Dungiven, Ancestral Seat of the O'Cahon Clan
Dungiven is located on the main road between Derry and Belfast, the A6. It is home to the ruined Augustinian priory of St Mary's, signposted on the same road which preserves the tomb of Cooey na Gall O' Cahan who died in 1385. It is the finest medieval tomb in Ulster. A thicket of thorn bushes hung with rags, on the right, conceals a bullaun stone, visited for wart cures.
Dungiven is also well situated if you want to discover the Sperrin Hills. The best way to enjoy the Sperrins is by foot but with the development of a sustrans cycle route through the area, biking is another great way to enjoy the freshness of the area. There is also a trapistry of meandering country roads for pleasantlt relaxing car journeys.
The name Dungiven means "Given's fort" and this market town is situated where the rivers Roe, Owenreagh and Owenbeg converge at the foot of the 1535 foot Benbradagh mountain next to the magnificent Glenshane Pass, the road rising to over 1,000 feet on its way eastwards towards Belfast, where it passes the highest pub in Ireland, the Ponderosa.
Near Dungiven is the beautiful Banagher Glen, popular with ornithologists. It leads up to the magnificent Altaheglish Reservoir, an impressive lake set up in the mountains, surrounded by forest.
The bawn walls of the original Dungiven Castle, constructed during the reign of James l, by the O'Cahon clan still remain, closing the courtyard of the new Castle originally constructed by Ogilby and recently refurbished by Glenshane Community Development Limited. The twenty two acre Environmental and Conservation Park consisting of Victorian Gardens, Wetlands, Woodlands, Nature Reserve, Duck Pond and Picnic Area is well worth a visit. It is located at the front of the Castle with free access all year round and offers panoramic views of the Sperrin Mountains.
Dungiven is also the home of traditional music so make sure to enjoy the craic when you visit.
Dungiven is also well situated if you want to discover the Sperrin Hills. The best way to enjoy the Sperrins is by foot but with the development of a sustrans cycle route through the area, biking is another great way to enjoy the freshness of the area. There is also a trapistry of meandering country roads for pleasantlt relaxing car journeys.
The name Dungiven means "Given's fort" and this market town is situated where the rivers Roe, Owenreagh and Owenbeg converge at the foot of the 1535 foot Benbradagh mountain next to the magnificent Glenshane Pass, the road rising to over 1,000 feet on its way eastwards towards Belfast, where it passes the highest pub in Ireland, the Ponderosa.
Near Dungiven is the beautiful Banagher Glen, popular with ornithologists. It leads up to the magnificent Altaheglish Reservoir, an impressive lake set up in the mountains, surrounded by forest.
The bawn walls of the original Dungiven Castle, constructed during the reign of James l, by the O'Cahon clan still remain, closing the courtyard of the new Castle originally constructed by Ogilby and recently refurbished by Glenshane Community Development Limited. The twenty two acre Environmental and Conservation Park consisting of Victorian Gardens, Wetlands, Woodlands, Nature Reserve, Duck Pond and Picnic Area is well worth a visit. It is located at the front of the Castle with free access all year round and offers panoramic views of the Sperrin Mountains.
Dungiven is also the home of traditional music so make sure to enjoy the craic when you visit.
