YOUR GUIDE TO DERRY’S RURAL HINTERLAND ...€™S RURAL HINTERLAND Ten minutes from the City lies...
Transcript of YOUR GUIDE TO DERRY’S RURAL HINTERLAND ...€™S RURAL HINTERLAND Ten minutes from the City lies...
LET’S GO RURAL!
WELCOME TO THE FAUGHAN VALLEY DERRY’S RURAL HINTERLAND
Ten minutes from the City lies the
stunning Faughan Valley with a wealth
of woodlands, river valleys and ancient
monuments to explore.
Derry~Londonderry is fast gathering a
reputation as a world-class destination
and a city that offers something for
everyone, from the bright lights of the
centre to the natural delights of its
rural hinterland.
Nestled in the Faughan Valley you will find
a choice of top hotels, a range of four
and five star self-catering cottages and
apartments, as well as B&B retreats that
offer an ideal base from which to explore
both urban and rural Derry.
The rich and diverse landscape contains
some of Ireland’s oldest forests and
preserved habitats such as the protected
Oak and Ness Woods – areas which
offer magical waterfalls, ponds and
wildflower meadows.
The region offers something for all ages
and tastes. From its range of natural
woodland habitats and prehistoric
monuments, bustling Plantation towns,
stately homes and gardens, to its offering
of adrenaline fuelled activities.
With first class accommodation, a plethora
of activities and new trails showcasing
an abundance of natural wonders and
ancient gems, the region is the North
West’s best kept secret.
www.discoverfaughanvalley.com
In Derry~Londonderry, it just couldn’t be easier to mix and match
the cosmopolitan buzz of the city with fabulous days out in the
beautiful natural world on its doorstep.
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DAY 1
Start your day the nature way! The picturesque Faughan Valley provides a beautiful backdrop for a memorable woodland family trek with City of Derry Equestrian Centre, located at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. A hearty lunch in the 4-star Belfray Country Inn, with its famous midday carvery served daily until 3.30pm, will set you up well for the afternoon. Perhaps then let the kids run carefree, with an abundance of walks in Claudy Country Park ensuring plenty of exercise for the adults too!
Tired out and need to relax after all that fresh country air? Spend the evening unwinding at the 4-star Best Western White Horse Hotel’s state-of-the-art leisure complex, with 20 metre swimming pool and children’s play pool, to keep the whole family happy.
DAY 2
Starfish, crabs and lots more… the River Watch Aquarium & Visitor Centre at Prehen is a fantastic way to start the day. Stay with the aquatic theme and go for a fun-filled family paddle down the River Foyle with Inish Adventures. Stop at the Foyle Marina for some refreshments before continuing your paddle to Culmore Point. Switch to pedal power in the afternoon and rent bikes with Claudy Cycles. Take time to enjoy the local cycle ways and test the family’s endless energy levels.
DAY 3
Get your engines started with an activity-packed morning at Campsie Karting and a choice between karting, paintballing or crazy golf – you might even want to try all three! The excitement is sure to leave you famished. Pick up a tasty picnic at the Best Western White Horse Hotel and spend a blissful afternoon at Northern Ireland’s highest waterfall and the visitor centre at Ness Woods.
3 DAY FAMILY BREAKFun times with the kids
Faughan Valley breaks – Take 3 Pick a wish list for your stay in Derry’s rural oasis
that will create memories to last a lifetime. Be inspired by our specially tailored
itineraries appealing to a wide range of tastes to provide you with the best possible
visitor experience. Be entertained and energised but above all, enjoy!
DAY 1
Kick off your visit in style and take to the skies for a unique flying experience with Cutting Edge Helicopters. Bring your feet back to the ground and enjoy a delicious lunch at The Green Cat Bakery in Eglinton, sampling their homemade chutneys.
Burn off any excess calories in the afternoon with a challenging hillwalking experience in the higher peaks of the Sperrin Mountains under the guidance of outdoor adventure experts, Far and Wild.
After working up a healthy appetite, look forward to dinner at the award-winning 68 Clooney restaurant at the Best Western White Horse Hotel.
