Carntogher History Trail - Bealach Oidhreachta Charn Tóchair
The Carntogher History Trail includes a wealth of sites of both archeological and environmental importance.
Measuring around 18km, the trail is mostly on road. However parts will be on track and open mountain areas, suitable for able walkers with experience of mountain and hill walking.
Your first step back in time begins at St Lurach's Church in Maghera town, where the present day ruins date back to the 10th Century and stands on the site of a 6th Century monastery. Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion which is one of the oldest in Ireland.
Proceed from here one mile north-west of Maghera towards the Tirnoney Dolmen. This prehistoric tomb, in which our ancestors would have placed the cremated remains of their dead, is up to 6,000 years old.
Retrace your steps back to the main road and continue north-west, turning left at the cross roads onto the Urbalshinney Road. Here the Tirkane Sweathouse is nestled in a secluded area, which was once used to cure fevers and pains up until the end of the 19th Century.
Go back to the Tirkane Road and continue the trail to the lay-by and information panel at Altkeeran bridge. Here the route changes to track and open mountain. There are a number of distinct archeological sites along this stretch which are detailed on the Carntogher Way card.
Continue along the route towards the megalithic Knockoneill Court Tomb, dating to the Neolithic or New Stone Age (2000-4000 BC).
The final destination of the trail is Drumnaph Ancient Woodland, which reveals a "rath", an earthen ring fort dating from the early Christian period. The route continues south on road back to the starting point.
For further information contact:
An Carn Resource Centre
T: 028 795 49978
