Dungiven between the priory, castle and Benbradagh

Dungiven brings together a historic priory and an early Victorian castle, with trails through the town and up to Benbradagh. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the different themes and routes: the O'Cahans’ heritage, the location of Dungiven Castle on the River Roe, and routes ranging from a town walk to longer hiking trails each offer a different perspective on the town and its surroundings.

The O'Cahans’ Priory and Tomb

Dungiven Priory is a 12th-century Augustinian priory church closely associated with the O'Cahans. The tomb of Cooey-na-Gall O'Cahan, an O'Cahan chieftain, is in the chancel. He died in 1385; the tomb dates from the 15th century. The two dates therefore refer to different things: the chieftain’s year of death and the date of the tomb.

Gallowglasses, Scottish mercenaries, are depicted in O'Cahan's Tomb. The figures suggest that the tomb may have been created by a craftsman from western Scotland. The priory is thus notable both for its connection to the O'Cahans and for a tomb with a striking motif. The craftsman’s possible origins remain a cautious interpretation.

Dungiven Castle and the River Roe

Dungiven Castle is an early Victorian Gothic Revival castle built on the site of an older structure. It occupies a commanding position overlooking the River Roe. Parts of the original bawn wall survive and display a variety of old and new features. Dungiven Castle’s grounds are also home to the Environmental Park.

The priory and castle represent different historical periods: the priory dates back to the 12th century, while Dungiven Castle, an early Victorian building, continues the story of an earlier predecessor. The surviving sections of wall and the view over the River Roe add further points of interest at the castle. This makes it possible to consider Dungiven’s history alongside its landscape without conflating the dates of the two buildings.

Benbradagh and the landscape

Dungiven lies at the foot of Benbradagh Mountain and in the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty. The mountain is both a prominent landmark that helps locate the town and a destination on the North Sperrins Way. Benbradagh’s summit is 465 metres high. From there, views extend south across Benedy Glen, Glenshane Pass and the high Sperrin Peaks. How far you can see depends on the weather.

The route details distinguish between the path climbing the southwestern flank and a spur to the summit: from Dungiven, the North Sperrins Way follows Curragh Road and climbs four kilometres up the southwestern flank of Benbradagh. An 800-metre path branches off to the summit. The four kilometres describe the route along the flank, while the 800 metres refer to the spur.

Town walks and longer hiking trails

The Dungiven Walk follows Ballyquin Road, Main Street and Garvagh Road. Just before Derryware Bridge, it turns left and returns to Ballyquin Road. The named roads and bridge help identify this walk as a distinct route through the town.

The North Sperrins Way is 37 miles long and forms part of both the Ulster Way and the International Appalachian Trail. A section of the International Appalachian Trail on the Causeway Coast and Glens begins south of Glenshane, heads towards Dungiven and then continues through the North Sperrins towards Binevenagh and Castlerock. The route descriptions thus mention both Dungiven as a landmark along the way and the further destinations on this section.

Nearby, Banagher Glen Nature Reserve lies about four miles south of Dungiven, at the end of Magheramore Road. A walking trail there follows a paved road from the car park to Banagher Dam and on to Altnaheglish Reservoir. Unlike the Dungiven Walk, which is described as following town streets and crossing a bridge, this route uses the paved road, dam and reservoir as landmarks. Check route details before setting out on a longer hike; trail, road and signposting conditions may change.

Discover more destinations: Ballykelly, Limavady.

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