Attractions and Places To See around Aughlish - Top 11
Best attractions and places to see around Aughlish include significant Bronze Age stone circles and stone rows, making it a notable archaeological and cultural site. Located in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Aughlish is part of the broader Sperrins region, which features the largest mountain range in Ireland. The area offers a mix of ancient monuments and natural landscapes, including peaks, forests, and reservoirs.
Best attractions and places to see around Aughlish
- The most popular attractions is Sawel Mountain Summit,β¦
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Sawel Mountain Summit
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Altnaheglish Reservoir
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Sperrin Road
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Learmount Castle
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Banagher Forest
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Tips from the Community
Wear waterproof shoes/boots because even on the longest day of the year it's still wet underfoot
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Banagher Forest is a large coniferous woodland featuring beautiful sitka spruce and peat covered slopes. It is one of the oldest ancient woodlands in the whole of Ireland and a real hidden gem. The tracks around the forest are paved and undulating, making this a wonderful location for a jog.
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Enjoy some peace and serenity as you jog along the shores of the beautiful and calm Altnaheglish Reservoir, situated in the Sperring Area of Natural Beauty. The reservoir is located in the Banagher Forest, which is home to some of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland. It's a true place of beauty!
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Learmount Castle is a stunning Tudor-Gothic mansion that was built in the 1830s by Henry BarrΓ© Beresford. The house is now abandoned, but you can still use your imagination to picture its grandeur when it was in all its glory.
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With Barnes Top and Knockanbane Mountain to the east and Sawel Mountain to the south east, Sperrins Road carves through the landscape with cracking views all around. There is some descent climbing to get here but it's worth it.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone. It's all downhill from this point on, so you can enjoy a scenic descent back to the carpark.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone.
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Enjoy some peace and serenity as you walk along the shores of the beautiful and calm Altnaheglish Reservoir, situated in the Sperring Area of Natural Beauty. The reservoir is located in the Banagher Forest, which is home to some of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland. It's a true place of beauty!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical or archaeological sites can I explore around Aughlish?
Aughlish is primarily known for its impressive collection of Bronze Age stone circles and stone rows. You can also visit Learmount Castle, a Tudor-Gothic mansion built in the 1830s, which offers a glimpse into its past grandeur within Learmont Park.
What natural features are prominent in the Aughlish area?
The region boasts diverse natural landscapes. You can explore Sawel Mountain Summit, the highest peak in the Sperrins range, offering extensive views. Altnaheglish Reservoir provides a serene setting within Banagher Forest, home to ancient oak woodlands. You can also find information boards about the unique blanket bog habitat near Crockmore Peak.
Are there family-friendly activities or places to visit near Aughlish?
Yes, Altnaheglish Reservoir and Banagher Forest are both considered family-friendly. Banagher Forest features paved and undulating tracks, making it suitable for walks or jogs with the family. The wider Sperrins region also offers woodland trails in Gortin Glens.
Where can I find scenic views around Aughlish?
For panoramic views, head to Sawel Mountain Summit, which offers uninterrupted vistas across County Londonderry and Tyrone. The Blanket Bog and Turf Information Boards Near Crockmore Peak also provide a viewpoint with insights into the natural landscape.
What kind of hiking trails are available near Aughlish?
There are various hiking opportunities. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the Learmount Forest Walk via Learmount Castle, or hiking loops from Moneyneany. You can find more details on these and other options in the Easy hikes around Aughlish guide.
Are there cycling routes in the Aughlish area?
Yes, the area offers several cycling routes. You can find road cycling options, including challenging loops like Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge, or Lough Neagh. For touring bicycles, routes like Banagher Dam β Altnaheglish Reservoir loop are available. Explore more in the Road Cycling Routes around Aughlish and Cycling around Aughlish guides.
What should I wear for hiking in the Sperrins region?
When hiking, especially to places like Sawel Mountain Summit, it's recommended to wear waterproof shoes or boots. The terrain can be wet underfoot even during drier seasons, and the weather in the Sperrins can be unpredictable.
Are there ancient woodlands to visit near Aughlish?
Yes, Altnaheglish Reservoir is located within Banagher Forest, which contains some of Ireland's oldest ancient oak woodlands. Banagher Forest itself is a large coniferous woodland and one of the oldest ancient woodlands in Ireland.
What is the significance of the Aughlish Stone Circles?
The Aughlish Stone Circles and Stone Rows are significant Bronze Age ritual sites. They include at least six stone circles and two stone rows, with one notable circle measuring about 12.5 meters in diameter. Their layout, including a stone row facing the southernmost setting point of the Moon, suggests early archaeoastronomical importance.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Aughlish?
Visitors appreciate the stunning views from Sawel Mountain Summit and the peace and serenity found along the shores of Altnaheglish Reservoir. The historical intrigue of Learmount Castle and the natural beauty of the ancient woodlands in Banagher Forest are also highly valued.
Are there other significant ancient sites in the wider Sperrins region?
While Aughlish is notable for its stone circles, the broader Sperrins region is also home to other significant megalithic structures. The Aughlish site is often compared to the more extensive Beaghmore Stone Circles in County Tyrone, which are also worth exploring if you are interested in Bronze Age archaeology.
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