Attractions

Among the fun activities available in the Magherafelt area, there is a wealth of historical places of interest which are perfect for a day out.

Bellaghy Bawn

Echoing the historical era of the Plantation of Ulster, this 'Plantation Fort' was built in 1618 by the Vintneris Company of London and was substantially renovated in 1780s by Bishop Harvey, Earl of Bristol. It remained a family residence until 1981. It was restored and opened as a visitor centre in 1996 displaying exhibits on the history of the area dating as far back to early Mesolithic man, houses a tribute exhibition to a local poet, Seamus Heaney who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1995 and very kindly contributed to Bellaghy Bawn in the extensive collection of his manuscripts, books and all his broadcasts and television work. Even his old schoolbag is there from his days at Anahorish Primary School.

The Forge
This Blacksmith's Cottage is in its original state (late 18^th Century). One half or the building comprises of the dwelling area, the other half is where blacksmith piled his trade. The highlight of the living section is two full size replicas of the smith, Frank Devlin and his daughter Annie.

Lough Neagh and Lough Beg
Lough Neagh, Lough Beg and their associated wetlands are designated a RAMSAR. They are wetlands of international conservation importance. Offshore in winter, enormous rafts of birds include the largest concentrations of diving duck in Britain and Ireland. Access for Birdwatching is particularly good on Lough Beg, which, in addition to the wintering wildfowl, is a haven for passage wanders in autumn and returning migrants flying north to May.

St Lurach's Church
The town of Maghera is a site of religious significance from ancient times. The present day ruins of St. Lurach's Church date back to the 10^th Century and it stands on the 6^th 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 10^th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. The details of the sculpture can still be seen today.

The Clark Linen Factory
The village of Upperlands is the birthplace of Charles Thompson, the Secretary of The Continental Congress who wrote and delivered the American Declaration of independence in 1776. It is also home of the Clark Linen Factory, where the history of Ulster's Linen industry is unfolded and beetling mills form the 18th century can still be seen in operation

The Sperrins
Stretching form Donegal to Lough Neagh the Sperrin Mountains cross the heart of Ulster and is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. One of Ireland's largest upland areas, their gently rolling hills reach a maximum elevation of 678m at Mount Sawel, which overlooks the District of Magherafelt. The name Sperrin is thought to derive from "Na Speiríní" meaning "spurs of rock" and it is rocks of the area that give the mountains their special character.

Castledawson Open Farm
This open farm and heritage centre is a treasure chest of weird and wonderful things, a haven to the curious imaginations of young & old alike. It is dedicated to rare unusual animals such as chinchillas, miniature Shetland ponies, the peacock, rare breeds of pigs, Vickie the fox and much more. It is also presided over by a beautiful thatch cottage housing an impressive collection of artifacts from bygone eras.

Sheephill Nature Trail
This 100 acre Sheephill Farm is rich in wildlife, history and local folklore. The fully guided natures trail is ideal for groups of any age to explore and enjoy the resident wildlife and get a taste of geography, botany, biology, agronomy, history and heritage, while absorbing the splendid scenery.

Church Island
Church Island is a small island on Lough Beg. On a visit to the island you will discover the ruins of an old church with no spire! The spire was built beside the church for Bishop Harvey in the late 1700's who wanted a view of a spire from his dwelling in Bellaghy. It is thought that the ruins of the church date back to the time of St. Patrick who used the River Bann to navigate t the island to meet with Taoide to found an early Christian settlement. On the island is a stone known as the Bullaun Stone featuring a hole that holds water. The Bullaun Stone is most likely associated with the first monastic settlement, however local anecdote has it that the hole in the stone was made by St. Patrick as he knelt to pray.

Tirnoney Dolmen
One mile north of Maghera stands a prehistoric tomb 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. In it our ancestors would have placed the cremated remains of their dead. In the field to the south there is rumoured to be a souterrain or artificial cave. It would have been constructed as a bolt hole in times of danger sometime between the 5^th and 12^th Century.

Tirkane Sweathouse
Nestled in a secluded area located 2.5 miles to the North West of Maghera, is a well preserved Sweathouse. It is 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 now in Germany as Irish Baths. There are only a few such sweathouses remaining in Northern Ireland.

Knockloughrim Windmill
Knockloughrim Windmill is positioned on the outskirts of the village of Knockloughrim situated on high ground. The mill was locally known as "Palmer's Folly" after its builder. The sails were destroyed by a great wind in the 1890's. Since then the building has had a number of uses including the meeting place for the local "Orange Order". It fell into disrepair and lay derelict until the early 1990's when a group under the leadership of Rev. Fred Munce decided to refurbish the mill.

The Bridewell
The old gaol and courthouse in the centre of Magherafelt was built in 1805 by the Salter's Company from London during the Plantation of Ulster. Fully restored displaying its glorious character, The Bridewell is now a much more welcoming place housing the Tourist Information Centre and the local library.

Further information on any of the attractions may be obtained by contacting: