Attractions and Places To See around Knocks - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see around Knocks include a variety of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest. The region offers 7 hidden gems waiting to be explored, ranging from ancient ruins to serene loughs. Knocks, while known for its religious significance, also provides opportunities to discover the wider natural beauty of County Mayo.
Best attractions and places to see around Knocks
- The most popular attractions is Crom Estate Castle Ruins, a forest that features a…
Last updated: June 15, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
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Crom Estate Castle Ruins
Highlight • Forest
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Clones Round Tower
Highlight • Historical Site
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Carnmore Lough
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Lough Corry
Highlight • Lake
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Managed by the National Trust, the Crom Estate is a large nature reserve of woodlands, lake, castle ruins and islands. It is an important habitat for pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels and butterflies. There is a coffee shop at the estate and if you fancy something different you can hire a boat to explore the lough. For more details check out the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom
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This is an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland. The lough appears on your right as you travel down Carnmore Road against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest.
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This mountain lake in Doon Forest is reputed for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore. This lough provides excellent fishing from a boat also.
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The round tower in Clones was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although it would once have stood at 75 feet (23 m), the top part is now missing. Nonetheless, it is still a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. There would once have been four storeys, including a bell storey. St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower, is also an interesting place to explore with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Knocks?
Knocks is rich in history, offering several fascinating sites. You can visit Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century with an interesting graveyard. Nearby, the Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century, stands as a prominent historical landmark. Additionally, the Crom Estate Castle Ruins offer a glimpse into the past within a beautiful nature reserve.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Knocks area?
Yes, several attractions around Knocks are suitable for families. The Crom Estate Castle Ruins are located within a large nature reserve that is managed by the National Trust, offering woodlands, a lake, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, along with a coffee shop. Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a historical site, is also considered family-friendly and is free to visit.
Where can I experience natural beauty and scenic views around Knocks?
For natural beauty, you can visit Carnmore Lough, which offers an extraordinarily wild and scenic viewpoint against a backdrop of vibrant green coniferous forest. Lough Corry, a mountain lake in Doon Forest, is also a beautiful spot, particularly known for brown trout fishing. The Crom Estate Castle Ruins are set within a large nature reserve with woodlands and a lake, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Knocks area offers various outdoor activities, especially cycling. You can explore numerous routes, such as the 'Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones' or the 'Kilgarrow Lough – Killymackan Lough loop from Clogher'. For more options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Knocks guide or the Cycling around Knocks guide.
Are there opportunities for walking or hiking near Knocks attractions?
While specific hiking trails directly at the attractions are not detailed, the region's natural landscapes, such as the woodlands at Crom Estate Castle Ruins and the scenic areas around Carnmore Lough and Lough Corry, provide pleasant environments for walks and exploration. The wider County Mayo area is known for its natural beauty and is popular with hikers.
What is unique about the Crom Estate Castle Ruins?
The Crom Estate Castle Ruins are unique because they are part of a large nature reserve managed by the National Trust. This estate features extensive woodlands, a lake, and is an important habitat for various wildlife, including pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels, and butterflies. You can also hire a boat to explore the lough.
Can I visit the Clones 'Wee' Abbey and Clones Round Tower together?
Yes, Clones 'Wee' Abbey and Clones Round Tower are located in close proximity in Clones, making it easy to visit both historical sites together. The abbey is free to access at any time, and the round tower is a prominent feature in the same area, surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard.
Is there fishing available at any of the lakes around Knocks?
Yes, Lough Corry, a mountain lake in Doon Forest, is reputed for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore or fish from a boat.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Crom Estate?
The Crom Estate is an important habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors might spot pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels, and numerous species of butterflies within its woodlands and nature reserve.
Are there any viewpoints for photography around Knocks?
Absolutely. Carnmore Lough is highlighted as an extraordinarily wild and scenic viewpoint, offering picturesque views of the lough against a backdrop of green coniferous forest, making it an excellent spot for photography.
What is the history behind Clones 'Wee' Abbey?
Clones 'Wee' Abbey is a ruined monastery that dates back to the 12th century, though the original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. It suffered destruction by fire multiple times throughout its history and was further impacted during the suppression of monasteries in the 16th century. Today, you can explore its crumbling walls and historic graveyard.
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