Eglinton: Nature and Local History

Eglinton combines local history with nearby Muff Glen Forest and listed buildings. This offers different starting points for planning a stay: a woodland path with views of a waterfall, the development of the place formerly known as Muff, and historic buildings. If you are looking for a hotel in Eglinton, you can use these themes as a guide when deciding what to focus on during your stay.

Muff Glen Forest: Mixed Woodland and Waterfall Views

Muff Glen Forest is in the vicinity of Eglinton, half a mile south of the village. You can reach it on foot via a gravel path; views of a waterfall can be enjoyed at the southern end of this path. The woodland covers 34 hectares of mixed forest along the Muff River. The half-mile distance places the forest south of Eglinton, while the waterfall views are at the southern end of the path. Access restrictions may apply during forestry work. Bear this in mind when planning a visit.

Eglinton’s History and the Name Muff

The Grocers’ Company founded the settlement, originally called Muff, as a plantation town in 1619. Eglinton was known as Muff until 1858. In the 1820s, the main street was transformed into an impressive tree-lined avenue as part of improvements. Manor House was also built in the 1820s and 1830s as part of the improvements made by the Grocers’ Company of London in what was then Muff. Since Eglinton was known as Muff until 1858, the street’s redesign in the 1820s and the construction of Manor House took place while the town still bore that name.

Church and Mill

St. Canice’s Church, a Grade B listed building, is on Main Street. St Canice’s Church of Ireland is in the centre of Eglinton and maintained a close connection with nearby RNAS Eglinton airfield in the 1940s. Grocer’s Mill at 1 Edenreagh Road is a Grade B1 listed building. The church and mill can be distinguished by their listing grades: B for St. Canice’s Church on Main Street, and B1 for Grocer’s Mill on Edenreagh Road.

Getting Around and Events

A visitor map is located outside the play park on Eglinton Main Street. City of Derry Airport is at Airport Road, Eglinton, Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT47 3GY. At the 2025 Eglinton Annual Show, visitors could browse stalls featuring arts and crafts, as well as food and drink.

Nature and Local History Compared

For your trip planning, these different options sit side by side: Muff Glen Forest combines mixed woodland with a path accessible on foot and views of a waterfall; for the church and mill, their addresses and listing grades help distinguish the buildings.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Londonderry

Go to the main travel overview: Derry.