Attractions and Places To See around Gay Island - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Gay Island encompass a range of historical sites and ancient monuments. This region features significant cultural landmarks, including castle ruins and early Christian stones, set within diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore sites that offer insights into the area's past, from 17th-century fortifications to pre-Christian carvings. Gay Island provides opportunities to discover historical architecture and natural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Gay Island
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
Highlight • Monument
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones
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Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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During WW2 Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats and housed up to 2,500 people. Buildings such as these would have been a central location for the RAF fighters who lived here. Sometimes exhibitions are held in these courtyards to display some of the key historical notes of the use of this area during the war.
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Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The castle was built in the 1600s and was the main castle on this former estate before its successor took it's place in the 1800s, Castle Archdale.
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Old Castle Archdale sits on a forest clifftop. It is named 'old' to distinguish it from its successor, the 18th century Castle Archdale. The castle was built by an Englishman from Suffolk who had been granted the estate in 1612 after paying 5 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence for the 1000 acres of land. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 the castle was captured by Rory Maguire as part of the uprising to retake his lands that had been lost in 1607. The heir to the castle was saved by his nurse however the other children were killed. After the castle was returned to the family it was repaired and lived in until 1689. The castle saw its end during the Williamite Wars when the castle was burnt out and abandoned.
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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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Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, it's easy to imagine how life would have been hundreds of years ago as you wander the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale. Built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale, the castle was captured by the Irish in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The castle was inhabited until 1689, when it was destroyed by fire and abandoned.
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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 attractions can I explore around Gay Island?
Gay Island is rich in historical sites. You can visit the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, which are pre-Christian stone figures. Other significant historical sites include the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century fortification, and Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a bawn that was attacked in 1641.
Are there any ancient monuments or religious sites to see?
Yes, beyond the Janus Stones, you can explore Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features several interesting stones, including the 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, believed to be an early Christian cross slab.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Gay Island offers various outdoor activities. You can find cycling routes, running trails, and mountain biking paths. For cycling, explore routes like 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island'. If you enjoy running, consider the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop from Lisnarrick'. Mountain bikers can tackle the 'Scarplands Cycle Trail'. You can find more details on these and other routes on the cycling guide, running guide, and MTB guide for Gay Island.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Gay Island?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is considered family-friendly and offers a visitor's centre with exhibitions. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, which served as a major base during WW2, also offer insights into local history and are suitable for families.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gay Island?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and unique character of the sites. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are noted for their ancient, mysterious presence. The crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale allow visitors to imagine life centuries ago, while Tully Castle Ruins offers a glimpse into a dramatic past with its visitor's centre.
Can I find easy hiking trails near Gay Island's attractions?
Yes, there are routes suitable for easier exploration. For example, the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island' is an easy cycling route that can also be enjoyed on foot in sections. For mountain biking, the 'Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop' is rated as easy. Always check the specific route details for terrain and distance to ensure it matches your hiking preferences.
What is the best time to visit Gay Island for sightseeing?
While specific seasonal recommendations are not provided, historical sites and outdoor attractions are generally best enjoyed during milder weather. Spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures for exploring ruins and walking trails without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
Are there any viewpoints or natural features to discover?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views of the surrounding area. The region's diverse landscapes, including forests and lough shores, provide natural beauty alongside the historical sites.
Where can I find parking for the attractions around Gay Island?
Specific parking details for each highlight are not provided in the guide data. However, for sites like Tully Castle Ruins, there is often visitor parking available near the visitor's centre. For other sites, especially those within forest areas like Old Castle Archdale, look for designated parking areas at the entrance to the forest or park.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known historical spots?
While the guide highlights the most prominent attractions, the area's rich history suggests many smaller, perhaps less-visited, historical markers or ruins could be discovered. The Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, with its unique bullaun and holed stones, offers a fascinating, perhaps less-crowded, historical experience.
What kind of terrain can I expect on trails around Gay Island?
The terrain around Gay Island varies. For instance, Old Castle Archdale is located on a forest clifftop, suggesting some elevation and potentially uneven paths within the forest. Many routes, like the 'Scarplands Cycle Trail', indicate varied terrain suitable for different outdoor activities, from easy to difficult.
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