Attractions and Places To See around Deerahan Island - Top 19
Best attractions and places to see around Deerahan Island include a collection of historical sites and natural features, primarily situated within a forested landscape. The region offers a blend of ancient monuments, castle ruins, and significant historical locations. These sites provide insight into the area's past, from early Christian stones to 17th-century fortifications. The natural setting often includes forest environments, complementing the historical exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Deerahan Island
- The most popular attractions is Janus Stones…
Last updated: May 9, 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 kind of historical sites can I explore around Deerahan Island?
Deerahan Island is rich in history, offering several significant sites. You can visit Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle set on a forest clifftop, which played a role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Another notable site is Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house attacked and burned in 1641. Don't miss the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, unique pre-Christian stone figures, and Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, featuring intriguing ancient carvings.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Deerahan Island area?
Yes, there are family-friendly options. Tully Castle Ruins is a great spot for families, offering a glimpse into history with a visitor's centre in a restored farmhouse. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings also offer historical insights, sometimes hosting exhibitions about the area's role during WWII, which can be engaging for all ages.
What outdoor activities, like running or cycling, are available near Deerahan Island's attractions?
The area around Deerahan Island offers various outdoor activities. For running, you can find routes like the 'Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop' or shorter 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop'. Cyclists can enjoy road cycling routes such as the 'Boa Island and Pettigo loop' or 'Tully Castle Ruins – The Big Tree loop'. There are also general cycling routes like the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop'. You can find more details and specific routes in the Running Trails around Deerahan Island, Road Cycling Routes around Deerahan Island, and Cycling around Deerahan Island guides.
Where can I find unique historical monuments or hidden gems around Deerahan Island?
For unique historical monuments, the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are a must-see. These pre-Christian, Iron Age stone figures are found in an isolated graveyard. Another hidden gem is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, which features several intriguing stones, including the 'Bishops stone' and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting its reuse from earlier times.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots near Deerahan Island's attractions?
Yes, Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop, offering scenic views of the surrounding 520-hectare forest. While exploring the castle ruins, you can appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
What is the significance of the Castle Archdale area during World War II?
The Castle Archdale area played a significant role during World War II. It served as a major flying boat base, housing up to 2,500 people. The Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were central to the RAF fighters stationed there, and sometimes host exhibitions detailing the area's wartime history.
Can I learn about local stories and history at Tully Castle Ruins?
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse. This centre houses an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle, providing deeper insight into its history and the events of 1641.
What kind of natural environment surrounds Old Castle Archdale?
Old Castle Archdale is nestled within a vast 520-hectare forest, comprising both coniferous and mixed broadleaved trees. This provides a natural, forested setting for exploring the historical ruins and enjoying the outdoors.
What are the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery?
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are two unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. Standing about 70cm high, they are notable for being Janus-faced (having a face on both the front and back). They are located amongst modern graves in the small, isolated Caldragh graveyard and are thought to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.
What is the history behind Tully Castle Ruins?
Tully Castle Ruins is a fortified house and bawn built for Sir John Hume. It was occupied until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire, leading to the massacre of its inhabitants. The castle was never re-inhabited after this event, leaving its ruins as a poignant historical landmark.
What makes the Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones interesting?
The graveyard at Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones contains several intriguing artifacts. The most noted is the 'Bishops stone,' which has been altered and reused over time, possibly originating as a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another significant stone is a large slab with at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a multiple bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab.
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