DAY 2
Start your day at Oakfire Adventures where you will experience the highs and lows of Zorbing and enjoy this adrenaline – charged fun fest. Choose from Harness or Hydro Zorbing and take a high speed tumble down a purpose built hill. Push yourself to the edge of your limits as you get harnessed to the Giant Swing, three people at a time and experience the adrenaline equivalent to jumping head first off a cliff, but with a twist. Cocooned and raised slowly towards the sky by your feet you will be facing head first at a height of 60ft. The rip cord is pulled sending you flying towards the grounds.
Time to refuel with a barbecue lunch which can be provided on –site for groups.
Keep the energy levels up with a Grand Prix experience at Campsie Karting or head out for a wet and wild afternoon of Kayaking, Banana Boat Adventures or Canoeing with Inish Adventures.
TWO DAY ACTIVITY BREAKAdrenaline rush experience
DAY 1
Start your day with the self-guided Plantation Villages and Houses Trail which includes a trip through history to the unique Ashbrook House which is still lived in by the same family for over 400 years and relive history at Prehen House. Tours by appointment only. Ecological and archaeological interpretation is available from Landscape and Countryside Tours.
Spend the afternoon in the award-winning Beech Hill Country House Hotel for a spot of local cuisine in the Ardmore Restaurant using produce created from their walled garden and, sample some of the finest local produce. Finish off your evening with a tour of the Base One Europe Museum dedicated to the US Marines based there during WWII, and explore 6km of walking trails all within the hotel site.
DAY 2
Explore the great outdoors with a full day’s guided or self-guided cycle tour from Eglinton to Park Village with Cycle Sperrins. Tantalise your tastebuds with some local produce along the way, such as, 54 Main Street’s award-winning O’Kane’s pork sausages on sour dough. Swing by Park village and take a tour of Tamnagh Foods to sample their handcrafted Dart Mountain Cheese named after the local landmark mountain.
3 DAY RURAL RETREATEscape to the country
With an abundance of outdoor activities to
take advantage of in the Faughan Valley,
spend your third day experiencing something
you love or learning a new skill.
Choose from a day’s trout and pike fishing at
Oaks Fishery with its 15 acre spring-fed lake,
or perhaps you fancy a round of golf at the
par 69 18 hole Faughan Valley Golf Club.
Take a sail on the “Whiskey Mac” yacht with
Inish Adventures and your own personal
skipper to take charge or teach you how to
moor the yacht. Enjoy a picnic or barbeque
aboard whilst taking in the breathtaking views
of Ireland’s most beautiful coastlines
in Co Donegal.
DAY 3
Other great options include a half day’s trek
on horseback which will take you through
the idyllic rural countryside with City of Derry
Equestrian Centre.
And, who wouldn’t opt to round off the day
with some pampering at Beauty @The Best
Western White Horse Hotel? Treat yourself
to one of the hotel’s spa packages which
include a two course meal and a choice of
massage, facial, manicure and hot stone
treatments to soothe any tired or aching
muscles. Now that’s what we call having a
good time!
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City of Derry Airport
Muldonagh Hill
Slievekirk
Ashbrook House
Faughan Anglers
Prehen House
Riverwatch Visitor Centre and Aquarium
Claudy Cycle Hire
Oakfire Adventures
Tamnagh Foods
Campsie Karting
Faughan Valley Golf Club
Cutting Edge Helicopters
City of DerryEquestrian Centre
Beech Hill / Base One Europe
Crockdooish
Altahullion Hill
Loughermore
Sperrin Mountains
Mu� Glen
River Faughan
River Faughan
River Faughan
EglintonPlantationVillage
BallygrollPrehistoricComplex
Ness/Ervey Woods
Brackfield Bawn
Claudy Country Park
CumberOld Church
StraidarranChurch
Learmount Castle & Forest
TireighterWedge Tomb
EnaghLough
Carnanreagh
Claudy
Feeny
Greysteel
Ballykelly
Park
Killaloo
The Cross
Drumahoe
Eglinton
Derry~Londonderry
ADDITIONAL TRAIL & ROUTES AVAILABLE IN THE FAUGHAN VALLEYFaughan Valley Cycleway: www.discoverfaughanvalley.com
Faughan Valley Heritage Trail: www.faughanvalleywalking.com
Download our Rural Trails App from Google play store
Heritage Locations
Picnic Area
Parking Facilities
Providers
Tourist Information
Airport
Hill
Cycle Sperrins Route 1
Cycle Sperrins Alternative Route
Faughan Valley Area
*Far and Wild, *Inish Adventures, *Landscape and Country Tours
*Please note these providers are not locatedon a specific location on the map as they operate tours throughout the Faughan Valley.
