Attractions and Places To See around Magheralane - Top 5

The region is rich in history. You can visit the ancient monastic settlement represented by the impressive Antrim Round Tower, which dates back to the 10th century. Another significant historical site is Antrim Castle Gardens, featuring 400-year-old gardens and the refurbished Clotworthy House with a Garden Heritage Exhibition. Further afield in Maghera (County Londonderry), you'll find St. Lurach's Old Church and Graveyard, with remains from around the 10th century, and numerous prehistoric monuments like Tamneyrankin Court Tomb and Tirnony Dolmen.

Yes, you can enjoy the scenic Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, offering beautiful vantage points along Ireland's largest lake. Randalstown Forest is another natural highlight, a 430-acre mixed conifer forest with an owl conservation center, deer park, and walking routes. In County Donegal, the stunning Maghera Beach and Caves beneath Slievetooey Mountain offer a unique natural experience, best visited at low tide.

Many attractions are suitable for families. Antrim Castle Gardens offers plenty of space to explore its historical grounds. The Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim provides easy walking sections for all ages. Randalstown Forest has walking routes and a deer park where children can quietly observe fallow deer. Additionally, the Maghera Leisure Centre in County Londonderry features a soft play kingdom and a children's circuit gym.

Absolutely. The area around Magheralane offers various routes for outdoor enthusiasts. For cycling, you can explore options like the 'Antrim to Kells loop' or the 'View of Lough Shore loop from Antrim'. Runners might enjoy trails such as the 'Antrim Castle Gardens – Randalstown Heritage Houses loop'. You can find more details and specific routes on the Cycling around Magheralane, Road Cycling Routes around Magheralane, and Running Trails around Magheralane guide pages.

The Antrim Castle Gardens offers a Garden Heritage Exhibition within Clotworthy House, detailing the history of the gardens and the Massereene family. In Maghera (County Londonderry), the Maghera Heritage & Cultural Centre, housed in a renovated bottling plant, provides a deep dive into the area's past, including farming and the linen industry, with numerous artifacts and memorabilia.

A unique sight is The Protector of the Lough, an eight-meter-tall sculpture of the mythological giant Finn McCool standing guard at Antrim Marina, celebrating local folklore. In Maghera (County Londonderry), Drumnaph Wood features remarkable wooden sculptures of local wildlife, and the Maghera Walled Garden is a restored Victorian garden on ancient grounds.

Yes, The Protector of the Lough statue at Antrim Marina is noted as wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy this unique piece of local folklore and the views of Lough Neagh.

While specific recommendations vary, the town of Maghera (County Londonderry) offers Walshes Hotel & Helena's Coffee Shop, providing accommodation, a cozy bar, and a stylish coffee shop, serving as a central point in Mid-Ulster. The wider Magheralane area, being close to Antrim, also offers various amenities.

Visitors frequently appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty. For instance, Antrim Castle Gardens is praised as an 'absolute historical gem' with its 400-year-old gardens and various features to explore. The Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim is loved for its 'gorgeous vantage points' and scenic walking sections.

Yes, Maghera Beach and Caves are located on Maghera Strand beneath Slievetooey Mountain in County Donegal, Ireland. It's a stunning place along the Wild Atlantic Way. It is highly recommended to visit at low tide to safely access and explore the caves. The nearby Assaranca Waterfall is also a beautiful attraction worth seeing.

Yes, in the Maghera (County Londonderry) area, you can find William Clarke Linen Mills Upperlands, which were established in 1737 and represent a significant part of the region's industrial heritage. The Maghera Heritage & Cultural Centre also showcases artifacts related to the linen industry.