Attractions and Places To See around Knappagh - Top 6
Best attractions and places to see around Knappagh include a variety of historical sites, natural landscapes, and tranquil loughs. This region offers 6 hidden gems for exploration, catering to those interested in both cultural heritage and outdoor activities. Visitors can discover ancient ruins, prominent historical monuments, and scenic lake views within the area.
Best attractions and places to see around Knappagh
- The most popular attractions is Carnmore Lough, a viewpoint that offers a wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland. The lough is visible from Carnmore Road, set against a backdrop of coniferous forest.
- Another must-see spot is Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a religious building known locally as the "Wee Abbey", a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The site features crumbling walls and an interesting graveyard, accessible at any time.
- Visitors also love Clones Round Tower, a historical site originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although the top part is missing, it remains a prominent feature on Clones' skyline, surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard.
- Knappagh is known for historical sites, religious buildings, and natural viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to scenic loughs.
- The attractions around Knappagh are appreciated by the komoot community. There are 3 upvotes and 3 photos available for the highlights in this guide.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
Clones 'Wee' Abbey
Highlight • Religious Site
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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Clones Round Tower
Highlight • Historical Site
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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Carnmore Lough
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Lough Corry
Highlight • Lake
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Popular around Knappagh
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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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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 Knappagh?
Knappagh is rich in history. You can visit Clones 'Wee' Abbey, a ruined monastery from the 12th century with an interesting graveyard. Nearby, the Clones Round Tower, originally built around the 10th century, stands as a prominent feature on the skyline, surrounded by St Tierney's graveyard.
Are there any natural viewpoints or scenic spots in the Knappagh area?
Yes, for stunning natural beauty, head to Carnmore Lough. It offers an extraordinarily wild and scenic part of Northern Ireland, visible from Carnmore Road against a backdrop of coniferous forest.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Knappagh's attractions?
The area around Knappagh is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes, including the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail' and several loops around Clones. Explore options like the 'Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop' or the 'Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop'. For more details on these and other cycling routes, check out the Cycling around Knappagh and Road Cycling Routes around Knappagh guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Knappagh region?
Absolutely. Clones 'Wee' Abbey is considered family-friendly. Its crumbling walls and historic graveyard offer an engaging experience for all ages, allowing families to explore ancient ruins and learn about local history together.
Where can I find lakes or water features around Knappagh?
Beyond Carnmore Lough, you can also visit Lough Corry. This mountain lake in Doon Forest is known for its serene environment and is reputed for good brown trout fishing.
What do visitors enjoy most about the historical sites in Knappagh?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and atmospheric ruins. At Clones 'Wee' Abbey, people enjoy exploring the ancient monastery's crumbling walls and the interesting graveyard. The Clones Round Tower is admired for its historical significance and its prominent place on the town's skyline, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Are there any easy cycling routes suitable for beginners near Knappagh?
Yes, there are several easy cycling routes. For instance, the 'Clones 'Wee' Abbey – Clones Round Tower loop from Newtownbutler' is rated as easy, as is the 'Creighton Hotel – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones'. You can find more easy options in the Road Cycling Routes around Knappagh guide.
Can I go fishing in any of the loughs around Knappagh?
Yes, Lough Corry is particularly noted for good brown trout fishing. Anglers can wade on one side of the shore or fish from a boat.
What is the best way to experience the natural beauty of Carnmore Lough?
The best way to experience Carnmore Lough is by traveling down Carnmore Road, where the lough becomes visible on your right, set against a vibrant green coniferous forest. It offers a truly wild and scenic vista of Northern Ireland.
What makes Clones 'Wee' Abbey a significant historical site?
Clones 'Wee' Abbey is significant because it's a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century, with its origins as early as the 6th century. It has a tumultuous history, having been destroyed by fire multiple times and suffering during the suppression of monasteries, yet its ruins still stand today, offering a tangible link to centuries of religious and local history.
Are there any moderate or difficult cycling challenges near Knappagh?
For those seeking more challenging rides, there are moderate and difficult cycling routes available. Examples include the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse (Ride 6)' which is moderate, and a 'Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones' that is rated difficult. More options can be found in the Cycling around Knappagh guide.
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