ASHBROOK HOUSE
Ashbrook - a “must see” country house
estate. The Historic 16th century property
has been continuously lived in by the
same family for over 400 years. From the
Plantation to the Siege, from Georgian
Ireland to the WWII U.S. Marines in Derry
- Ashbrook has played a part in every
important event in Derry’s history.
T: 028 7134 9223 www.ashbrookestate.com
1
CLAUDY CYCLE HIRE
Cycle through the unspoilt Faughan
Valley from as little as £12 per a day.
With a number of routes to choose
from, the Faughan Valley Cycleway will
take you through stunning landscape,
parks, forests and historic villages. Bikes
are also available at Visit Derry Tourist
Information Centre.
T: 028 7133 8128 www.claudycycles.co.uk
5
BASE ONE EUROPE
Explore the close links established by
the US Navy during the Second World
War with a visit to the Beech Hill Country
House Hotel where Base One Europe was
located. A museum room and woodland
trail have been created to tell the story of
the Bluejackets, Seabees and Marines.
T: 028 7134 9279 www.base1europe.com
2
CUTTING EDGE HELICOPTERS
Swap four wheels and take to the skies
for a bird’s eye view. Fly high with the
experienced pilots at Cutting Edge
Helicopters, allowing you to sit back
and enjoy every second of your unique
experience. Rural sightseeing has just
soared to a whole new level!
T: 028 7181 2555
CAMPSIE KARTING
Gear up for a great day out in Northern
Ireland’s only 4* indoor Karting, Paintball
and crazy golf centre. Campsie Karting
is open seven days a week from 11am to
9pm, ensuring hours of fun for all ages
whether you want to be a racing champ or
an all-action hero!
T: 028 7181 4500 www.campsiekartingcentre.co.uk
3CITY OF DERRY EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Experience the joy you can get from horse
riding at City of Derry Equestrian Centre
located in the foothills of the scenic
Sperrin Mountains. Lessons, leisure hacks
and group bookings are available for all
ages and abilities. All you have to do is get
in the saddle!
T: 078 5020 8656 / 078 0331 2874 www.derryequestriancentre.co.uk
4
CLAUDY CYCLE HIRE
Cycle through the unspoilt Faughan
Valley from as little as £12 per a day.
With a number of routes to choose
from, the Faughan Valley Cycleway will
take you through stunning landscape,
parks, forests and historic villages. Bikes
are also available at Visit Derry Tourist
Information Centre.
T: 028 7133 8128 www.claudycycles.co.uk
5
FAUGHAN VALLEY GOLF CLUB
Tee-off with a great round of golf on a
Par 69 course, built on the gently rolling
banks of the River Faughan. Visitors are
always most welcome, with the emphasis
on friendliness rather than formality at
Faughan Valley Golf Club, which also
boasts some of the best views for
miles around!
T: 028 718 60707 www.faughanvalleygolfclub.co.uk
9
CUTTING EDGE HELICOPTERS
Swap four wheels and take to the skies
for a bird’s eye view. Fly high with the
experienced pilots at Cutting Edge
Helicopters, allowing you to sit back
and enjoy every second of your unique
experience. Rural sightseeing has just
soared to a whole new level!
T: 028 7181 2555 www.cuttingedgehelicopters.com
6
FAUGHAN ANGLING
Anglers are spoiled for choice with the
River Faughan providing some of the best
fishing Ireland has to offer. Fish for salmon
and sea trout from April 1 to October 20
with day tickets available. Oaks Fishery
also offers a tranquil location for fly, lure
and bait fishing on its spring-fed lake. The
home of ‘Big Mary’, a record breaking pike,
The Oaks is strictly ‘catch and release’.
