Banagher Glen
Banagher Glen lies just three miles south-west of Dungiven, close to the Villages of Claudy, Feeney and Park and is a secluded, steep wooded glen leading to Altnaheglish Reservoir and Banagher Dam. One of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland, Banagher Glen is a Nature Reserve and Special Area of Conservation.
A peaceful place the Glen itself offers a tranquil place to walk whilst a 14 km circular walk is available through extensive Banagher Forest, County Londonderry’s largest commercial forest.
The Legend!
Local folklore tells of when St Patrick was ridding Ireland of its snakes that he first drove them into the rivers. It is said that St. Patrick found the largest snake in Ireland in a pool on the Glenedra Water (aka the 'Crooked Burn') in Banagher Glen and it was too large to move so St. Patrick imprisoned it there. Legend claims that the most monstrous last snake in Ireland is still there to this day!
The Environment and Ecosystems
Banagher Glen contains one of the largest intact examples of old sessile oak woods in Northern Ireland and like much of the rest of this area, the forest was once an expanse of peat land. Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of the remaining peat bog in both Ireland and the UK. This unique ecosystem exists only in the north west fringes of Europe and conservation of it is now seen as vital, so cutting peat is now highly regulated.
OPENING TIMES
Banagher Glen and Forest is open all year round.
Car park opens 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. weekends in June and September
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily July & August.
USEFUL LINKS
Further information on visiting Limavady or the Roe Valley area
Banagher Nature Reserve Information - Northern Ireland Environment Agency
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