Attractions and Places To See around Keadew - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Keadew, a village in County Roscommon, Ireland, is situated at the foot of the Arigna Mountains and surrounded by lakes. The area is recognized for its scenic beauty and offers a blend of historical sites, natural features, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, discover unique cave systems, and enjoy panoramic views across the landscape. Keadew provides a diverse range of outdoor and historical points of interest.
Best attractions and places to…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Tully Castle Ruins
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Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall
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View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho
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Carrick Lough
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Monea Castle Ruins
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Tips from the Community
"continual slur on Irish caving" It's actually only a few hundred metres is accessible and it's total length is thought to be 2km. No where near the longest cave in Ireland. Consider a trip in only if well equipped with a good light and helmet. Alternatively/also consider visiting McKenzies back lounge just down the road. A much drier watering hole. ;)
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Pollnagollum Cave (meaning Hole of the Dove) is the longest cave system in Ireland. The cave system is complex and fascinating and is fed by a tumbling waterfall that topples off a limestone cliff. Watch your stepping here as rocks can be unstable and slippery, and don't forget your camera for some awesome shots.
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The viewpoint at the Cliffs of Magho is sensational. Enjoy panoramic views over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean and Blue Stack mountains. Picnic benches, bins, and an information board are provided at the top.
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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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Fairly accessible but not wheelchair accessible. Would be very careful with small children as well
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Covering an area of 9 acres (3.7 ha), Carrick Lough is a small lake compared to some of its impressive neighbours such as Lough Erne. Set amongst green countryside, the lake, although small, is still a lovely place to visit. With a thriving population of pike, perch, bream, and roach, the lake is popular with anglers. It's also home to diverse flora and fauna. The lakeshore makes for a wonderful picnic on a bike trip!
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Like many other castles in the area, Monea Castle was built during the Plantation in the 17th century, when settlers from Great Britain colonised lands in Ireland. The Scottish Reverend Malcolm Hamilton built the castle in 1616 in a distinctly Scottish style. The castle was attacked and occupied during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and was lived in by the family of colonel Gustav Hamilton until 1704. A few decades later, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it ruined as it is today. The ruins are free to visit and open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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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 Keadew?
Keadew and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked in 1641, which has a visitor's center telling local stories. Another significant site is Monea Castle Ruins, built in a distinct Scottish style during the Plantation period. Additionally, the O'Carolan Heritage Park in Keadew village is dedicated to the famous harpist Turlough O'Carolan, and Kilronan Abbey (Kilronan Cemetery) is his burial place.
Are there any natural wonders or scenic viewpoints to visit near Keadew?
Absolutely. The View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho offers sensational panoramic views over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean and Blue Stack mountains, complete with picnic benches. You can also explore Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall, a fascinating cave system fed by a tumbling waterfall, considered one of Ireland's longest. For a tranquil experience, Lough Meelagh features a jetty, picnic area, and signed walking trails.
What outdoor activities, like hiking, are available around Keadew?
The Keadew area offers a variety of hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes, such as the 'Cliffs of Magho loop' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. For more challenging routes, consider 'Cliffs of Magho via Old Man's Head'. Many trails offer scenic views of the Arigna Mountains and local lakes. For detailed routes and more options, check out the Hiking around Keadew guide or the Easy hikes around Keadew guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Keadew?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho is family-friendly with picnic benches. Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins offer historical exploration. The Sportfield in Keadew includes a children's play area, an outdoor fitness gym, and a wheelchair-accessible sensory garden, providing diverse options for all ages.
What cycling routes are available near Keadew's attractions?
For road cycling enthusiasts, there are several routes that pass by or near Keadew's attractions. Options include the 'Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop from Derrygonnelly' or the 'Tully Castle Ruins – The Big Tree loop from Heron Island'. These routes offer moderate difficulty and allow you to experience the scenic countryside. You can find more details and routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Keadew guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Keadew for outdoor activities?
Keadew's scenic beauty, with its lakes and mountains, makes it enjoyable throughout the warmer months. The annual O'Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School takes place every August Bank Holiday weekend, offering a cultural highlight. For outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions.
Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility considerations?
The Sportfield in Keadew village features a wheelchair-accessible sensory garden and picnic area, providing an inclusive outdoor space. While some natural sites like Pollnagollum Cave may have challenging terrain, the O'Carolan Heritage Park in the village is designed with accessibility in mind, offering paved paths and facilities.
Where can I find information about local culture and heritage in Keadew?
Keadew is deeply connected to its cultural heritage. The O'Carolan Heritage Park is a central point, dedicated to the famous harpist Turlough O'Carolan. Throughout the village, you can discover bog-oak sculptures and murals depicting local heritage, including musical instruments and a bog-oak harp in memory of O'Carolan. The annual O'Carolan Harp Festival also celebrates this rich musical tradition.
Are there any lakes or water features to visit besides Lough Erne?
Beyond the expansive Lough Erne, you can visit Carrick Lough, a smaller but charming lake known for angling and diverse flora and fauna. It's a lovely spot for a picnic. Lough Meelagh also offers a tranquil setting with a jetty, picnic table, and walking trails, providing information about the area's natural environment.
What kind of walking trails are available in the woods around Keadew?
Knockranny Wood offers well-maintained walking trails with bilingual signs and information panels. These panels help identify local points of interest and highlight the area's biodiversity, making for an informative and pleasant walk through nature.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Keadew?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views, particularly from the Cliffs of Magho. The historical significance of sites like Tully Castle Ruins and Monea Castle Ruins is also highly appreciated. The unique natural features, such as Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall, are often highlighted for their fascinating complexity and photographic opportunities.
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