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Drumbo

Attractions and Places To See around Drumbo - Top 16

Attractions and places to see around Drumbo, a village in County Down, Northern Ireland, blend historical landmarks with natural beauty. It is situated on the southern edge of the Lagan Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a picturesque setting. The area is known for its ancient past, including religious foundations and historical sites. Visitors can explore a variety of cultural and natural features.

Best attractions and places to see around Drumbo

  • The most popular attraction is Old Castle Archdaleโ€ฆ

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Old Castle Archdale

Highlight โ€ข Forest

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 โ€ฆ

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Tully Castle Ruins

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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 โ€ฆ

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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 โ€ฆ

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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings

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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 โ€ฆ

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Devenish Monastic Site

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Devenish Monastic Site is generally considered to be the most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements. Devenish was founded in the 6th century by St Molaise. It was โ€ฆ

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christian427
September 6, 2023, Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones

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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Devenish Monastic Site is generally considered to be the most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements. Devenish was founded in the 6th century by St Molaise. It was raided by Vikings in 837 and burned in 1157, but in the Middle Ages flourished as the site of a parish church and St Mary's Augustinian Priory. There are extensive low earthworks on the hillside, but the earliest buildings are St Molaise's House (a very small church) and the fine round tower close by, both with striking Romanesque decorations from the 12th century. Teampull Mรณr, the lower church, dates from the early 13th century and has a beautifully moulded south window. It was extended to the east in about 1300, while later additions include a residential wing to the north and the Maguire Chapel to the south, with 17th century heraldic slabs. St Mary's Augustinian Priory on the hilltop dates from the middle 15th and early 16th centuries, with church, tower and small north cloister. In its graveyard stands an unusual, intricately-carved cross of the middle 15th century. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devenish_Island - https://web.archive.org/web/20120224043140/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=746

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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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Alex
January 18, 2023, Old Castle Archdale

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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Alex
January 18, 2023, Tully Castle Ruins

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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Amy
March 10, 2021, Old Castle Archdale

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical landmarks can I explore in Drumbo?

Drumbo is rich in history, featuring the significant Drumbo Round Tower, one of the oldest religious foundations in Ireland and the only remaining intact round tower in County Down. You can also see the historic Drumbo Presbyterian Church and a distinctive wrought iron pump in the village heart. Further afield, you can visit sites like Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century forest castle, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre telling local stories.

Are there any ancient religious sites near Drumbo?

Yes, Drumbo itself is home to the historic Drumbo Round Tower, built on the site of an early monastery. Nearby, you can explore Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, known for its unique 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows. Another significant site is Devenish Monastic Site, founded in the 6th century by St. Molaise, featuring a fine round tower and extensive ruins.

Where can I find natural beauty and scenic views around Drumbo?

Drumbo is situated on the southern edge of the Lagan Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a picturesque setting. The elevated position of the Drumbo Round Tower provides panoramic views over the Lagan Valley, showcasing the scenic drumlin country of County Down. This area is ideal for enjoying the natural environment.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Drumbo area?

Yes, several attractions near Drumbo are suitable for families. Tully Castle Ruins offers a visitor's centre that tells local stories, making history engaging for all ages. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings sometimes host exhibitions, providing an educational and family-friendly experience.

What kind of outdoor activities are available near Drumbo's attractions?

The area around Drumbo offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Old Castle Archdale โ€“ Rossmore Point Beacon loop'. There are also easy hikes like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' and 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. For cyclists, road cycling routes like the 'Dromare and Omagh loop' are available. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Drumbo, Easy hikes around Drumbo, and Road Cycling Routes around Drumbo guides.

Are there hiking opportunities around Drumbo?

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can enjoy easy hikes such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle'. These trails offer a chance to explore the natural beauty and historical sites of the region. For more options, refer to the Easy hikes around Drumbo guide.

Can I go running near Drumbo?

Absolutely. The area provides various running trails, including moderate to difficult options like the 'Old Castle Archdale โ€“ Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick' and easier routes such as the 'Running loop from Randalshough'. These trails allow you to experience the scenic landscape while exercising. Discover more in the Running Trails around Drumbo guide.

Are there road cycling routes in the Drumbo area?

Yes, road cyclists can find several routes around Drumbo. Options include moderate routes like the 'Dromare and Omagh loop from Irvinestown' and the 'Enniskillen Castle loop'. These routes offer varying distances to explore the wider region by bike. For detailed information, check the Road Cycling Routes around Drumbo guide.

Are there accessible or dog-friendly options for walks near Drumbo?

While specific accessibility details for all walks are not provided, many natural areas and forest parks often have paths suitable for various abilities. For dog-friendly options, many outdoor trails and natural spaces, such as those within the Lagan Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are generally welcoming to dogs, provided they are kept under control. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

When is the best time to visit Drumbo for outdoor activities?

The best time to visit Drumbo for outdoor activities generally aligns with milder weather. Spring and summer offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, running, and cycling, with longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. While specific seasonal data is not available, avoiding the colder, wetter winter months would typically enhance your outdoor experience.

What unique historical features can I find in Drumbo village itself?

Beyond the prominent Drumbo Round Tower, the village of Drumbo features a distinctive wrought iron pump with a double wheel crank, which serves as a central feature at a road junction. This, along with the Drumbo Presbyterian Church and the foundations of a medieval parish church in its graveyard, offers a glimpse into the village's long history.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Drumbo?

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The ancient ruins and religious sites, such as Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins, offer a deep dive into the region's past. The scenic views over the Lagan Valley and the opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and running are also highly valued by the komoot community.

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