makes for a wonderful picnic on a bike trip!
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Like many other castles in the area, Monea Castle was built during the Plantation in the 17th century, when settlers from Great Britain colonised lands in Ireland. The Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton built the castle in 1616 in a distinctly Scottish style. The castle was attacked and occupied during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and was lived in by the family of colonel Gustav Hamilton until 1704. A few decades later, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it ruined as it is today. The ruins are free to visit and open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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Lower Lough MacNean, also known as Lough Nilly, is one of two lakes that together form Lough MacNean. Around the circumference of the lake there is a 42 mile (67.6 km) sculpture trail that showcases the rich human history and diverse wildlife around the lake. Lough MacNean lies within the Marble Arch Caves Geopark which preserves the ancient landscapes. The reedbeds, fen peats, wet grasslands and wet woodland are home to diverse mammals, insects, and birds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Aghamore?
Aghamore and its surroundings offer a variety of natural beauty. You can visit Lower Lough MacNean, one of two lakes forming Lough MacNean, which features a 67.6 km sculpture trail showcasing local history and wildlife. Another notable natural site is Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall, a complex cave system fed by a tumbling waterfall. Additionally, Carrick Lough is a lovely spot for anglers and picnics, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks near Aghamore?
Yes, Aghamore is rich in history. You can explore numerous archaeological sites, including ancient ringforts, souterrains, burial mounds, and church sites that reflect the region's deep past. A significant historical landmark is Monea Castle Ruins, a 17th-century Plantation castle that was later destroyed by fire. The Aghamore Old Cemetery also offers a quiet place for reflection with gravestones centuries old. St. Patrick's Well (Tobar Crónán) and the Kilcronan Church Site are also historically important, believed to be where St. Patrick founded the first church in Mayo.
What outdoor activities are available around Aghamore?
The region around Aghamore is suitable for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, cycling, golfing, and fishing. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including those around Carrick Lough and Lower Lough MacNean. Mountain biking trails are also available, such as those found in the MTB Trails around Aghamore guide. For a more active challenge, Croagh Patrick, often called the Holy Mountain, is an option for a pilgrimage.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Aghamore area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Carrick Lough is a family-friendly spot perfect for picnics and enjoying nature. Monea Castle Ruins also welcomes families, offering an engaging historical experience. The sculpture trail around Lower Lough MacNean can also be an interesting outing for families.
What is the best time of year to visit Aghamore?
Aghamore offers a tranquil setting year-round. However, for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and exploring natural sites, the warmer and drier months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are generally most pleasant. This period provides better weather for enjoying the lakes, archaeological sites, and trails.
Can I find walking or hiking trails near Aghamore?
Yes, the area around Aghamore provides opportunities for walking and hiking. While specific hiking trails are not detailed in the immediate vicinity, the region is suitable for walking. You can explore the Gravel Path by the Lake, which offers wonderful rolling gravel riding through the Culeigh Lakelands Global Unesco Geopark, also suitable for walks. For more extensive routes, consider the various cycling guides which often include paths suitable for walking, such as those found in the Cycling around Aghamore guide.
What are some unique geological features in the Aghamore region?
The Aghamore area is characterized by several interesting geological features. The parish itself features numerous small lakes and considerable bogland, typical of the Irish landscape. Additionally, several esker ridges, such as Ballisk, are found in the broader area around Aghamore and Ballyhaunis, offering unique geological formations.
Is Knock Shrine close to Aghamore?
Yes, Knock Shrine, a major international Catholic pilgrimage site, is very close to Aghamore, just a five-minute drive away. This makes it a significant point of interest for many visitors to the area.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted around Aghamore's natural attractions?
The natural areas around Aghamore, particularly the lakes and peatlands, are home to diverse wildlife. Carrick Lough, for instance, is known for its thriving fish population including pike, perch, bream, and roach, and is surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. The reedbeds, fen peats, wet grasslands, and wet woodland around Lower Lough MacNean also support a variety of mammals, insects, and birds.
Are there any specific tips for visiting Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall?
When visiting Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall, it's important to watch your footing as rocks can be unstable and slippery. While fairly accessible, it is not wheelchair accessible, and caution is advised with small children. If you plan to venture into the cave, it's recommended to be well-equipped with a good light and helmet.
What is the significance of Monea Castle Ruins?
Monea Castle Ruins is a significant 17th-century castle built during the Plantation period by the Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton. It was constructed in a distinct Scottish style and played a role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Although much of it was destroyed by fire in the 18th century, its ruins stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history. The ruins are free to visit and open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Most popular attractions around Aghamore
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