The round tower stands at over nine metres tall, and damage to the top of the tower is thought to have happened at a battle here during the 1798 rebellion. The circumference at the base is 14.5 metres and at almost 2 metres from the ground is the doorway.

Sitting on top of a hill, this is a massive earthwork consisting of a tall round motte about 35 feet high, surrounded by a ditch and a bank. Traces of a Bailey can be seen on the north side. It was probably erected at the end of the 12th century, but it is first mentioned in the historical sources when it was burned in 1286. Bruce’s army met and defeated a strong English force nearby in 1315.

Stone buildings at the top may have been added just prior to 1654, but these have vanished. Beside the road is a plaque commemorating the 4th Gordon Bennett Memorial Race of 1903 - the first motor race to be run over a closed circuit. Ardscull was one of the points on the circuit.

This High Cross, with its beautiful flat stylised and naïve figures, is 17 feet high, unique and one of the most appealing of all the High Crosses. On the east face are Daniel and Seven Lions, the Sacrifice of Isaac, Adam and Eve, the Crucifixion; the south face has The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, The Flight into Egypt, The Three Children in the Fiery Furnace and various animals, while the north face has SS Paul and Anthony breaking bread in the desert. Note the depiction of the table and chair.

The cross stands on the site of an Early Christian monastery allegedly founded by St. Columba. An abbot of the monastery is known to have died in 1014, and in 1040 it was raided by Diarmuid of the Ui Ceinnsealaigh who carried away many prisoners from it. In the 13th century the Fitzgeralds founded a new church which has antae (pillars flanking a doorway), and unless these belong to an earlier church, they represent one of the earliest survivals of this feature in Irish architecture. The church was repaired in 1609 and also contains the remains of another cross built into cement and decorated with animals and centaurs.

St. James’s Church lies on the site of a monastery founded around 800 by the father of St. Diarmuid, after which Castledermot takes its name. The monastery was raided by the Vikings in the 9th century, but continued its existence at least until the 12th century.

In the churchyard, there is a reconstructed Romanesque doorway from a 12th century church, (the present doorway is an exact replica) two fine high crosses carved with biblical scenes and celtic design, and the base of a third cross. There are a number of early Christian grave slabs, a holed “swearing” stone, another holed stone, and the only “hog-back” (a Scandinavian style grave marker) known in Ireland. There was a school of carving located at the Monastery.

Situated approximately 1km from Kilkea Castle is Mullaghreelan Wood where there is a 3km trail. There is a rath-capped hill which stands 170m above sea level overlooking the River Griese.

The main tree species found here are Norway spruce, Scots pine, Douglas fir, ash and beech. The fauna include fox, badger, squirrel and pheasant. The facilities include forest walks, a wishing well and a ring fort.

Open to the public. No entrance charge.

Between Crookstown and Ardscull lies The Rath of Mullaghmast, a complex of earthworks, ring forts, barrows and a standing stone. In 1577, the O’Dempseys massacred their rivals here, and in 1843, Daniel O’Connell addressed a meeting on the rath for a repeal of the Act Of Union (1801) between the Irish and British Parliaments said to be the biggest political gathering ever held in Ireland – to this day! In tradition, the Wizard Earl of Kildare was said to have been buried under the rath. His ghost is said to appear on the Curragh every seven years and will do so until the silver shoes of his steed are worn out.

Standing on the crest of a hill at Mullaghmast is this bulky looking standing stone.

Approximately 1.8 metres tall, the stone has traces of grooves running down it. This stone was moved from its original position on the opposite side of the road and now stands in a little niche with a plaque inscribed with the name ‘Mullaghmast Long Stone’.

There are some excellent views from here.