Magherafelt: Sperrins Spinoff and Mid Ulster Heart
Magherafelt, a bustling market town in County Londonderry (often referred to as County Derry), Northern Ireland, serves as an excellent strategic base or an engaging stop on your motorbike tour, particularly if you’re exploring the dramatic Sperrin Mountains or the shores of Lough Neagh. This vibrant town offers a blend of local life, historical insights, and convenient access to diverse landscapes.
The town centre itself is lively, centred around its traditional “Diamond” square, with a mix of independent boutiques and high street names. You can enjoy the market town atmosphere and find a good spot for a coffee. While Magherafelt isn’t overflowing with ancient ruins, its charm lies in its central location and the easy access it provides to surrounding attractions. The Bridewell Visitor Information Centre, housed in a former courthouse and gaol, offers insights into the town’s past and information on the wider Mid Ulster area.
For riders, Magherafelt is perfectly positioned for exploring the magnificent Sperrin Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Winding roads through heather-clad hills, lush valleys, and forest parks like Davagh Forest offer exhilarating riding and stunning vistas. You can also head to the shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, for peaceful lakeside rides, and visit attractions like the Ardboe High Cross (a significant 10th-century monument).
When hunger strikes, Magherafelt provides a good range of dining options. Church Street Brasserie offers a sophisticated all-day dining experience with modern Irish and European cuisine. For a taste of something different, Notorious Pizza Co. is a popular choice for Neapolitan-style pizzas. You’ll also find several traditional pubs in town serving hearty pub grub, and cafes for lighter bites and refreshments. Magherafelt offers a genuine slice of Northern Irish life, making it a convenient and enjoyable stop on your tour.
Magherafelt: Sperrins Spinoff and Mid Ulster Heart
Magherafelt, a bustling market town in County Londonderry (often referred to as County Derry), Northern Ireland, serves as an excellent strategic base or an engaging stop on your motorbike tour, particularly if you’re exploring the dramatic Sperrin Mountains or the shores of Lough Neagh. This vibrant town offers a blend of local life, historical insights, and convenient access to diverse landscapes.
The town centre itself is lively, centred around its traditional “Diamond” square, with a mix of independent boutiques and high street names. You can enjoy the market town atmosphere and find a good spot for a coffee. While Magherafelt isn’t overflowing with ancient ruins, its charm lies in its central location and the easy access it provides to surrounding attractions. The Bridewell Visitor Information Centre, housed in a former courthouse and gaol, offers insights into the town’s past and information on the wider Mid Ulster area.
For riders, Magherafelt is perfectly positioned for exploring the magnificent Sperrin Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Winding roads through heather-clad hills, lush valleys, and forest parks like Davagh Forest offer exhilarating riding and stunning vistas. You can also head to the shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, for peaceful lakeside rides, and visit attractions like the Ardboe High Cross (a significant 10th-century monument).
When hunger strikes, Magherafelt provides a good range of dining options. Church Street Brasserie offers a sophisticated all-day dining experience with modern Irish and European cuisine. For a taste of something different, Notorious Pizza Co. is a popular choice for Neapolitan-style pizzas. You’ll also find several traditional pubs in town serving hearty pub grub, and cafes for lighter bites and refreshments. Magherafelt offers a genuine slice of Northern Irish life, making it a convenient and enjoyable stop on your tour.