Attractions and Places To See around Cornacrea - Top 17
Attractions and places to see around Cornacrea include historical sites and natural monuments. This region offers a variety of historical castles and ancient stone carvings set within forested landscapes. Visitors can explore sites that reflect centuries of local history and natural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Cornacrea
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument featuring pre-Christian, probably Iron Age stone figures. Both figures were originally Janus-faced, with faces on the…
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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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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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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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 around Cornacrea?
Cornacrea is rich in history, offering several significant sites. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin set on a forest clifftop, or explore the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its dramatic past. Don't miss the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, featuring pre-Christian, Iron Age figures.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in Cornacrea?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly, offering a chance to explore a historical site with a visitor's centre that tells local stories. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which served as a major WWII base, are also suitable for families and sometimes host exhibitions.
Where can I find unique ancient monuments in the region?
For unique ancient monuments, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a must-see. These pre-Christian, possibly Iron Age stone figures are distinctive. Another fascinating site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, where you can find the Bishops stone, bullaun stones, and an early Christian cross slab.
What kind of hiking trails are available around Cornacrea?
Cornacrea offers a variety of hiking trails, including easy routes suitable for beginners. You can find options like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. For more details and a selection of routes, check out the easy hikes around Cornacrea guide or the general hiking guide for the area.
Are there any mountain biking trails near Cornacrea attractions?
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails ranging from easy to difficult, such as the 'Drumskinny stone circle and Lough Bradan loop' (easy) or the more challenging 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop'. Explore these and more in the MTB Trails around Cornacrea guide.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see?
The region features forested landscapes and historical sites often situated in scenic locations. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is perched on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare forest, offering natural beauty alongside its historical significance. While specific viewpoints are not detailed for every highlight, the natural settings of these sites provide picturesque surroundings.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Cornacrea?
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the unique archaeological finds. For example, the Janus Stones are noted for their unique pre-Christian origins, and the castles like Old Castle Archdale allow visitors to imagine life centuries ago amidst crumbling walls and thick forests.
Can I visit a religious historical site in Cornacrea?
Yes, you can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features a graveyard with several interesting stones, including the Bishops stone, a bullaun stone, and an early Christian cross slab, offering a glimpse into the region's religious heritage.
Are there any historical sites related to more recent history, like WWII?
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings have a connection to WWII. During the war, Castle Archdale was a significant base for flying boats, housing up to 2,500 people. These buildings were central to the RAF personnel stationed there, and sometimes exhibitions are held to showcase this history.
What kind of landscape surrounds the historical castles in Cornacrea?
The historical castles in Cornacrea are often nestled within beautiful natural settings. For example, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a vast 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest, providing a dramatic and scenic backdrop to its ruins.
Are there any attractions that offer insight into local stories and history?
Absolutely. The Tully Castle Ruins feature a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse. This centre houses an exhibition specifically designed to tell local stories related to the castle and its history, providing deeper context to your visit.
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