Attractions and Places To See around Tullynagee - Top 19
Best attractions and places to see around Tullynagee include historical sites and natural features near Strangford Lough. The area offers a mix of ancient ruins, castles, and scenic waterways. Tullynagee is situated in a region known for its biodiversity and tranquil settings, providing opportunities for exploration. This location provides access to significant historical landmarks and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Tullynagee
- The most popular attractions is Sketrick Castle, a castle that is a 15th-century tower house. This historic landmark is located on Sketrick Island and its grounds are free to explore.
- Another must-see spot is Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a historical site. Visitors can explore the ruins of this pre-Norman monastic site, which includes fragments of an early sundial, and enjoy views of the lough.
- Visitors also love Whiterock Harbour, a settlement on the shore of Strangford Lough. This scenic spot is home to yacht clubs and offers facilities like public toilets and a cafe/restaurant.
- Tullynagee is known for historical sites, natural features, and cycling paths. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to scenic coastal views.
- The attractions around Tullynagee are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and over 15 photos shared.
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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Tips from the Community
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 visit near Tullynagee?
The area around Tullynagee is rich in history. You can explore the ruins of Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a significant 5th-century monastic site with fragments of an early sundial and beautiful lough views. Another notable landmark is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, whose grounds are free to explore. Additionally, Kilmood Church is a pretty historical church situated on a rocky knoll.
Where can I experience the natural beauty around Tullynagee?
The region offers several natural highlights. Whiterock Harbour provides scenic views of Strangford Lough, a tranquil setting known for its biodiversity and opportunities to see old salmon fisheries at low tide. Tullynagee Lough itself is a natural feature recognized for its diverse species, including specific grasses, trees, and birds like the Little Egret.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Tullynagee?
Yes, many attractions in the area are suitable for families. Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins are both marked as family-friendly, offering historical exploration in an open setting. Whiterock Harbour is also family-friendly, with public toilets and a cafe/restaurant nearby. The Comber Greenway is a popular traffic-free path perfect for family walks and cycling.
What outdoor activities are available near Tullynagee?
The area around Tullynagee and Strangford Lough is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and hiking. For cycling, explore the various loops of the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, which range from easy to difficult. Running enthusiasts can enjoy trails like the Whiterock Harbour loop or the Mahee Castle – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop. Hikers have options such as the easy Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle or walks around Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for cycling, running, and hiking around Tullynagee.
Are there cycling routes near Tullynagee?
Yes, there are several cycling routes, particularly around Strangford Lough. Options include the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail with various loops like the Ballygowan Loop (moderate, 25.5 km) and the Whiterock Loop (easy, 15.4 km). The Comber Greenway also offers a traffic-free path connecting Belfast to Comber, which can be linked to tours of Strangford Lough. For more detailed routes, refer to the Cycling around Tullynagee guide.
Can I find hiking trails around Tullynagee?
Absolutely. The area offers a variety of hiking trails, many of which are considered easy. Popular options include the Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle (easy, 2 km) and the Rough Island loop (easy, 1.8 km). You can also explore Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower for slightly longer walks. For a comprehensive list of trails, check the Hiking around Tullynagee guide.
When is the best time to visit the attractions around Tullynagee?
The area around Tullynagee and Strangford Lough offers beauty year-round. Spring and summer provide pleasant weather for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, with wildflowers and lush scenery. Autumn brings vibrant colors, while winter can offer a quiet, serene atmosphere, especially around the lough. The visitor tips for Nendrum Monastery Ruins mention that when the tide is out, you can see traces of old salmon fisheries, which might be a consideration for your visit.
Is parking available at the main attractions?
Yes, parking is generally available. For Nendrum Monastery Ruins, there is a picnic area near the visitor's center, implying parking facilities. At Whiterock Harbour, there is a caravan/car park right on the shoreline. Sketrick Castle is on Sketrick Island, accessible by road, and its grounds are open for exploration, suggesting nearby parking options.
Are there dog-friendly walks or attractions near Tullynagee?
Many of the outdoor areas and trails around Tullynagee are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash where required. The grounds of Sketrick Castle and the trails around Nendrum Monastery Ruins are generally open for exploration. The Comber Greenway is also a popular choice for dog walkers.
Where can I find refreshments or a meal near the attractions?
Near Whiterock Harbour, you'll find a cafe/restaurant/bar, and specifically, Daft Eddy's Pub is located on Sketrick Island, close to Sketrick Castle. This makes it convenient for refreshments after exploring the historical sites and enjoying the lough views.
Are there good viewpoints to enjoy the scenery around Tullynagee?
Yes, the area offers several scenic viewpoints. From Nendrum Monastery Ruins, there's a park bench on the far east corner that offers one of the best views of Strangford Lough. Whiterock Harbour itself is a beautiful scenic spot on the shore of Strangford Lough, providing excellent coastal views. The Comber Greenway also offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
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