T: 028 7126 7781 T: 02871 860916
www.faughan.org www.theoaksfishery.co.uk
10
CAMPSIE KARTING
Gear up for a great day out in Northern
Ireland’s only 4* indoor Karting, Paintball
and crazy golf centre. Campsie Karting
is open seven days a week from 11am to
9pm, ensuring hours of fun for all ages
whether you want to be a racing champ or
an all-action hero!
T: 028 7181 4500 www.campsiekartingcentre.co.uk
3
DART MOUNTAIN CHEESE (TAMNAGH FOODS)
Truly savour your time in the Faughan
Valley by sampling the unique flavours of
locally produced produce. Award-winning
artisan food company, Tamnagh Foods,
make cheeses that reflect the heritage of
the surrounding area. Tours and tastings
available by arrangement.
T: 0777 958 0542 www.dartmountaincheese.com
7
CITY OF DERRY EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Experience the joy you can get from horse
riding at City of Derry Equestrian Centre
located in the foothills of the scenic
Sperrin Mountains. Lessons, leisure hacks
and group bookings are available for all
ages and abilities. All you have to do is get
in the saddle!
T: 078 5020 8656 / 078 0331 2874 www.derryequestriancentre.co.uk
FAR AND WILD
Get off the beaten track and soak up the
flavour of the countryside and local people
along hidden trails and old dry stone
walls with award winning Far and Wild
eco-tours and adventure activities. From
our bespoke Cycle Sperrins bike hire and
tours to kayak journeys, mountain-biking,
forest schools and stunning hikes in simply
brilliant locations, you’ll be left feeling
invigorated and wanting more. Itineraries
can be built to suit your family or group.
T: 0777 591 1198 www.farandwild.co.uk
8
High octane, eco-friendly outdoor
activities await thrill-seekers in the
Faughan Valley. Oakfire Adventures
maximises its unique terrain for
paintballing, zorbing and giant swing
for groups of eight or more. There’s
plenty to keep even the most unbridled
daredevil entertained!
T: 0800 121 6242 www.oakfireadventures.com
FAUGHAN VALLEY GOLF CLUB
Tee-off with a great round of golf on a
Par 69 course, built on the gently rolling
banks of the River Faughan. Visitors are
always most welcome, with the emphasis
on friendliness rather than formality at
Faughan Valley Golf Club, which also
boasts some of the best views for
miles around!
T: 028 718 60707 www.faughanvalleygolfclub.co.uk
9
PREHEN HOUSE
Prehen House is believed to have inspired
Emily Bronte’s classic novel, ‘Wuthering
Heights’. Relive its fascinating history,
romance and tragedy, and lots more.
Open for tours/events, Prehen House is
also featured on the Plantation Trail.
T: 028 7134 2829 www.prehenhouse.com
FAUGHAN ANGLING
Anglers are spoiled for choice with the
River Faughan providing some of the best
fishing Ireland has to offer. Fish for salmon
and sea trout from April 1 to October 20
with day tickets available. Oaks Fishery
also offers a tranquil location for fly, lure
and bait fishing on its spring-fed lake. The
home of ‘Big Mary’, a record breaking pike,
The Oaks is strictly ‘catch and release’.
T: 028 7126 7781 T: 02871 860916
www.faughan.org www.theoaksfishery.co.uk
10DART MOUNTAIN CHEESE (TAMNAGH FOODS)
Truly savour your time in the Faughan
Valley by sampling the unique flavours of
locally produced produce. Award-winning
artisan food company, Tamnagh Foods,
make cheeses that reflect the heritage of
the surrounding area. Tours and tastings
available by arrangement.
T: 0777 958 0542 www.dartmountaincheese.com
7
INISH ADVENTURES
Adrenaline junkies are well catered for
with sea kayaking, open boating, sailing,
and archery among outdoor adventure
pursuits that will keep you having fun
for hours, indeed days at a time. You’ll
be totally spoiled for choice as Inish
Adventures offer more than 20 land and
water-based activities.
