Top 4 Natural Monuments around Toy And Kirkland
Best natural monuments around Toy And Kirkland offer diverse natural and historical features. The region is characterized by its coastal landscapes and significant geological formations. Visitors can explore areas with unique landforms and historical sites. The natural monuments here provide opportunities for observing varied environments and local heritage.
Best natural monuments around Toy And Kirkland
- The most popular natural monuments is Strangford Stone, a man-made monument that is the tallest megalith in Ireland. It is situated on the shores…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Strangford Stone
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Ringhaddy Sound
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Strangford Stone
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Delamont Country Park
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day.
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day.
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The impressive Strangford Stone that sits inside the Delamont Country Park in Northern Ireland holds the mighty title of the highest megalith stone in Europe! The stone stands at a whopping 12.5 metres tall and was assembles by 1000 people in 1999. It stands in an elevated position, boasting superb views over Strangford Lough and towards Slieve Croob and the Mountains of Mourne
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Ringhaddy Sound is located on the western shore of Strangford Lough to the west of Islandmore. With its unusual swollen hills it is a real joy to cycle. Descend into the sound, and enjoy the atmosphere. A Castle ruin and Church sit further on the Peninsula, but alas they are on private land. It is possible to arrange access from the land owner however. There is also a Beautiful mooring with a Boat Club that has full facilities if needed. Heres a bit about the Castle. This is one of the most completely surviving tower houses in the county, retaining its gables and formerly an original wooden window. There were at least two main phases of construction at this site. The ground floor, which had a stone vault, dates from the 15th century, while the upper parts were rebuilt in about 1600. It is rectangular in plan with small turrets at the north-east and south-west angles, one with the stair and the other with a latrine chute. There are large fireplaces on the first and second floors, and an attic in the roof. A distinctive stone rainwater spout projects from the east side. The castle seems to have changed hands between Bryan McArt and the English in the early 16th century, and it is likely that the earlier castle was McArt’s stronghold, slighted when he withdrew, and rebuilt by the new English owner. Underwater investigation has confirmed the presence of a stone slipway beside the castle, and water transport was clearly of great importance in this location.
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day. Steamers Coffee Shop Serves a wide variety of refreshments, including full breakfast and lunch menus, great coffee and ice cream in the summer.
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Just about 100 metres further up the road is a mooring with a Boat Club, with facilities if needed.
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Delamont Country Park is located on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. It covers an area of approximately 200 acres 2 km south of Killyleagh.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main natural monuments to explore around Toy And Kirkland?
The primary natural monuments in the Toy And Kirkland area include the impressive Strangford Stone, which is the tallest megalith in Ireland, and the expansive Delamont Country Park, where the stone is located. You can also discover the scenic Ringhaddy Sound, known for its unique landscape and historical elements.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Toy And Kirkland area?
Yes, several natural monuments are ideal for families. Delamont Country Park is a 200-acre park offering peace and tranquility, perfect for a day out with children. The Strangford Stone, located within the park, is also considered family-friendly, as is the View of Castle Ward and Strangford & Lecale AONB, which offers trails suitable for various abilities.
What kind of historical features can be found at these natural monuments?
The region is rich in historical significance. The Strangford Stone itself is a man-made megalith, assembled in 1999, standing as a modern monument to ancient structures. At Ringhaddy Sound, you can find castle ruins and a church, hinting at the area's past. The View of Castle Ward and Strangford & Lecale AONB also provides access to historical sites within the Castle Ward park.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Toy And Kirkland?
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Delamont Long Walk' or 'Strangford Stone – Delamont Country Park loop'. Cycling enthusiasts can explore routes such as the 'Strangford Lough Cycle Trail' or 'Delamont to Ardglass Harbour loop'. Running trails are also available, including loops around 'Whiterock Harbour'. For more details on routes, visit the Hiking, Cycling, and Running guides for Toy And Kirkland.
Are there hiking trails suitable for all skill levels near the natural monuments?
Yes, there are hiking trails catering to various skill levels. For instance, within Delamont Country Park, you'll find easy routes like the 'Delamont Long Walk'. The area around Castle Ward also features trailheads with many levels of trails for all abilities. For more challenging options, some cycling and running routes are rated as moderate or difficult.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments?
Many natural monuments in the region offer superb views. From the elevated position of the Strangford Stone, you can enjoy panoramic vistas over Strangford Lough, extending towards Slieve Croob and the Mountains of Mourne. Castle Ward also provides excellent viewpoints over the surrounding landscape and the Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Are there any natural monuments with water features like rivers or lakes?
Yes, the region is characterized by its coastal landscapes and water bodies. Ringhaddy Sound is a notable river and lake feature located on the western shore of Strangford Lough. Delamont Country Park is also situated directly on the shores of Strangford Lough, offering beautiful waterside scenery.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Toy And Kirkland?
Visitors particularly appreciate the peace, beauty, and tranquility offered by places like Delamont Country Park. The impressive scale and historical significance of the Strangford Stone, along with its superb views over Strangford Lough, are also highly valued. The diverse natural and historical features, often with coastal landscapes, make for a rewarding experience.
Are there amenities like cafes near the natural monuments?
Yes, within Delamont Country Park, where the Strangford Stone is located, you can find Steamers Coffee Shop. It serves a variety of refreshments, including full breakfast and lunch menus, great coffee, and ice cream in the summer, making it convenient for visitors.
Can I find circular routes for hiking or cycling around these natural monuments?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For hiking, you can find options like the 'Strangford Stone – Delamont Country Park loop from Mullagh'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Strangford Lough Cycle Trail' which offers various loop options, or the 'Portaferry Marina – Whiterock Harbour loop from Delamont'. These allow you to start and end at the same point, making planning easier.
What kind of geological features are prominent in the Toy And Kirkland area?
The region is known for its diverse natural and geological formations, particularly around Strangford Lough. The landscape features coastal areas and unique landforms, such as the 'unusual swollen hills' around Ringhaddy Sound. The presence of megalithic structures like the Strangford Stone also points to the area's geological history and the materials available for such constructions.
Most popular attractions around Toy And Kirkland
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