Attractions and Places To See around Pollaginnive - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see around Pollaginnive, Ireland, include a range of historical sites and natural features. The region is characterized by its ancient monuments, such as stone circles, and the ruins of 17th-century castles. These sites offer insights into the area's past, set within a landscape that combines historical significance with natural surroundings. Visitors can explore a variety of cultural and historical points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Pollaginnive
- The most popular attractions is…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five in the area. It dates back to 2000BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions or astronomical observations. There are 39 stones that make up the circle which are all placed around a small cairn.
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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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Drumskinny Stone Circle is one of five stone circles located in the area. Although its exact purpose isn't known, it is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations. The circle is made up of 39 stones placed around a small round cairn. Entrance to the site is free.
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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 historical sites can I explore near Pollaginnive?
Pollaginnive is rich in historical sites. You can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, featuring pre-Christian stone figures. Explore the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle, or the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre. Don't miss the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, dating back to 2000 BC.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Pollaginnive?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Tully Castle Ruins offer historical context with a visitor's centre. The ancient Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment provides an engaging outdoor experience, and the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions about their WWII history.
What kind of natural features can I see near Pollaginnive?
The region around Pollaginnive offers a blend of historical sites within natural settings. While specific natural features like lakes or viewpoints are often part of the broader landscape, attractions like Old Castle Archdale are situated on a forest clifftop, providing scenic views. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are found in an isolated graveyard on Boa Island, offering a tranquil natural environment.
Are there hiking trails near Pollaginnive's attractions?
Absolutely, there are numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore trails like the easy 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. For more options, check out the dedicated Hiking around Pollaginnive guide, which includes routes of varying difficulty.
Can I find cycling routes around Pollaginnive?
Yes, Pollaginnive offers both mountain biking and road cycling routes. For mountain biking, you can find trails like the 'Drumskinny stone circle and Lough Bradan loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop from Old Castle Archdale'. Discover more options in the MTB Trails around Pollaginnive and Road Cycling Routes around Pollaginnive guides.
What is the significance of the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. They are unique for their Janus-faced carvings (faces on both front and back). One figure is thought to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility, offering a glimpse into ancient beliefs.
What is the history behind Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale was built in 1615 by John Archdale. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. Today, its crumbling walls stand on a forest clifftop, telling a story of conflict and endurance.
What can I expect at Tully Castle Ruins?
At Tully Castle Ruins, you'll find the remains of a fortified house and bawn, built for Sir John Hume. The castle was attacked and burned in 1641 and was never inhabited again. There is also a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that provides local historical context and stories related to the castle.
What is the best time of year to visit Pollaginnive's attractions?
The best time to visit Pollaginnive's attractions is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months. The weather is typically milder and more pleasant for exploring historical sites and outdoor trails. Summer (June-August) is also popular, though it can be busier.
Are there any ancient monuments besides castles in Pollaginnive?
Yes, beyond the castles, Pollaginnive is home to the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment. This site dates back to 2000 BC and is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies, calendar functions, or astronomical observations, offering a fascinating look into prehistoric times.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Pollaginnive?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical significance of the area, from ancient stone circles to fortified houses and castle ruins. The opportunity to explore sites like the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery and the atmospheric Old Castle Archdale, often set within beautiful natural landscapes, is a major draw.
Is there parking available at the main attractions?
While specific parking details vary by site, most major attractions like Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins typically have designated parking areas nearby or within walking distance. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for the most accurate information.
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