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Breathtaking views, dark and dramatic landscapes, rolling countryside and small settlement towns, make the North Sperrins Scenic Route a must see, must-do experience!
This circular trail winds its way for 50 miles (80kms) through the beautiful, wild and rugged Sperrin Mountains, including the rural towns of Dungiven, Draperstown, Tobermore, Maghera and Garvagh.
This area is steeped in myths and legends and historic sites. The rivers Roe, Moyola and Bann meander and flow through the timeless landscape, shaped and formed by nature over millions of years.
Take time out to view and explore the scenic stop off points and the local plantation towns and villages.
Why not sample one of the other three scenic driving routes where you can take a journey of exploration through the Central Sperrins, explore the cultural and built heritage of the South Sperrins or discover the hidden beauty of the Eastern Sperrins. |
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 Download Route |
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1- Garvagh |
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Destroyed by fire during the Battle of Garvagh in 1641, it is now a thriving rural market town. Of interest are Garvagh Museum, the stone clock tower and nearby forest. |
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2- Legavannon Pot |
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Meaning the Hollow of the Soul - a spectacular melt water channel between Garvagh & Dungiven. |
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3- Dungiven |
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The historic seat of the O’Cahan clan home to Dungiven Castle and Priory overlooking the Sperrins at the gateway to the Glenshane. |
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4- Banagher Old Church |
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An impressive ruin dating from the 11th/12th century containing the tomb of St Muireach O’Heaney. |
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5- Banagher Glen |
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The ancient oak woodland within the Glen is a Special Area of Conservation offering a pleasant walk to Altnaheglish Dam. Seasonal parking and toilets at Banagher Glen. Aughlish Stone Circles nearby date from the late Neolithic – early Bronze age and is well worth a visit. |
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6- Derrynoid Forest Draperstown |
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This forest houses the Rural College & Derrynoid Centre - an excellent base for walking and activity holidays. A series of nature trails and walks are available with accompanying literature. |
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7- St Lurach’s Church |
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The present day ruins of St. Lurach’s Church date back to the 10th Century and it stands on the 6th Century monastery founded by St.Lurach, the patron saint of Maghera. Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. |
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8- Tirkane Sweathouse |
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A rectangular structure built against the side of a hill with a roof made of flat stones with a small chimney hole in one corner. The floor is paved with stone. According to ‘Ancient Monuments of Ireland, Vol. 2’ these Sweat Houses are the primitive fore runner for the modern Turkish bath, which are known in Germany as Irish Baths. |
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9- Tirnoney Dolmen |
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A prehistoric tomb of at least 4,000 - 6,000 years old. Dolmens are tomb structures with standing stones and a horizontal capstone, found in a number of places in Ireland. |
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10- Upperlands Dam |
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The Linen Village of Upperlands is characterised by the ancient craft of linen making. Where the Knockoneill River reaches the Clady River are a number of dams which were essential for storing water to wash, bleach, dye and starch the linen during the manufacturing process. |
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11- Glenullin |
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Having a lowland raised bog as its dominant landscape feature, the Glenullin area also offers choice of way marked trails. |
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12- Errigal Glen |
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An established woodland on the banks of the Agivey River with way marked trails and historic interest. |
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13- Errigal Old Church and Souterrain |
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An ancient pagan ritual site, Christianised in the 7th century by St Adamnan. |
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