Armoy Round Tower and St Olcan’s - Image 1
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Armoy Round Tower and St Olcan's

4.6
·45 reviews·Armoy, United Kingdom

An ancient medieval tower offering a glimpse into Ireland's past, set in a peaceful rural landscape. A quick, fascinating stop.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Serene and quiet atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Armoy Round Tower and St Olcan’s - Image 1

Armoy Round Tower and St Olcan's

Best Time

Spring mornings

Serene and quiet atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient medieval tower offering a glimpse into Ireland's past, set in a peaceful rural landscape. A quick, fascinating stop.

4.6
(45 reviews)

"Worth a quick visit if you are in the area and have an interest in archaeology."

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TIP

🚗 Easy Parking & Facilities

Convenient parking and toilets are available on-site, making your visit comfortable and hassle-free. :car: :toilet:

🏍️ Race Day Views

If visiting during Armoy Road Races, the viewpoint opposite offers a unique perspective of the tower amidst the action. :motorcycle:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Armoy Round Tower

Armoy Round Tower

An ancient stone tower, a testament to early medieval architecture. Feels peaceful even with nearby activity.

St Olcan's Church

St Olcan's Church

The modern church adjacent to the tower offers a contrast in architectural styles and a place for quiet contemplation.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the Armoy Round Tower is accessible year-round, consider visiting outside of the Armoy Road Races in July to fully appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and archaeological significance. Parking and toilets are available, making it a convenient stop.

Beyond the Tower

This historic site is a quick visit, perfect for those interested in archaeology. Combine your trip with nearby attractions or enjoy the scenic countryside. It's a lovely spot to pause and reflect.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Serene and quiet atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Pleasant for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Cool / Weird things to see in NI?

🚗 Easy Parking & Facilities

Convenient parking and toilets are available on-site, making your visit comfortable and hassle-free. :car: :toilet:

🏍️ Race Day Views

If visiting during Armoy Road Races, the viewpoint opposite offers a unique perspective of the tower amidst the action. :motorcycle:

⏳ Quick Stop

This is a great spot for a brief archaeological interest stop if you're passing through the area. :stopwatch:

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Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Parking & Facilities

Convenient parking and toilets are available on-site, making your visit comfortable and hassle-free. :car: :toilet:

🏍️ Race Day Views

If visiting during Armoy Road Races, the viewpoint opposite offers a unique perspective of the tower amidst the action. :motorcycle:

⏳ Quick Stop

This is a great spot for a brief archaeological interest stop if you're passing through the area. :stopwatch:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(45 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Armoy Round Tower a worthwhile quick stop for its historical significance and peaceful ambiance, especially for those with an interest in archaeology. The convenience of parking and toilets is appreciated, and some enjoy the unique juxtaposition of the ancient tower with the nearby modern church or even the excitement of the Armoy Road Races.

"An old bell tower standing by a newer church. Worth a quick visit if you are in the area and have an interest in archaeology."

Anthony Bourner

"I went near here to watch the Armoy motorbike road races viewpoint opposite. It's the best on the circuit in my opinion."

Tom Brewerton (Unreal1066)

"Old round Tower, Nice spot, parking and toilets"

Smokey Disco

What People Like

Historical significance
Peaceful atmosphere
Convenient parking & toilets

What People Dislike

Can be a very brief visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Armoy Round Tower is located in the village of Armoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. The nearest major towns are Ballycastle and Ballymena.

Public transport options to Armoy are limited. Bus services may run to the village, but checking local timetables in advance is recommended. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the site.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Armoy Round Tower and the grounds are generally free to visit. It's an open historical site.

As an outdoor historical monument, the tower is accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A visit to Armoy Round Tower is typically brief, often taking around 15-30 minutes to explore the tower and its surroundings. It's a perfect quick stop.

Yes, reviews mention that parking and toilet facilities are available at the site, adding to visitor convenience.

Children can visit, but supervision is advised due to the historical nature of the site. It's more of an educational stop than an interactive playground.

Absolutely! The round tower and the adjacent church offer picturesque views, making it a great spot for photography, especially with the surrounding countryside.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options are limited directly at the tower. You'll find pubs and cafes in the nearby village of Armoy or in larger towns like Ballycastle for a wider selection.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Armoy Round Tower offers a brief but interesting stop for families interested in history. It's a chance to see a real ancient structure up close. While there aren't specific play areas, the open space around the tower allows children to move around safely under supervision. The nearby parking and toilets are a definite plus for families on the go. Consider it a quick educational detour on a larger road trip.

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For those exploring the scenic routes of County Antrim, Armoy Round Tower is an ideal quick stop. Its convenient location and available facilities make it easy to pull over, stretch your legs, and take in a piece of local history. It’s a perfect addition to a day trip exploring the Causeway Coast or the Glens of Antrim, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst your travels.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Armoy Round Tower

The Armoy Round Tower is a significant historical monument dating back to the early medieval period in Ireland. These towers, often found at monastic sites, served multiple purposes, including as bell towers, defensive structures, and places of refuge. The precise age and original function of the Armoy tower are subjects of archaeological interest, contributing to its allure for history enthusiasts.

Standing beside the more modern St Olcan's Church, the round tower presents a striking visual contrast. This juxtaposition highlights the layers of history present in the landscape. While the tower itself is ancient, the church serves the contemporary community, offering a sense of continuity and evolution in the area.

Visitors often remark on the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the tower, even when events like the Armoy Road Races are taking place nearby. This sense of tranquility allows for reflection on the centuries of history the tower has witnessed.

Visiting During Armoy Road Races

The Armoy Road Races are a major annual event that draws significant crowds to the area. For those interested in motorsport, visiting the Armoy Round Tower during this period offers a unique experience. One popular viewpoint for the races is located directly opposite the tower, providing an interesting backdrop to the high-speed action.

While the races bring excitement, they also mean higher visitor numbers and potential disruptions. Travelers interested in the historical aspect of the tower might prefer to visit at a quieter time to fully appreciate its archaeological significance and serene setting. However, the combination of history and adrenaline can be a compelling draw for some.

Reviews suggest that even amidst the buzz of the races, the tower retains a certain charm, with some visitors noting how beautiful and peaceful it feels even with motorcycles speeding past the gates. It offers a dual experience of historical contemplation and thrilling sport.

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