Best attractions and places to see around Cleenishgarve Island include a range of historical sites and ancient monuments. The region features several castles and unique stone carvings, reflecting its rich past. These locations offer insights into the area's history and cultural heritage. Cleenishgarve Island provides diverse points of interest for visitors exploring its landscape.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
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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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The region offers a rich history with several notable sites. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a large forest, or the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insights into the area's World War II history.
Yes, you can discover the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. Another significant site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring ancient carved stones including the 'Bishops stone' and a bullaun stone.
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. Perched on a forest clifftop, its crumbling walls offer a glimpse into centuries past.
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse. This centre houses an exhibition that shares local stories related to the castle, which was attacked and burned in 1641.
While the region is primarily known for its historical sites, Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, offering a natural setting and clifftop views.
Yes, both Tully Castle Ruins and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle has a visitor's centre with local stories, and the Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions.
The area around Cleenishgarve Island is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find a variety of MTB trails, hiking routes, and running trails, catering to different skill levels.
Yes, there are hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Examples include the easy 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Castle Archdale loop', as well as the moderate 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from Lisnarrick'. You can find more details on the Hiking around Cleenishgarve Island guide.
For mountain biking, you can explore trails like the 'Scarplands Cycle Trail' (moderate) or the 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop' (easy). More options are available in the MTB Trails around Cleenishgarve Island guide.
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the unique ancient monuments. The komoot community has shared 13 photos and given 12 upvotes, highlighting the appeal of exploring sites like the Janus Stones and the various castles and ruins.
Yes, there are several running trails. You can find moderate routes like the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Lisnarrick' or more challenging options such as the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick'. Consult the Running Trails around Cleenishgarve Island guide for more details.
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings served as a major base during World War II, housing up to 2,500 people, primarily RAF fighters. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to showcase the area's wartime history.


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