Best attractions and places to see around Clonalig offer a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. This area features ancient landmarks, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historical sites like 13th-century castles and ancient graveyards, alongside tranquil natural features such as rolling hills and loughs. The region provides opportunities to experience the Irish countryside.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Popular around Clonalig
Unfortunately, the castle was under scaffolding at the time of our visit.
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Along Glasdrumman Lough you walk along a calm body of water surrounded by green hills. The lake lies still and reflects the blue sky while the gentle waves break the sunlight. On one side of the road there is a sign telling you about the Poets' Trail - a hiking trail that shares not only the nature but also the history of this region with you. The information board tells you about the nearby O'Neill Castle, of which only ruins remain today. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of old Irish poems and legends that have their place along this trail. It is a place where nature and culture meet.
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This section of Lough Road crosses the Cloverhill Golf Course, which you can catch glimpses of at certain points above the side bushes, with Slieve Gullion in the background.
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Due to its privileged location, this incredible Anglo-Norman castle can be seen from miles around. It is believed to have been built in the first half of the 13th century by Lady Rohesia de Verdun after her husband's death. According to legend, she promised to marry the architect who built her a castle in Roche. When this happened and the architect claimed her hand, she threw him from one of the windows, which is known as the 'murder window.'
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Next to this part of the road, you can clearly observe Glasdrumman Lough. On one side of the road, there is also an information panel about the Poets Trail, which passes through here, explaining the history of O'Neill Castle.
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On the picturesque Glendesha Road, off the well-known Carriver Road, a piece of typically Irish paradise opens up to you. You will be surrounded by rolling green hills that stretch on both sides of the road, creating a peaceful backdrop that pleases the eye and soothes the soul. This area is characterized by its characteristic Irish country roads, which wind like silver ribbons through the lush greenery. Hill after hill is lined up one after the other, each of them telling its own story, shaped by wind, weather and time. Every now and then you can discover old stone walls or peacefully grazing flocks of sheep, which complete the picture of an untouched, rural idyll. The wind carries soft songs from the woods, and if you pause you can hear the melodic chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves. The air is fresh and clear, with hints of earth and the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers. The area invites you to linger, take a deep breath and allow yourself to be captured by the natural beauty and tranquility of this landscape. Every step along Glendesha Road is a pleasure, a discovery and a celebration of the beauty of Irish nature.
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Urney Graveyard is the location where Irish poet, songwriter, and teacher, Peadar Ó Doirnín was buried. Peadar was around in the 18th century however his poems were largely recognised in the 19th and 20th century. His famous poem Mná na hÉireann was composed by Seán Ó Riada and recorded by a number of 20th century artists including Kate Bush and Sinéad O'Connor. The graveyard has some interesting local legends attached to it, including that if you are buried in this graveyard you immediately go to heaven.
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Clonalig and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore Castle Roche, an Anglo-Norman castle from the 13th century with fascinating local legends. Another significant site is Urney Graveyard, the resting place of 18th-century Irish poet Peadar Ó Doirnín, also known for its unique local folklore. A short distance away in Clones, County Monaghan, you can find the historic Clones Round Tower and Celtic Cross, both dating back to the 10th century, and the remains of Clones Abbey.
Yes, the area boasts several picturesque natural features. The Glendesha Road Country Lanes and Rolling Hills offer a quintessential Irish landscape with lush green hills, old stone walls, and grazing sheep, providing a peaceful and scenic backdrop. You can also enjoy views of Glasdrumman Lough, a calm body of water surrounded by green hills, which is part of the Poets Trail.
Beyond exploring the attractions, the Clonalig area is excellent for outdoor activities, particularly road cycling. You can find various routes, such as the Cashel Lough Lower loop or the Blayney Castle loop. For more details and route options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Clonalig guide.
Absolutely. The Glendesha Road Country Lanes and Rolling Hills offer gentle, scenic walks suitable for families. Additionally, Glasdrumman Lough provides a tranquil setting for a family stroll along the water, with an information panel about the Poets Trail that can spark interest in local history and nature.
Urney Graveyard is historically significant as the burial site of Peadar Ó Doirnín, an influential 18th-century Irish poet, songwriter, and teacher. His famous poem, "Mná na hÉireann," was later composed by Seán Ó Riada and recorded by renowned artists like Kate Bush and Sinéad O'Connor. The graveyard is also associated with local legends, including the belief that those buried there immediately go to heaven.
Yes, along Lough Road, you can catch glimpses of Cloverhill Golf Course. From certain points, you can also see the majestic Slieve Gullion in the background, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a unique geological landform.
Castle Roche is an Anglo-Norman castle built in the early 13th century by Lady Rohesia de Verdun. Legend has it that Lady Rohesia promised to marry the architect who built the castle, only to throw him from a window—known as the 'murder window'—once it was completed. Its strategic location makes it visible from miles around.
Yes, the area around Glasdrumman Lough is part of the Poets Trail. This trail not only offers beautiful natural scenery but also shares the history of the region, including information about the nearby O'Neill Castle ruins, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in old Irish poems and legends.
The Glendesha Road Country Lanes and Rolling Hills are special for their untouched rural idyll. The characteristic Irish country roads wind through lush greenery, flanked by rolling hills, old stone walls, and peacefully grazing sheep. The fresh, clear air and the scent of wildflowers invite visitors to linger and appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility.
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The ancient landmarks like Castle Roche and Urney Graveyard offer a deep dive into Irish heritage, while the serene landscapes of Glendesha Road and Glasdrumman Lough provide peaceful escapes and scenic views. The komoot community has shared 23 photos and given 3 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and enjoyable experiences.
Yes, a short distance from Clonalig, in Clones, County Monaghan, you can find significant cultural sites. These include the 10th-century Clones Round Tower, which originally stood almost 23 meters high, and a 10th-century Celtic Cross on the Diamond, believed to be among the remains of a monastery founded by St. Tighernach in the sixth century. The cross's shaft depicts various biblical scenes.


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