Attractions and Places To See around Tullykevin - Top 10
Best attractions and places to see around Tullykevin are found within County Down, a region in Northern Ireland known for its diverse natural beauty and historical significance. Located within the Grey Abbey Electoral Division, Tullykevin serves as a gateway to exploring a wealth of sites. The area features a blend of ancient ruins, scenic loughs, and cultural landmarks, offering varied experiences for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Tullykevin
- The most popular attractions is Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop…
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Ballycopeland Windmill
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Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop
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Grey Abbey Ruins
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Tips from the Community
Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Bike parking, nice coffee and eats, friendly staff, nice view of the lough
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order.
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Lovely place to rest. There are tables arranged outside to the right of the Abbey. Grab some supplies from the shop just up the road in the village, and enjoy the atmosphere. The Abbey is open 24 / 7. Grey Abbey is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster, and was the daughter house of Holm Cultram (Cumbria). It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster. The remains, in the beautiful parkland setting of the nearby grand house of Rosemount, consist of the church with cloister and surrounding buildings to the south.
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A small visitor centre is located inside the Millers house with a Cafe onsite open to the public. Disabled access is not possible within the windmill. This is a group of traditional buildings on a sloping site with changes of level. Wheelchair users can gain access to the exhibition but may find this difficult. Some parts of the complex are inaccessible for wheelchairs. Please note: Online booking is essential. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day however cannot be guaranteed. Tours of the windmill can now be booked on the official Ballycopeland Windmill website https://www.ballycopelandwindmill.com .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions near Tullykevin?
For families, Sketrick Castle offers a chance to explore historic ruins with scenic coastal views. Nendrum Monastery Ruins provides an engaging historical experience on an island, while Ballycopeland Windmill is a unique working windmill with a visitor center. Additionally, many of the natural parks in County Down, such as Tollymore Forest Park and Castlewellan Forest Park, offer trails and activities suitable for all ages.
Are there historical sites to explore around Tullykevin?
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house, or the ancient Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a significant pre-Norman monastic site with links to St. Patrick. The Grey Abbey Ruins, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery, also offer a picturesque historical experience. Further afield in County Down, sites like Inch Abbey, Down Cathedral, and Castle Ward provide deeper insights into the region's past.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Tullykevin?
Tullykevin's location in County Down provides access to a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hikes, including routes around Mount Stewart Gardens. For cyclists, there are many road cycling routes that often include scenic stops like Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop. The region also offers running trails, and the broader County Down is known for hiking in the Mourne Mountains and water sports on Strangford Lough.
Where can I find scenic views or viewpoints?
For stunning vistas, Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop is a popular viewpoint offering scenic views across Strangford Lough. The ruins of Sketrick Castle also provide excellent coastal views. From Nendrum Monastery Ruins, you can enjoy expansive views of the Lough, especially from the park bench at the far east corner. Scrabo Tower, a prominent landmark in County Down, also offers panoramic views of the landscape.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?
While not strictly 'hidden,' Nendrum Monastery Ruins offers a uniquely tranquil and historically rich experience on Mahee Island, often described as one of the best examples of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. The site's fragments of an early sundial and traces of old salmon fisheries visible at low tide add to its distinct charm. Ballycopeland Windmill, as the only working windmill in East Down, also stands out as a special attraction.
What natural landscapes can I explore near Tullykevin?
The area around Tullykevin is characterized by the beautiful Strangford Lough, a vast sea lough ideal for birdwatching and water activities. While Tullykevin itself is a townland, it's a gateway to County Down's natural wonders. These include the majestic Mourne Mountains for hiking, Tollymore Forest Park with its lush woodlands and waterfalls, and Murlough National Nature Reserve, known for its rolling dune landscapes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Tullykevin?
Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty and historical depth of the area. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and coastal views from places like Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins. The welcoming environment and cyclist-friendly options at spots like Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop are also highly appreciated. The blend of ancient history and natural landscapes makes for a rewarding experience.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the attractions?
Yes, Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop on Sketrick Island is a popular spot, offering coffee, scones, and meals with scenic views across Strangford Lough. It's particularly popular with cyclists. Ballycopeland Windmill also has a small visitor center with a cafe on-site. Many of the villages surrounding Tullykevin and the attractions will also have local cafes and restaurants.
Can I visit the attractions year-round, or is there a best time to visit?
Many of the outdoor attractions and historical ruins, such as Sketrick Castle, Nendrum Monastery Ruins, and Grey Abbey Ruins, are open year-round. The best time to visit for pleasant weather and longer daylight hours is generally spring through autumn (April to October). However, winter walks can also be very atmospheric, especially in the forest parks and along the lough, though some visitor centers or cafes might have reduced hours.
Are there any dog-friendly walks or attractions?
Many of the natural outdoor spaces and walking trails in County Down are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a lead. Tollymore Forest Park and Castlewellan Forest Park are popular choices for walks with dogs. For specific attractions, it's always best to check individual site policies, but generally, outdoor ruins like Sketrick Castle and Grey Abbey Ruins are accessible for well-behaved dogs.
Where can I find easy hiking trails near Tullykevin?
For easy hiking, you can explore several routes listed in the easy hikes guide around Tullykevin. Options include the Boundary Walk at Mount Stewart and various loops within Mount Stewart Gardens. These trails are generally well-maintained and suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll amidst nature.
What is the significance of Strangford Lough to the area's attractions?
Strangford Lough is central to many attractions around Tullykevin. It's a vast sea lough and a designated Special Area of Conservation, making it a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for birdwatching, kayaking, and sailing. Several key attractions, such as Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop, Sketrick Castle, and Nendrum Monastery Ruins, are located directly on its shores or islands, offering beautiful views and a unique coastal experience.
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