Our Community

Magheramore Courtyard

Magheramore Courtyard offers new self catering accommodation outside Dungiven in Northern Ireland. The three cottages have been completely refurbished to exacting standards, indeed they have received a "Five Star" rating from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.



Local Activities:



WALKING -

Being situated in the Sperrin mountains a natural activity is hill walking. An experienced guide is available for organised routes or just simply roam at will through the many interesting lane-ways. Laminated guide maps are available.



PHOTOGRAPHY -

When out and about the local area one cannot fail to spot the natural unspoilt panoramic views which can etch your memory. A photographer who specialises in such scenes is available to assist visitors capture these images on their own cameras.



BIRD WATCHING -

With the farm being situated in the heart of the Sperrins, enjoying an abundance of good hedges which form a patchwork quilt of small fields, birds are part of the natural surroundings of Magheramore Courtyard. The relevant species are found in the upper reaches of the farm where the rushes and heather form much of the vegetation with the benefit of having enticing flora and fauna along the sides of Banagher Glen.



FISHING -

During the fishing season the local River Roe is renowned for it's ability to provide fishermen, in the proper conditions, with a challenging bag of trout or even the odd salmon. A gillie is available to assist the visitor pick the best spots along the river.



PONY TREKKING -

Pony trekking is available to visitors; at least two ponies can be supplied along with a competent guide.



HORSE DRAWN GIG TRIPS -

Horse drawn gig tours can be provided by a local enthusiast. Three different scenic routes can be discovered on this very traditional mode of travel.



GOLFING -

The cottages are situated within easy reach of many golf courses. Indeed golfing breaks at different courses can be arranged.



CYCLING -

For the energetic visitor a bicycle hire service is available giving cyclists' opportunities to explore the network of small roads and lane ways by pedal power.

Wetland Lane

Guests are free to wander along the farm's own private laneway - the wetland lane. It is appropriately named because of the many natural springs rising in the farmland along both sides. Evidence of environmentally friendly hedge planting will be experienced along the lower reaches before rising to the heather moorland. The gravel land starts at a level of 400 feet rising to the summit of over 1000 giving excellent viewing opportunities along the way. What the occasional stroller will be unaware of is the immense amount of history along their way. The 'wetland' was once the home to many families and their memory still survives. Six cottages were once occupied - some have disappeared, the wallsteads remain in three and the most recent one is still intact. Today we still remember some fields as 'Jane's ground', 'Tam's hill' and 'Boughin's hill'. The foundations of Magheramore AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) have been just recently covered over. In it's hey day the local membership had a flute band and at least twice a year enthralled the neighbourhood with their airs. Perhaps the most famous inhabitants who lived up the land were the Murphy family. Being a family of little means they were allowed by our ancestors to graze their cow along the grassy ditches in the early part of the last century. In search of a better life the family moved to Ballymena in County Antrim where one of the children, Paddy, became a well known businessman with respect throughout the community to the extent that he was elected the first Catholic Mayor of Ballymena in 1947.