Best attractions and places to see around Drumcrow East are found within this townland in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. While Drumcrow East itself is a townland within the civil parish of Kilcronaghan, the surrounding region offers a variety of places to visit. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Sperrin Mountains and a rich array of historical sites and natural features. Visitors can explore ancient monuments, castle ruins, and scenic landscapes.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
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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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The area around Drumcrow East is rich in history. You can explore Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin situated on Castle Hill, or the Tully Castle Ruins, another fortified house with a dramatic history from 1641. For ancient history, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery offer a glimpse into pre-Christian Iron Age carvings.
Yes, a truly unique site is the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. These two pre-Christian, likely Iron Age stone figures, stand in an isolated graveyard and are notable for their Janus-faced carvings. One is thought to represent a Celtic god of vegetation and fertility.
While Drumcrow East itself is a townland, its location in County Londonderry provides access to stunning natural beauty. You can visit the iconic Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its hexagonal basalt columns, or drive the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. The Sperrin Mountains offer beautiful landscapes, and Binevenagh is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with cliffs and diverse wildlife. Other options include Portstewart Strand, Downhill Beach with Mussenden Temple, and Roe Valley Country Park for scenic trails.
Absolutely. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle ruin set within a large forest, which was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another significant ruin is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house on Tully Point that was attacked and burned in 1641 and never re-inhabited.
There are several hiking opportunities around Drumcrow East. You can explore routes like the 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or the 'Cliffs of Magho loop'. For more options and detailed route information, check out the full Hiking around Drumcrow East guide.
Yes, there are several easy walks perfect for beginners. Routes such as 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island', 'Cliffs of Magho loop', and 'Castle Archdale loop' are all rated as easy. You can find more details and other beginner-friendly options in the Easy hikes around Drumcrow East guide.
Yes, the area offers various cycling routes. Options include the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop' which is an easy ride, or more challenging routes like the 'Enniskillen Castle – Enniskillen Castle loop'. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Cycling around Drumcrow East guide.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Tully Castle Ruins and Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings are both listed as family-friendly. The Kilcronaghan Centre, located at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains, also offers facilities like a games room, community garden, and flat areas suitable for camping, making it a good base for family activities.
The Kilcronaghan Centre is a community hub located at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains. It provides facilities for various activities and events, including an enclosed courtyard, patio area, BBQ facilities, and a community garden. It also features a games room with a pool table and table tennis, and a library, making it a versatile spot for local engagement and visitor use.
The best time to visit attractions around Drumcrow East and the wider County Londonderry region is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months. The weather is milder, and daylight hours are longer, making it ideal for exploring historical sites, natural landscapes, and outdoor activities. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though the weather becomes cooler.
Beyond Drumcrow East, the city of Derry (Londonderry) offers a wealth of cultural sites, including the best-preserved 17th-century city walls in Europe, the Peace Bridge, Tower Museum, and the historic Guildhall. You can also visit Dunluce Castle, a medieval ruin perched dramatically on a cliff, or the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, a literary center celebrating the Nobel laureate.
Yes, you can visit Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones. This site features several interesting stones in its graveyard, including the 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, believed to be a reused multiple bullaun stone that later became an early Christian cross slab.


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