Attractions and Places To See around Drumballyhagan - Top 6

The area around Drumballyhagan is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit for sensational views across the Sperrin Mountains and Lough Neagh. Another must-see is the beautiful Altkeeran Waterfall, located slightly off the path near Tobermore. The Carntogher Summit Cairn also offers extensive views, reaching across Lough Foyle to Donegal and the high Sperrins. The Moyola River, which borders Drumballyhagan, is a significant local feature, and the broader region includes the vast Lough Neagh and the scenic Sperrin Mountains.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find various trails, including moderate routes like the 'Slieve Gallion NE Top via Iniscarn Forest' and the 'Carntogher Way'. For more options, explore the dedicated guide to Hiking around Drumballyhagan, which details routes of varying difficulties.

Drumballyhagan is located within the historic civil parish of Kilcronaghan, home to the present Kilcronaghan Parish Church, consecrated in 1858. Further afield, you can visit the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, an interactive exhibition dedicated to the Nobel laureate poet. The OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory offers a unique blend of astronomy and archaeology. The historic city of Derry/Londonderry, a short drive away, features attractions like the Derry City Walls and the Museum of Free Derry.

Absolutely. For adventure seekers, The Jungle NI near Moneymore and Todds Leap Activity Centre near Dungannon offer high-octane activities like ziplines, paintballing, and zorbing. Roe Valley Country Park provides a large forested area popular for walks and contains the Green Lane Museum. Binevenagh Lake is also a pleasant spot for picnics.

Beyond hiking, the area is great for road cycling, with routes like 'Desertlynn Old Graveyard loop from Tobermore' and 'Bench Under a Large Tree – An Creagan Visitor Centre loop from Maghera'. You can find more details in the Road Cycling Routes around Drumballyhagan guide. Running is also popular, with trails such as the 'Altkeeran Waterfall loop from Carntogher'. Lough Neagh offers opportunities for fishing and various water sports.

Near the peak of Crockmore, you can find Blanket Bog and Turf Information Boards. These boards provide fascinating facts about the importance of blanket bogs as wildlife habitats and their historical use by the Irish for fuel.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from summits like Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit and Carntogher Summit Cairn. The beauty of the Altkeeran Waterfall is also a highlight for those who venture slightly off the main path. The diverse natural landscapes, from forests like Moydamlaght Forest to the unique blanket bogs, are highly appreciated.

Yes, Moydamlaght Forest is a predominantly pine forest offering fast and fun tracks with gorgeous views of the Sperrin Mountains. Moyola Forest, located north of Castledawson on the Moyola River floodplain, features ancient woodlands and is open for pedestrian access.

The Moyola River is a significant natural feature that flows for approximately 27 miles from the Sperrin Mountains to Lough Neagh. It forms a border between ancient kingdoms and has been mentioned in the poetry of Seamus Heaney. Its diverse sections offer both fast-flowing waters with deep pools and long, slow pools, supporting brown trout, migrating salmon, and dollaghan.

Yes, the 'Untapped Mid Ulster' tourist trail, hosted by Croga Tours, highlights local tourism gems, including Great Famine stories and traditional skills within the ancient barony of Loughinsholin, which encompasses Drumballyhagan's parish.

The scenic route along Binevenagh, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers spectacular views over Magilligan to Donegal. Gortmore, within Binevenagh, provides stunning vistas of the Inishowen Peninsula, Lough Foyle, and even Scotland on clear days. The Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit also provides expansive views across the Sperrin Mountains and Lough Neagh.