Attractions and Places To See around Rossmore - Top 18
Best attractions and places to see around Rossmore include historical sites, ancient monuments, and natural features. This region offers a blend of cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, particularly in areas like County Tipperary, Ireland, where ancient settlements and historical structures are present. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from medieval castles to unique stone carvings. The area provides opportunities for discovering historical significance and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Rossmore
- The most popular attractions is…
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Tully Castle Ruins
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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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 kind of historical sites can I explore around Rossmore?
The Rossmore area is rich in history, offering several significant sites. You can visit the Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set within a vast forest, or the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a dramatic history from 1641. Don't miss the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, ancient Iron Age stone figures. Additionally, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offer a glimpse into early Christian heritage with their distinctive carved stones.
Are there any ancient monuments or unique stone carvings to see?
Yes, the region is home to fascinating ancient monuments. The most notable are the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, which are pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures. You can also find several interesting early Christian stones, including the Bishop's stone and a bullaun stone, at the Killadeas Priory Church graveyard.
What natural features are there to discover near Rossmore?
While the guide focuses on historical sites, the Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520-hectare forest, offering a blend of history and nature. In the broader County Tipperary area, you can find natural beauty spots like the P Nash Waterfall and its adjacent cave, providing scenic surroundings for exploration.
What outdoor activities can I do around Rossmore?
The area around Rossmore is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various routes for hiking, running, and cycling. For easy hikes, consider trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. Runners might enjoy the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop', and cyclists have options like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for easy hikes, running trails, and cycling around Rossmore.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Rossmore area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Tully Castle Ruins are considered family-friendly, offering a chance to explore historical architecture. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings, with their historical significance as a WW2 base, also offer an engaging experience for all ages.
Where can I find hiking trails near Rossmore?
There are several hiking trails available, particularly around the Castle Archdale area. Popular easy routes include 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island', 'Necarne Woods via Necarne Castle', and the 'Castle Archdale loop'. For more options and detailed maps, refer to the easy hikes around Rossmore guide.
What is the significance of Castle Archdale in the region?
Castle Archdale holds significant historical importance. The Old Castle Archdale, built in the 1600s, was a primary stronghold that endured the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite Wars. Later, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings served as a major flying boat base during WW2, housing up to 2,500 people and playing a crucial role in the war effort.
Can I visit any religious sites in Rossmore?
Yes, the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones is a notable religious and historical site. Its graveyard contains several ancient stones, including the unique Bishop's stone and a bullaun stone, offering insight into early Christian practices in the area.
What are the most popular attractions according to komoot users?
Komoot users particularly appreciate the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery for their unique historical value. Other highly-rated spots include the historical Old Castle Archdale and the Tully Castle Ruins, both offering a deep dive into the region's past.
Are there any places to see ancient settlements or historical structures from the Knights Templar era?
While the guide highlights specific castles and stone figures, the broader County Tipperary region, where Rossmore is located, has evidence of ancient settlements including ringfort and ring barrow sites. Historically, Rossmore Mills, known for its woolen industry, may even have origins stemming from the 12th-century Clonoulty Preceptory of the Knights Templar, suggesting a deep historical lineage in the area.
What kind of cycling routes are available around Rossmore?
Cyclists can explore various routes, ranging from easy to difficult. A popular option is the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. Other routes include 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop' and the more challenging 'Tully Castle Ruins – Lough Melvin loop'. For a comprehensive list and details, check the cycling around Rossmore guide.
What can I expect at the Tully Castle Ruins?
The Tully Castle Ruins are the remains of a fortified house and bawn located on Tully Point. Built for Sir John Hume, it was tragically attacked and burned in 1641, after which it was never inhabited again. There is also a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse nearby that provides exhibitions and local stories related to the castle's history.
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