Attractions and Places To See around Ballymartin - Top 19
Best attractions and places to see around Ballymartin include a variety of natural features and historical sites. This village, situated between Annalong and Kilkeel in County Down, Northern Ireland, offers access to the Mourne Mountains and coastal areas. The region is characterized by its natural beauty, historical significance, and local charm.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballymartin
- The most popular attractions is Sketrick Castle, a castle that is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island. This 15th-century…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Kilmood Church
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The Comber Greenway
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Whiterock Harbour
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Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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Perfect way to get out to Comber. Connecting easily with nearby tours of Strangford Lough and Ards. You will be amazed just how quite things get, and all only 30 minutes from Belfast.
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It's home to two yacht clubs: Strangford Lough Yacht Club and 1.5 kilometres (0.95 mi) to the north, Down Cruising Club. Between the two yacht clubs is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, now in a state of ruin. To the south of Whiterock is Ballymorran Bay.
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Daft Eddy's Restaurant / Pub is very popular with Cyclists, and is just up the hill. There is also a Car park with full facilities if you look back to the mainland just on your left.
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Love spending time here. There is a park bench to the far east corner, and to the left of that hosts one of the best views of the Lough. When tides out you can see traces of the old Salmon fisheries. Its so quiet, and there is a picnic area just to the side of the visitors centre. The site also boasts fragments of an early Sun Dial that have been placed by the entrance to the Church.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Ballymartin?
Ballymartin and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island offering scenic coastal views. Another significant site is Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a pre-Norman monastic site dating back to the 5th century with three dry-stone walled enclosures. Additionally, Kilmood Church is a pretty historical church on a rocky knoll. Further afield, the ancient Ballynoe Stone Circle offers a glimpse into the Stone Age.
Are there any family-friendly attractions around Ballymartin?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins are both marked as family-friendly historical sites. The Comber Greenway is a traffic-free path perfect for family walks or cycles. Whiterock Harbour offers scenic views and facilities, making it a pleasant spot for a family outing. Silent Valley Mountain Park also provides serene landscapes and walking trails suitable for various ages.
What natural features and viewpoints can I find near Ballymartin?
The area boasts stunning natural beauty. The magnificent Mourne Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are nearby, offering numerous hiking opportunities and panoramic views from peaks like Slieve Binnian and Slieve Donard. Silent Valley Mountain Park is known for its serene landscapes and mountain vistas. Coastal options include Cranfield Beach and Newcastle Beach for leisurely strolls. Whiterock Harbour also provides scenic views of Strangford Lough.
Where can I go hiking or walking near Ballymartin?
The Mourne Mountains offer extensive hiking opportunities, including challenging routes along the Mourne Wall. For more accessible walks, Silent Valley Mountain Park has various trails. You can also find several hiking routes around the area, including easy loops like the Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle. For more options, explore the Hiking around Ballymartin guide.
Are there cycling routes available near Ballymartin attractions?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Comber Greenway is a traffic-free path connecting Belfast city center with Comber, ideal for cyclists. The wider region offers routes like the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail. For detailed cycling options, refer to the Cycling around Ballymartin guide.
What are the best places for running near Ballymartin?
For runners, the area provides scenic routes. You can find moderate running loops around Whiterock Harbour and other trails that offer a mix of coastal and countryside scenery. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Running Trails around Ballymartin guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Ballymartin?
Visitors frequently praise the serene atmosphere and historical significance of sites like Nendrum Monastery Ruins, noting its quietness and excellent views of the Lough. The coastal views and the presence of seals and otters around Sketrick Castle are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the traffic-free nature and beautiful scenery of The Comber Greenway for getting out into the countryside.
Are there any coastal attractions or beaches close to Ballymartin?
Yes, Ballymartin is close to several coastal spots. Cranfield Beach, about 9.8km away, is a sandy shore popular for leisurely strolls and water sports. Newcastle Beach, around 15.1km from Ballymartin, offers another coastal option. Whiterock Harbour is also a scenic coastal settlement on Strangford Lough.
What parks or forests are available for exploration?
Beyond the Mourne Mountains, you can explore Tollymore Forest Park, known for its natural scenery and various trails, located about 15.7km from Ballymartin. Kilbroney Park, approximately 15.6km away, also offers opportunities to enjoy nature. Silent Valley Mountain Park provides extensive walking trails amidst a tranquil reservoir setting.
Is there public transport to the main attractions or the Mourne Mountains from Ballymartin?
While specific public transport routes to every attraction can vary, Ballymartin is a village in County Down, and local bus services operate in the wider region. For accessing the Mourne Mountains or Silent Valley Mountain Park, it's often advisable to check local bus schedules or consider driving, as direct routes to trailheads might be limited. Parking is generally available at major parks like Silent Valley and Tollymore.
What is the best time of year to visit Ballymartin and its attractions?
The best time to visit Ballymartin and its surrounding attractions largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for hiking in the Mourne Mountains and exploring historical sites, with beautiful scenery. Summer (June-August) is ideal for coastal activities and longer daylight hours, though attractions can be busier. Winter can be beautiful for crisp walks, but some mountain trails may be challenging due to weather conditions.
Most popular routes around Ballymartin
Most popular attractions around Ballymartin
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