Attractions and Places To See around Drumsara - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see around Drumsara include a collection of historical sites, ancient castles, and significant religious monuments. The region features a landscape rich in history, with structures dating back to the 17th century and earlier. Visitors can explore remnants of fortified houses, priory churches, and castle ruins, often set within forested areas. This area offers insights into historical events and architectural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Drumsara
- The most popular attractions is Old Castle…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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Necarne Castle
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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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The route is only for walking, not much sightseeing, very interesting horse farm. Free parking.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I explore around Drumsara?
The Drumsara area is rich in historical sites, primarily featuring remnants of fortified houses, priory churches, and castle ruins. You can delve into the history of structures dating back to the 17th century, offering insights into historical events like the Irish Rebellion and Williamite Wars. Notable sites include Old Castle Archdale, Necarne Castle, and Tully Castle Ruins.
Are there any castles to visit near Drumsara?
Yes, the Drumsara area features several significant castle ruins. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle built on a clifftop, which played a role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another option is Necarne Castle (formerly Irvine Castle), which served as a military hospital during WWII. Additionally, Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house and bawn, offers a visitor's centre detailing local stories.
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 by Rory Maguire and later burnt out and abandoned during the Williamite Wars in 1689. Today, its crumbling walls stand on a forest clifftop, offering a glimpse into its tumultuous past.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Drumsara?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly. It features a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse that houses an exhibition telling local stories related to the castle, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
What are the notable features of Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones?
Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones features a graveyard with several interesting historical stones. The most noted is the 'Bishops stone,' which has been altered and reused multiple times. Another significant stone is a large slab bearing at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab. A holed stone and a broken stone pillar are also present.
What is the significance of Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings?
The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings played a crucial role during WWII, serving as a central location for the RAF fighters stationed at Castle Archdale, which was a major flying boat base housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held in these courtyards to display key historical notes from the war period.
Are there easy walking or hiking trails near Drumsara's attractions?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options around Drumsara. You can explore trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' (4.6 km), 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle' (5.2 km), or the 'Castle Archdale loop' (4.2 km). For more options, you can check the Easy hikes around Drumsara guide.
What outdoor activities are available around Drumsara?
Beyond exploring historical sites, Drumsara offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, jogging, and road cycling. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Easy hikes around Drumsara, Running Trails around Drumsara, and Road Cycling Routes around Drumsara guides.
Are there options for road cycling near Drumsara?
Absolutely. The Drumsara area offers several road cycling routes. Examples include the 'Dromare and Omagh loop from Irvinestown' (approx. 89.7 km) or the 'Celtic Crosses Cemetery – Racecourse Lough loop from Irvinestown' (approx. 45.7 km). You can find more routes and details in the Road Cycling Routes around Drumsara guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Drumsara?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and the opportunity to explore ancient ruins. The sense of stepping back in time while wandering through sites like Old Castle Archdale's crumbling walls or learning local stories at Tully Castle Ruins is often highlighted. The area's blend of history and natural settings, like forests and clifftops, also contributes to a unique experience.
Can I find running trails around Drumsara?
Yes, there are various running trails available near Drumsara. Options range from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Lisnarrick' (approx. 6.9 km) or the longer 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick' (approx. 16 km). For a comprehensive list, refer to the Running Trails around Drumsara guide.
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