Historic Environment

Historic places to visit

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The Department’s Historic Environment Division (HED) maintains a wide range of historic sites across Northern Ireland from large castles to small prehistoric monuments. The first monuments were taken into care by the state in 1869 and there are now circa 186 single, groups or complexes of sites and monuments managed by HED. Known as State Care Monuments, they’re among the most important historic places in Northern Ireland.

COVID-19 update on sites you can visit

When visiting the State Care Monuments listed below please be aware, where applicable, visitor centres, shops and toilets at these sites may be closed in accordance with public health requirements - we advise you to check ahead of your visit.

From time to time conservation and maintenance works will be happening at some sites, and as a result there may be restricted public access.

COVID-19 outdoor guidelines

These are the COVID-19 guidelines when visiting State Care Monument sites:

  • Check it’s open before your leave home and avoid places where there may be lots of people
  • Stay safe and share the space - don’t risk injury - keep apart, socially distancing - respect other users of the space - wash your hands - allow time and space for all by staying a few hours not all day
  • Leave no trace by taking your rubbish home – also keep dogs on leads and keep roads clear by not parking at gates or on verges

List of monuments

HED State Care Monuments are amongst the best known historic landmarks and tourist destinations in Northern Ireland.  Follow the links below to find out more; including location and access information and a brief description of the historic background to each.

Please note we are currently working on adding the sites online - updating on a regular basis until all are listed.

Sites open to the public

Co Antrim

Co Armagh

Co Down

Co Fermanagh

Co Londonderry

Co Tyrone

Sites closed to the public

Co Antrim

  • Drumnadrough Rath
  • Kinbane Castle
  • Moira Station and signal box
  • Muckamore Priory

Co Armagh

  • Castledillon Obelisk
  • Lisbanemore Cashel
  • Lisdoo Cashel
  • North Meridian Markers

Co Down

  • Audley's Castle
  • Audleystown Cairn
  • Ballycopeland Windmill
  • Cowd Castle
  • Dromore Cross
  • Drumadonnell Cross
  • Greencastle
  • Grey Point Fort
  • Hillsborough: Richhill Gates
  • Kilfeaghan Portal Tomb
  • Kirkistown Castle
  • Lisnagade Fort
  • Lisnavaragh Fort
  • Narrow Water Castle
  • Newtownards Priory
  • Portaferry Castle
  • Quoile Castle
  • Ringhaddy Castle
  • Ringhaddy Church
  • The White House, Ballyspurge
  • Woodgrange Rath and Tower House

Co Londonderry

Co Tyrone

  • Carricknahaltora
  • Damhcloy Megalithic Structure
  • Relignaman Women's Graveyard
  • Roughan Castle

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