Attractions and Places To See around Tullynakill - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Tullynakill, a historic civil parish in County Down, Northern Ireland, offers a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. Situated on the western shore of Strangford Lough, the area is known for its rich ecclesiastical past and diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient monastic ruins and enjoy scenic coastal views. This region provides a variety of experiences for those interested in history and the outdoors.
Best attractions and places to see around Tullynakill
…Last updated: April 24, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Kilmood Church
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The Comber Greenway
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Whiterock Harbour
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Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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Perfect way to get out to Comber. Connecting easily with nearby tours of Strangford Lough and Ards. You will be amazed just how quite things get, and all only 30 minutes from Belfast.
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It's home to two yacht clubs: Strangford Lough Yacht Club and 1.5 kilometres (0.95 mi) to the north, Down Cruising Club. Between the two yacht clubs is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, now in a state of ruin. To the south of Whiterock is Ballymorran Bay.
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Daft Eddy's Restaurant / Pub is very popular with Cyclists, and is just up the hill. There is also a Car park with full facilities if you look back to the mainland just on your left.
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Love spending time here. There is a park bench to the far east corner, and to the left of that hosts one of the best views of the Lough. When tides out you can see traces of the old Salmon fisheries. Its so quiet, and there is a picnic area just to the side of the visitors centre. The site also boasts fragments of an early Sun Dial that have been placed by the entrance to the Church.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Tullynakill?
Tullynakill is rich in history. You can explore the ruins of Nendrum Monastery Ruins, an early Christian monastic settlement dating back to the 5th century on Mahee Island. Additionally, the area is home to the historic Tullynakill Church and Graveyard, with ruins largely from the 15th to 17th centuries, and a later 19th-century church nearby. For more details on the old church, you can visit the official heritage site.
What natural features can I explore around Tullynakill?
Tullynakill is situated on the western shore of Strangford Lough, a large tidal inlet known for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. You can enjoy scenic views of the lough from various points, including Whiterock Harbour and Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop on Sketrick Island. The area also features islands like Reagh Island and Mahee Island, contributing to the picturesque landscape.
Are there walking or cycling paths available near Tullynakill?
Yes, for those who enjoy outdoor activities, The Comber Greenway is a popular traffic-free path connecting Belfast city center with Comber. It offers scenic views, wildflowers, and grasslands, ideal for walking and cycling. For more specific routes, you can find various cycling tours and easy hikes around Tullynakill.
What makes Nendrum Monastery Ruins a significant site?
Nendrum Monastery Ruins is considered the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. Established in the 5th century, it features three concentric walled enclosures, a church ruin, a round tower, and a reconstructed sundial. Visitors appreciate its quiet atmosphere, historical depth, and the excellent views of Strangford Lough it offers.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Tullynakill?
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. Nendrum Monastery Ruins offers an educational and scenic outing. The Comber Greenway is perfect for family walks or bike rides. Additionally, Whiterock Harbour provides a pleasant setting with facilities and views, and Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop is a great spot for a family refreshment break with open space and picnic tables.
Where can I find good views of Strangford Lough?
For excellent views of Strangford Lough, head to Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop on Sketrick Island, which offers panoramic vistas across the lough. Nendrum Monastery Ruins also provides stunning perspectives of the water, especially from its eastern corner. Whiterock Harbour is another scenic spot where you can enjoy the coastal landscape.
What facilities are available at Whiterock Harbour?
Whiterock Harbour is a well-equipped settlement on the shore of Strangford Lough. It is home to two yacht clubs, the Strangford Lough Yacht Club and the Down Cruising Club. You'll find public toilets in the caravan/car park area, and there's a pub/restaurant nearby for refreshments. The ruined 15th-century Sketrick Castle is also located on Sketrick Island, linked to the mainland by a causeway, offering an additional point of interest.
Are there any easy hiking trails around Tullynakill?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options in the vicinity. You can explore trails like the Floodgates Walk, Mount Stewart Lake & Green Trail, or the Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle. These routes offer pleasant walks suitable for various fitness levels. For a comprehensive list and details, refer to the easy hikes guide around Tullynakill.
Where can I get refreshments with a view in the area?
Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop on Sketrick Island is highly recommended for refreshments. It offers scenic views across Strangford Lough to Whiterock and Ballydorn. It's a popular spot with open space and picnic tables, and they often have cyclist deals for coffee and scones.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about Nendrum Monastery Ruins?
Visitors love the tranquil atmosphere and historical significance of Nendrum Monastery Ruins. Many highlight the excellent views of Strangford Lough, especially from the eastern corner, and the quiet picnic area near the visitor's centre. The site's well-preserved ruins, including the concentric walled enclosures, church, and round tower, offer a fascinating glimpse into early Christian history.
Are there other historical churches to visit besides Nendrum?
Yes, in addition to the historic Tullynakill Church, you can also visit Kilmood Church. This pretty church is situated on a rocky knoll above the road and is another notable religious building in the area, offering a glimpse into local ecclesiastical history.
What types of cycling routes are available near Tullynakill?
The Tullynakill area offers a variety of cycling routes for different preferences. You can find road cycling routes, including longer loops like the Nendrum Monastery Ruins – View of Portaferry Harbor loop. There are also touring bicycle routes, such as the easy Comber to Mahee Island loop or the moderate Whiterock to Lisbane loop, providing scenic rides through the countryside and along Strangford Lough.
Most popular routes around Tullynakill
Most popular attractions around Tullynakill
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