Attractions and Places To See around Mantlin - Top 15
Attractions and places to see around Mantlin offer a diverse range of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features ancient monuments, castle ruins, and expansive forests, providing opportunities for exploration. Mantlin is characterized by its blend of cultural heritage and outdoor environments. Visitors can discover historical structures set within scenic natural surroundings.
Best attractions and places to see around Mantlin
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, a man-made monument that features two pre-Christian, Iron…
Last updated: July 6, 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 types of historical sites can I explore around Mantlin?
Mantlin is rich in historical sites, ranging from ancient monuments to castle ruins. You can visit the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which feature pre-Christian Iron Age carvings, or explore the remains of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle with a dramatic history. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked during the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Mantlin area?
Yes, several attractions around Mantlin are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre with exhibitions detailing its history, which can be engaging for all ages. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also provide a glimpse into the area's past, including its role in WW2, and are often used for historical exhibitions. Additionally, the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment is an accessible historical site that can spark curiosity about ancient civilizations.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Mantlin's attractions?
The Mantlin region offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. You can find numerous trails that pass by or lead to these attractions. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Mantlin, Cycling around Mantlin, and MTB Trails around Mantlin guides.
Are there easy hiking trails around Mantlin?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. For example, you can enjoy the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' route, which is an easy 4.6 km hike, or the 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' trail, spanning about 5.2 km. Many of these routes are detailed in the Hiking around Mantlin guide.
Where can I find ancient monuments or archaeological sites in Mantlin?
Mantlin is home to significant ancient sites. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures located on Boa Island. Another notable site is the Drumskinny Stone Circle, Cairn and Alignment, which dates back to 2000 BC and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies or astronomical observations.
What are some scenic viewpoints in the Mantlin area?
For scenic views, consider visiting Old Castle Archdale. Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, it offers picturesque vistas of the surrounding landscape. The area's natural beauty complements its historical significance.
Can I find circular walks around Mantlin's attractions?
Yes, many of the routes around Mantlin are designed as loops, offering circular walks. For instance, the 'Castle Archdale loop' is an easy 4.2 km hike, and the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from Lisnarrick' is a moderate 12 km option. You can find more circular routes in the Hiking around Mantlin guide.
What is the historical significance of the castles around Mantlin?
The castles in Mantlin played crucial roles in the region's history. Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed during the Williamite Wars. Similarly, Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house, was attacked and burned in 1641, leading to its abandonment. These sites offer a tangible connection to Mantlin's turbulent past.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking near Mantlin's attractions?
Absolutely. The Mantlin area provides several mountain biking trails. You can explore routes like the 'Drumskinny stone circle and Lough Bradan loop' (easy, 21.5 km) or the more challenging 'Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop' (difficult, 66.4 km). For a comprehensive list, refer to the MTB Trails around Mantlin guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions in Mantlin?
Visitors appreciate the blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Many enjoy exploring the ancient and historical sites, such as the Janus Stones and the castle ruins, which offer a glimpse into the past. The scenic settings, often within forests or on clifftops, also provide a pleasant backdrop for outdoor activities and exploration.
Can I find cycling routes that pass by Mantlin's historical sites?
Yes, there are cycling routes that incorporate the region's historical sites. For example, the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' is an easy 18.6 km route. More extensive options include the 'Tully Castle Ruins – Lough Melvin loop from Heron Island' (difficult, 66 km). These and other routes are available in the Cycling around Mantlin guide.
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