|
|
 |
 |
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. |
| |
 |
 Download Route |
| |
 |
1- Garvagh |
| |
Destroyed by fire during the Battle of Garvagh in 1641, it is now a thriving market town. Of interest are Garvagh Museum, the stone clock tower and nearby forest. |
| |
|
|
2- Legavannon Pot |
| |
“Hollow of the soul” – a spectaular melt water channel between Garvagh and Dungiven |
| |
|
|
3- Dungiven |
| |
A historic town. Visit the recently restored Dungiven Castle, set in parkland overlooking the Sperrins. |
| |
|
|
4- Banagher Glen |
| |
An ancient oakland just off the route is designed a Special Area of Conservation. Take a detour to view the impressive Altnaheglish Dam. |
| |
|
|
5- Banagher Old Church |
| |
Ancient burial site and holy place with a 12th century ruin. |
| |
|
|
6- Derrynoid Forest Draperstown |
| |
This forest houses the Rural College & Derrynoid Centre – an excellent base for walking and activity holidays. |
| |
|
|
7- St Lurach’s Church |
| |
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. |
| |
|
|
8- Tirkane Sweathouse |
| |
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. |
| |
|
|
9- Tirnoney Dolmen |
| |
A prehistoric tomb of at least 4,000 – 6,000 years old. Dolmens are tomb structures with standing stones and horizontal capstones, found in a number of places in Ireland. |
| |
|
|
10- Upperlands Dam |
| |
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 manufacturing process. |
| |
|
|
11- The Clarke Linen Factory |
| |
The home of the Clarke Linen Factory, where the history of Ulster’s linen industry is unfolded and beetling mills from the 18th century can still be seen in operation. |
| |
|
|
12- Glenullin |
| |
Having a lowland raised bog as its dominant landscape feature, the Glenullin area also offers a choice of way marked trails. |
| |
|
|
13- Errigal Glen |
| |
An established woodland on the banks of the Agivey river with way marked trails and historic interest. |
| |
|
|
14- Errigal Old Church and Souterrin |
| |
An Ancient pagan ritual site, Christianised in the 7th century by St Adamnan. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
