Attractions and places to see around Finglen include a diverse range of natural and historical sites. This region, often associated with the Sperrins in Northern Ireland, features prominent natural landmarks such as Sawel Mountain. Visitors can explore serene reservoirs within ancient woodlands and discover historical structures like Learmount Castle. The landscape offers opportunities to experience montane heathland, dense forests, and unique blanket bog ecosystems.
Last updated: August 11, 2026
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Wear waterproof shoes/boots because even on the longest day of the year it's still wet underfoot
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Banagher Forest is a large coniferous woodland featuring beautiful sitka spruce and peat covered slopes. It is one of the oldest ancient woodlands in the whole of Ireland and a real hidden gem. The tracks around the forest are paved and undulating, making this a wonderful location for a jog.
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Enjoy some peace and serenity as you jog along the shores of the beautiful and calm Altnaheglish Reservoir, situated in the Sperring Area of Natural Beauty. The reservoir is located in the Banagher Forest, which is home to some of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland. It's a true place of beauty!
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Learmount Castle is a stunning Tudor-Gothic mansion that was built in the 1830s by Henry BarrΓ© Beresford. The house is now abandoned, but you can still use your imagination to picture its grandeur when it was in all its glory.
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With Barnes Top and Knockanbane Mountain to the east and Sawel Mountain to the south east, Sperrins Road carves through the landscape with cracking views all around. There is some descent climbing to get here but it's worth it.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone. It's all downhill from this point on, so you can enjoy a scenic descent back to the carpark.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone.
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Enjoy some peace and serenity as you walk along the shores of the beautiful and calm Altnaheglish Reservoir, situated in the Sperring Area of Natural Beauty. The reservoir is located in the Banagher Forest, which is home to some of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland. It's a true place of beauty!
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Finglen, primarily associated with the Sperrins in Northern Ireland, offers several natural highlights. You can visit Sawel Mountain Summit, the highest peak in the Sperrins, known for its montane heathland and expansive views. Another serene spot is Altnaheglish Reservoir, nestled within Banagher Forest, which boasts some of Ireland's oldest ancient oak woodlands. You can also learn about unique ecosystems at the Blanket Bog and Turf Information Boards Near Crockmore Peak.
Yes, the area around Finglen features historical sites such as Learmount Castle. This Tudor-Gothic mansion, built in the 1830s, offers a glimpse into the region's past, even in its abandoned state within Learmont Park.
The Sperrins region around Finglen provides various hiking trails. You can find moderate trails like the Banagher Glen Forest Trail or challenge yourself with routes up Sawel Mountain. For more detailed options, explore the available hiking routes in the Hiking around Finglen guide.
For panoramic views, head to Sawel Mountain Summit. As the highest point in the Sperrins, it offers uninterrupted vistas across County Londonderry and Tyrone. Rocky outcrops throughout the glens also provide excellent vantage points for observing the landscape.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Altnaheglish Reservoir and Banagher Forest offer peaceful walks and opportunities to explore ancient woodlands, which are generally family-friendly. The paved and undulating tracks in Banagher Forest are also great for a family jog.
In the natural areas, particularly around the glens and higher grounds, you might spot various birds like skylarks, red grouse, and buzzards. Mammals such as voles and rabbits are also common. The burns and reservoirs may host trout. The flora includes heather, bilberry, gorse, bluebells, primroses, ferns, and mosses.
Runners can enjoy trails like the Banagher Glen Forest Trail, which is a moderate route. Banagher Forest itself has paved and undulating tracks, making it a wonderful location for a jog. You can find more running options in the Running Trails around Finglen guide.
Yes, there are several road cycling routes available. Options include challenging routes like the Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop or the Lough Neagh loop. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Finglen guide.
Banagher Forest is a significant natural area, home to some of Ireland's oldest ancient oak woodlands. It features large coniferous sections with sitka spruce and peat-covered slopes, making it a true hidden gem for nature enthusiasts.
You can learn about blanket bogs at the Blanket Bog and Turf Information Boards Near Crockmore Peak. Blanket bogs are unique ecosystems important for wildlife habitat and have historically been used by the Irish as fuel for heating and cooking.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views from Sawel Mountain Summit and the peace and serenity found along the shores of Altnaheglish Reservoir within the ancient Banagher Forest. The historical intrigue of Learmount Castle also captivates many.


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