Attractions and Places To See around Ringcreevy - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ringcreevy include historical sites and scenic routes, offering diverse experiences for visitors. The area features ancient ruins and well-maintained pathways, providing insights into its past and opportunities for outdoor activities. Ringcreevy is characterized by its historical landmarks and natural beauty, making it a point of interest for those exploring Northern Ireland.
Best attractions and places to see around Ringcreevy
- The most popular attraction is Sketrick Castle, a castle that is a historic…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Kilmood Church
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Helen's Tower
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The Comber Greenway
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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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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 around Ringcreevy?
The area around Ringcreevy is rich in history. You can explore Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house offering scenic coastal views. Another significant site is Nendrum Monastery Ruins, one of Northern Ireland's best examples of a pre-Norman monastic site, featuring three dry-stone walled enclosures, a church ruin, and a round tower. Additionally, Kilmood Church and Helen's Tower, a 19th-century folly, are also notable historical attractions.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Ringcreevy?
Yes, several attractions around Ringcreevy are suitable for families. Both Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins are considered family-friendly historical sites. For outdoor activities, The Comber Greenway offers a traffic-free path perfect for walking or cycling with children, featuring beautiful scenery.
What kind of terrain can I expect on trails around Ringcreevy?
The trails around Ringcreevy offer varied terrain. For instance, The Comber Greenway is a well-maintained, traffic-free footway and cycling path, ideal for easy walks. Other hiking routes in the area, such as the Floodgates Walk or Rough Island loop, generally feature easy to moderate difficulty grades, suggesting a mix of paths and natural surfaces.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond visiting the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The area is great for hiking, with routes like the Floodgates Walk and Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower. For cycling, The Comber Greenway is a popular choice. Running enthusiasts can find trails such as the WW2 Rifle Firing Butts loop or the Running loop from Comber. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and running guide for Ringcreevy.
Are there easy walks available around Ringcreevy?
Yes, there are several easy walks. The Comber Greenway is an excellent option, providing a traffic-free and scenic path. Other easy hiking routes include the Floodgates Walk, Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower, and the Rough Island loop. You can explore more easy options in the easy hikes guide around Ringcreevy.
What natural features or scenic views can I find?
The region offers beautiful natural scenery. Sketrick Castle provides scenic coastal views, and you might even spot seals and otters in the shallow waters nearby. The Comber Greenway is known for its wildflowers, trees, grasslands, and excellent views as it connects Belfast with Comber. Helen's Tower also serves as a lookout point with good views.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ringcreevy?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. For instance, Sketrick Castle is loved for its coastal views and wildlife spotting opportunities, making it popular with cyclists. Nendrum Monastery Ruins is valued for its tranquility, historical significance, and picnic areas with views of the Lough. The Comber Greenway is praised for being a traffic-free, beautifully maintained path that offers a peaceful escape into the countryside.
Are there any religious sites to visit?
Yes, the area includes significant religious sites. Nendrum Monastery Ruins is a prime example, dating back to the 5th century and linked to St. Patrick, showcasing a pre-Norman monastic site with a church ruin and round tower. Additionally, Kilmood Church is a pretty historical church situated on a rocky knoll.
Can I find places for cycling near Ringcreevy?
Absolutely. The Comber Greenway is a highly recommended traffic-free cycling path that connects Belfast with Comber, offering beautiful scenery. It's an ideal route for a leisurely ride and connects easily with tours of Strangford Lough and Ards.
Are there any unique or hidden gems among the attractions?
While not exactly 'hidden,' Helen's Tower stands out as a unique 19th-century folly and lookout tower with Scottish Baronial architecture, built as a shrine for poems. Its distinctive design and history make it a special point of interest in the area.
What is the best way to explore the historical sites?
Many historical sites, such as Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins, are best explored on foot. They offer grounds that are free to wander, allowing visitors to take their time and appreciate the ancient structures and surrounding landscapes. Combining visits with nearby walking or cycling routes can enhance the experience.
Are there any viewpoints to enjoy panoramic scenery?
Yes, several attractions offer excellent viewpoints. Sketrick Castle provides scenic coastal views. Nendrum Monastery Ruins has a park bench in its far east corner that offers one of the best views of the Lough. Additionally, Helen's Tower was built as a lookout tower, providing elevated perspectives of the surrounding countryside.
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