Maghera
Drumnaph Nature Reserve
Nestled on the edge of the Sperrins, the Reserve boasts a rich variety of habitats including ancient woodland, wetland, bog and meadow with the Grillagh River running along its edge. It is a haven for wildlife and you are sure to get a glimpse of something special during your visit.
Situated a 2 minute drive from An Teach Glas.
Maghera
Slí An Chairn – Carntogher Way
Experience this 9.8-km circular trail on the Carntogher Mountain, located up the road from the houses. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Glenshane Pass
Glenshane Forest Ancient Mass Rock
Glenshane Forest Ancient Mass Rock is a challenging walk perfect for awakening the senses. Follow part of the Ulster Way through the forest then climb to the Ancient Mass Rock, otherwise known as the Priest’s Chair where sometime in the 17th or 18th Centuries, a young boy saved the life of a priest by lying to the Red Coats and sending them off in another direction.
Dungiven
Banagher Glen
Take a short walk through the steep wooded Banagher Glen, one of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland to Altnaheglish Reservoir and Banagher Dam
The reserve lies 4 miles to the south of Dungiven
Lough Beg
Church Island
Church Island is a small island on Lough Beg – 1.5 miles from Bellaghy. The later medieval church that stands today, was built on the site of an earlier monastic settlement, thought to have been founded by St Taoide (St Thaddeus).
A Bullaun Stone dating from this early settlement, is located close to the shoreline, to the south of the graveyard.
The tower and spire were built for Lord Bishop Hervey of Derry in the late 1700’s, to be seen from his house at Ballyscullion, and remains an iconic landmark to this day. Free parking and viewpoint is provided at Longpoint Wood.
Portrush
Whiterocks Beach
Situated just off the Causeway Coastal Route, 45 minute drive from An Teach Glas, Whiterocks Coastal Park enjoys a stunning natural location, with limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. A seasonal on site surf outlet provides equipment for hire.
The beach is also very popular with walkers to and from Portrush along the continuous stretch of sand from East Strand to Whiterocks. Enjoy the new section cliff path, part of the Ulster Way / Causeway Coast Way, which offers stunning views both east and west.
Portstewart
Portstewart Strand
Sweeping along the edge of the North Coast, and situated a 45 minute drive from our accommodation, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches and affords views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched on the cliffs above. It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, surfing and long walks into the sand dunes, where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark green fritillary butterflies abound.
Its precious habitat is an important nature conservation site with way-marked trails. Nearby, the Bann Estuary is a sanctuary for waterfowl and wading birds like curlew and redshank. Exploring the hide on the west side of the River Bann also provides endless opportunity to witness the spectacle of birds.
Benone
Benone Strand
Benone Strand, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2020, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive sightseeing environment along with the usual seaside activities including watersports, walking, picnic spots and fishing.
Located 45 minute drive from An Teach Glas
Castlerock
Castlerock Beach
Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the Lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east. The beach was awarded the Seaside Award in 2020.
Castlerock beach backs on to the tranquil resort of Castlerock. The dunes to the east of the entrance are home to Castlerock Golf Club.