T 00353 87 220 2577 / 0775 219 4414 www.inishadventures.com
11
FAR AND WILD
Get off the beaten track and soak up the
flavour of the countryside and local people
along hidden trails and old dry stone
walls with award winning Far and Wild
eco-tours and adventure activities. From
our bespoke Cycle Sperrins bike hire and
tours to kayak journeys, mountain-biking,
forest schools and stunning hikes in simply
brilliant locations, you’ll be left feeling
invigorated and wanting more. Itineraries
can be built to suit your family or group.
T: 0777 591 1198
LANDSCAPE & COUNTRYSIDE TOURS
The Faughan Valley boasts some of
Northern Ireland’s most impressive
countryside. Discover these diverse
landscapes and their histories in the
company of an experienced local ecologist
and walking guide Martin Bradley.
Martin’s walking trips also give visitors an
entertaining insight into rural traditions
and folklore
T: 0792 678 5706 E: [email protected]
OAKFIRE ADVENTURES
12
RIVERVIEW AQUARIUM AND VISITOR CENTRE
Learn about local river systems and
coastlines through videos, exhibitions
and aquarium tanks at the Loughs
Agency’s Riverwatch Aquarium and
Visitor Centre in Prehen. The tanks stock
freshwater and marine fish and, with
activity packs for the kids there’s plenty
to keep them entertained.
T: 028 7134 2100
www.loughs-agency.org
15
INISH ADVENTURES
Adrenaline junkies are well catered for
with sea kayaking, open boating, sailing,
and archery among outdoor adventure
pursuits that will keep you having fun
for hours, indeed days at a time. You’ll
be totally spoiled for choice as Inish
Adventures offer more than 20 land and
water-based activities.
T 00353 87 220 2577 / 0775 219 4414 www.inishadventures.com
11 LANDSCAPE & COUNTRYSIDE TOURS
The Faughan Valley boasts some of
Northern Ireland’s most impressive
countryside. Discover these diverse
landscapes and their histories in the
company of an experienced local ecologist
and walking guide Martin Bradley.
Martin’s walking trips also give visitors an
entertaining insight into rural traditions
and folklore
T: 0792 678 5706 E: [email protected]
OAKFIRE ADVENTURES
12
This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
High octane, eco-friendly outdoor
activities await thrill-seekers in the
Faughan Valley. Oakfire Adventures
maximises its unique terrain for
paintballing, zorbing and giant swing
for groups of eight or more. There’s
plenty to keep even the most unbridled
daredevil entertained!
T: 0800 121 6242 www.oakfireadventures.com
13
FAUGHAN VALLEY GOLF CLUB
Tee-off with a great round of golf on a
Par 69 course, built on the gently rolling
banks of the River Faughan. Visitors are
always most welcome, with the emphasis
on friendliness rather than formality at
Faughan Valley Golf Club, which also
boasts some of the best views for
miles around!
T: 028 718 60707 www.faughanvalleygolfclub.co.uk
PREHEN HOUSE
Prehen House is believed to have inspired
Emily Bronte’s classic novel, ‘Wuthering
Heights’. Relive its fascinating history,
romance and tragedy, and lots more.
Open for tours/events, Prehen House is
also featured on the Plantation Trail.
T: 028 7134 2829 www.prehenhouse.com
14
FAUGHAN ANGLING
Anglers are spoiled for choice with the
River Faughan providing some of the best
fishing Ireland has to offer. Fish for salmon
and sea trout from April 1 to October 20
with day tickets available. Oaks Fishery
also offers a tranquil location for fly, lure
and bait fishing on its spring-fed lake. The
home of ‘Big Mary’, a record breaking pike,
The Oaks is strictly ‘catch and release’.
T: 028 7126 7781 T: 02871 860916
www.faughan.org www.theoaksfishery.co.uk
www.discoverfaughanvalley.com
For further information on touring, accommodation or short breaks in Derry’s rural hinterland contact:
Visit Derry will be relocating early 2016 to a new address in Waterloo Place
44 Foyle Street, Derry, Co. Londonderry BT48 6AT
T: (028) 7126 7284 E: [email protected] www.visitderry.com
This information is available upon request in a number of formats including large print, Braille,
PDF, audio formats (CD, MP3, DAISY) and minority languages. For further information on alternative formats
please contact Tel 028 71 253253 text phone: 028 7137 6646 or e-mail [email protected]