Attractions and Places To See around Ballyrickard - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ballyrickard are situated northwest of Comber, extending to the shores of Strangford Lough. This area offers a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. Strangford Lough, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides diverse wildlife and scenic views. The region presents opportunities to explore both ancient landmarks and tranquil outdoor spaces.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballyrickard
- The most popular attractions is Sketrick Castle, a castle that dates back…
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 explore in and around Ballyrickard?
Ballyrickard and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can visit the medieval Sketrick Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, and explore its grounds for free. On Mahee Island, the Nendrum Monastery Ruins provide a glimpse into an early Christian monastic site. Within Ballyrickard itself, you can find the Ballyrickard Motte, a scheduled medieval motte, and a Second World War Pillbox on the Strangford Lough shoreline.
Are there any natural attractions or scenic viewpoints near Ballyrickard?
Yes, Ballyrickard extends to the shores of Strangford Lough, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering picturesque views and diverse wildlife. From the Ballyrickard Motte, you can enjoy expansive views across the Strangford shoreline towards Newtownards and Scrabo. Additionally, Nendrum Monastery Ruins also offers excellent views of the Lough, especially at low tide when traces of old salmon fisheries are visible.
What outdoor activities are available around Ballyrickard?
The area around Ballyrickard is ideal for outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling on The Comber Greenway, a popular traffic-free path connecting Belfast with Comber. For hiking, there are several easy trails available, such as the Floodgates Walk or the Rough Island loop. You can find more details on these routes in the easy hikes around Ballyrickard guide.
Is Ballyrickard a good destination for families?
Yes, Ballyrickard offers several family-friendly attractions. Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins are historical sites that can be explored by families. The Comber Greenway is also suitable for family walks and bike rides, providing a safe and scenic environment. The natural beauty of Strangford Lough offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, which can be engaging for children.
Where can I find easy walking trails near Ballyrickard?
For easy walking trails, The Comber Greenway is an excellent choice, offering a traffic-free path with scenic views. Other easy options include the Floodgates Walk and the Rough Island loop. You can explore more easy hiking routes in the easy hikes around Ballyrickard guide.
Can I go cycling in the Ballyrickard area?
Absolutely! The Comber Greenway is a popular traffic-free path perfect for cycling, connecting Belfast city center with Comber. There are also various road cycling routes around Ballyrickard, such as the Mahee Castle – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop from Comber. For more cycling options, refer to the road cycling routes around Ballyrickard guide.
What is the significance of Strangford Lough in Ballyrickard?
Strangford Lough is highly significant as it is the largest sea lough in the British Isles and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ballyrickard extends to its shores, offering access to its diverse wildlife, particularly its rich bird populations. Over 2,000 marine species have been recorded, and seals are often seen basking on the rocks, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Are there any unique historical landmarks from the World War era in Ballyrickard?
Yes, Ballyrickard features a Second World War Pillbox situated directly on the shoreline of Strangford Lough. This structure was an integral part of the original Southern defenses for RAF Newtownards during World War II, representing a more recent historical landmark in the area.
What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2608361" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Helen's Tower</a> and where is it located?
Helen's Tower is a 19th-century folly and lookout tower located near Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. It was built by the 5th Baron of Dufferin and Claneboye and named for his mother. The tower is a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture and offers a scenic destination for walks through the countryside.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ballyrickard?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of history and natural beauty. For instance, Sketrick Castle is appreciated for its scenic coastal views and the chance to spot seals and otters. At Nendrum Monastery Ruins, the quiet atmosphere, picnic area, and the best views of the Lough are often highlighted. The Comber Greenway is loved for being a traffic-free, well-maintained path that allows for a peaceful escape into the countryside.
Are there any religious or ecclesiastical sites to visit?
Yes, the Nendrum Monastery Ruins on Mahee Island is a significant early Christian monastic site, dating back to the 5th century. You can also visit Kilmood Church, a pretty church situated on a rocky knoll above the road, which also has a fresh drinking water tap in its courtyard.
What is the best time of year to visit Ballyrickard for nature and wildlife spotting?
Strangford Lough is renowned for its diverse wildlife, particularly its bird populations. While beautiful year-round, the autumn and winter months often bring large numbers of migratory birds, making it an excellent time for bird watching. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the shoreline and enjoying the general natural beauty.
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