Attractions and Places To See around Drumreask - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Drumreask include a variety of historical landmarks, ancient sites, and natural features. This smaller locality offers opportunities to explore significant cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. The area features ancient stone figures, 17th-century castles, and historical ruins, providing insights into the region's past. Visitors can discover more than 20 hidden gems, ranging from historical sites to natural monuments.
Best attractions and places to see around Drumreask
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones of…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Old Castle Archdale
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Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery
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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 landmarks can I explore near Drumreask?
The area around Drumreask is rich in history. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle situated within a large forest, which played a role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another significant site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its history. Further afield, consider the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, unique pre-Christian figures on Boa Island, or the Drumskinny Stone Circle, dating back to 2000 BC.
Are there any ancient or archaeological sites to visit?
Yes, the region boasts several ancient sites. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are notable pre-Christian stone figures found in an isolated graveyard. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, a 4000-year-old site near Drumreask, is believed to have been used for ceremonies or astronomical observations. Additionally, Navan Fort (Emain Macha) is an archaeologically significant site with Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age finds, deeply embedded in Irish mythology.
What natural features or viewpoints are there to see?
While Drumreask itself is a smaller locality, nearby natural features include the Seagahan Reservoir, where you can cycle across the dam wall and enjoy views of the reservoir and County Armagh. The forests surrounding Old Castle Archdale also offer scenic natural surroundings.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Drumreask?
Families can enjoy exploring Tully Castle Ruins, which has a visitor's centre that tells local stories related to the castle. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer a glimpse into history, with exhibitions sometimes held to display the area's role during WW2.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Drumreask offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, such as the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop'. For hiking, there are easy trails like the 'Cliffs of Magho loop' or the 'Castle Archdale loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore routes like the 'Scarplands Cycle Trail'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for cycling, easy hikes, and MTB trails around Drumreask.
Are there easy walking trails near Drumreask attractions?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For instance, you can enjoy the 'Cliffs of Magho loop' or the 'Castle Archdale loop', both offering accessible options for a pleasant walk. Another easy route is the 'Tully Castle Ruins loop from Heron Island'. These trails are perfect for experiencing the local scenery without strenuous effort. More easy hikes can be found in the easy hikes guide around Drumreask.
What is the Tassagh Viaduct and where is it located?
The Tassagh Viaduct is an impressive historical railway structure located near Drumhirk, rising above the Callan River Valley with massive arches. It was originally part of the Castleblayney, Keady, and Armagh Railway, opened in 1910. Although the tracks are gone, the viaduct remains a significant testament to the region's railway heritage.
What can I expect to see at Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones?
At Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, you'll find a graveyard with several interesting ancient stones. The most noted is the 'Bishops stone', an odd-shaped stone believed to have been a carved figure. There's also a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab, and a holed stone partially embedded in the ground.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Drumreask?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich historical context and unique ancient sites. The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are often highlighted for their mysterious and ancient appeal. The atmospheric ruins of Old Castle Archdale, perched on a forest clifftop, allow visitors to imagine life hundreds of years ago. The area's blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty is frequently praised.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth visiting?
Beyond the more prominent sites, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are considered a unique hidden gem, tucked away in an isolated graveyard. The Drumskinny Stone Circle, while ancient, might also be considered a lesser-known but fascinating site for those interested in prehistoric history.
What is The Palace Demesne in Armagh?
The Palace Demesne in Armagh is a 300-acre park that served as the home of the Archbishops of the Church of Ireland from 1770 to 1975. It offers paved and gravel trails, allowing visitors to explore its nature and history, providing a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the region's ecclesiastical past.
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