Attractions and Places To See around Toms Island - Top 16
Best attractions and places to see around Toms Island include a variety of historical sites and ancient monuments. This region offers opportunities to explore significant historical structures, such as old castles and fortified houses. Visitors can also discover unique archaeological finds, including pre-Christian stone figures and early Christian stones. The area provides insights into centuries of history, set within natural landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Toms Island
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery…
Last updated: July 6, 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 types of attractions can I find around Toms Island?
Around Toms Island, you'll discover a rich collection of historical sites and ancient monuments. These include significant historical structures like old castles and fortified houses, as well as unique archaeological finds such as pre-Christian stone figures and early Christian stones. The area offers deep insights into centuries of history, often set within natural landscapes.
Are there any ancient stone monuments to visit?
Yes, a prominent ancient monument is the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These are two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures standing in the isolated Caldragh graveyard. Another significant site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, where you can find several interesting stones, including the noted Bishops stone and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, reused as an early Christian cross slab.
What historical castles or fortified houses are there?
You can explore Old Castle Archdale, a castle built in the 1600s on Castle Hill within a large forest. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later abandoned. Another site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn on Tully Point, which was attacked and burned in 1641 and has not been inhabited since.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Toms Island?
Yes, both Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are considered family-friendly. Tully Castle offers a visitor's centre with exhibitions, and the Courtyard Buildings at Castle Archdale sometimes host exhibitions detailing the area's history during WWII.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Toms Island offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, hiking, and general cycling. For instance, there are easy road cycling loops like the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale' and several easy hiking trails, including 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island'. You can find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes around Toms Island, Hiking around Toms Island, and Cycling around Toms Island guides.
Are there easy hiking trails available?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. For example, you can enjoy the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' trail, which is about 4.6 km long, or the 'Castle Archdale loop' which is around 4.3 km. The 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island' is a shorter, easy option at about 2 km. More options are available in the Hiking around Toms Island guide.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured by the Irish during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later burnt out and abandoned in 1689 during the Williamite Wars. It sits on a forest clifftop, offering a glimpse into its dramatic past.
What is unique about the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian stone figures, approximately 70cm high, standing among modern graves. Both were originally Janus-faced, meaning they had faces on both the front and back. The simpler figure is more damaged, and it is believed to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.
Can I learn about the area's maritime history?
While the provided attractions focus more on ancient monuments and castles, the general region of Toms River, New Jersey (a different location with a similar name) has a rich maritime history, with a dedicated Seaport Society and Maritime Museum. For the specific 'Toms Island' of this guide, the focus is on land-based historical sites.
What do visitors appreciate most about the attractions around Toms Island?
Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore significant historical structures and unique archaeological finds. The sites offer a chance to step back in time and imagine life centuries ago, with the crumbling walls of castles and ancient stone figures providing a tangible connection to the past. The natural settings of these sites also add to the experience.
Are there any historical sites related to World War II?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings have a connection to WWII. During the war, 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, and sometimes exhibitions are held to showcase this historical period.
What is the significance of Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. Its significance lies in its dramatic history: it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve in 1641 by Rory Maguire, and its inhabitants were massacred. The castle was never inhabited again after this event, preserving a poignant moment in history. A visitor's centre nearby offers exhibitions about the castle's stories.
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