Maghera

Overview

Maghera sits at the gateway to the Sperrin Mountains in the heart of County Londonderry. With a population of just over 4,200 (2021 census), the town blends a rich tapestry of history with a welcoming community. Main Street is lined with independent shops, traditional pubs and a handful of cafés, while the surrounding countryside offers walking routes, historic monuments and the dramatic Glenshane Pass just a few kilometres away.

History

The origins of Maghera stretch back to the 6th century when Saint Lurach founded a monastic settlement on the site of today’s St Lurach’s Church. The present‑day ruins of St Lurach’s Old Church date from the 10th century and feature a rare crucifixion lintel that may be the oldest in Ireland. After a destructive fire in the 12th century, Maghera briefly became the seat of the Bishop of Derry before the see moved to Derry in 1246.

The Plantation of Ulster and the 1641 Rebellion brought a wave of Scottish settlers, whose legacy is still evident in the town’s Presbyterian heritage. Maghera played a notable role in the 1798 United Irishmen uprising, mustering over 5,000 men before the rebellion collapsed. The town’s later history includes the Great Famine, the rise of linen manufacturing, and the turbulence of the Troubles, which claimed 14 lives in the surrounding area.

What to See & Do

The town’s Main Street is a pleasant promenade for browsing independent boutiques, buying fresh produce at the weekly market, and sampling local cuisine at the Oak Leaf Restaurant.

Practical Information

Transport

• Bus: Ulsterbus routes serve Maghera, including the 116/a/b/d to Kilrea, Coleraine and Magherafelt, the 212 Belfast‑Derry service, the 246 to Limavady and Eglinton, and the 278 Monaghan‑Portrush route.
• Rail: The former Maghera railway station opened on 18 December 1880, closed to passengers in August 1950 and finally shut in October 1959. The nearest active stations are Derry and Coleraine.
• Road: The A6 runs through town, providing easy access to Derry, Belfast and the Sperrin Mountains. A notable traffic feature is the 40 m yellow box junction on the A29 Tobermore Road – the longest of its kind in Ireland – installed to improve flow for buses and heavy goods vehicles.

Parking & Accessibility

• Town‑centre parking is available on the streets and in a small municipal car park; most spaces are free for short stays.
• The Maghera Heritage & Cultural Centre and the Walled Garden have limited wheelchair access; the dolmen and church ruins are not wheelchair‑friendly due to uneven ground.

Opening Hours & Fees

Services

• Medical: Maghera Dental Clinic and The Surgery provide primary health services.
• Accommodation: In addition to Walshes Hotel, several B&Bs and cottages are listed on local tourism sites.
• Dining: Oak Leaf Restaurant and a selection of traditional pubs serve locally sourced dishes.

When to Visit

Maghera enjoys a temperate oceanic climate. Average highs range from 7 °C in January to 18 °C in July, with annual rainfall of about 1 240 mm. The most pleasant weather – mild temperatures and moderate rain – occurs from May to September. These months also correspond with the town’s high tourist season, especially July and August when the weather is warmest. The quieter low‑season months are January to March, when shorter daylight hours and higher rainfall make indoor attractions more appealing.

Notable People

• Charles Thomson (1729‑1824) – born near Maghera, emigrated to the United States and became secretary of the Continental Congress; he designed the Great Seal of the United States.
• Watty Graham (c.1763‑1798) – United Irishman who raised a local militia for the 1798 rebellion.
• Eve Bunting (born 1938) – internationally‑known children’s author, born in Maghera before moving to the United States.
• Robert Hawthorne (1822‑1879) – Victoria Cross recipient from the Indian Mutiny.
• Dr Henry Cooke (1788‑1868) – influential Presbyterian theologian, educated in Maghera.
• James Lenox‑Conyngham Chichester‑Clark (1880‑1955) – politician, born at Largantogher House near Maghera.

Sports & Recreation

• Watty Graham’s Gaelic Athletic Club fields football teams at senior and junior levels and is a focal point of community sport.
• Maghera Strollers F.C. provides association football opportunities for all ages.
• Maghera Leisure Centre on the Coleraine road offers a swimming pool, gym and fitness classes.
• The Glenshane Pass nearby is popular with cyclists and walkers seeking panoramic mountain views.

Nearby Towns & Attractions

• Ballyrashane – a charming village a short drive north ([/ballyrashane/])
• Upperlands – home of the historic linen mill (few kilometres west)
• Limavady, Coleraine, Derry – larger towns with rail links and additional amenities
• Assaranca Waterfall – 15‑minute drive into County Donegal (Assaranca Waterfall)
• Glenshane Pass – dramatic mountain pass popular with cyclists and walkers.

Interesting Fact: The Giant Yellow Box Junction

In June 2025 Maghera attracted national attention when a 40 m yellow box junction was painted on the A29 Tobermore Road. It is believed to be the longest such box in the UK and Ireland. While locals initially called it “ridiculous”, the Department for Infrastructure installed it to keep the busy junction clear for buses, lorries and through‑traffic. Bar owner Barney Regan joked that it might become a tourist attraction alongside the Dark Hedges and the Giant’s Causeway.

Useful Links

• Maghera Heritage & Cultural Centre
• Mid Ulster Council – Visitor Information
• Ulsterbus Timetables

Maghera offers a compact yet richly layered experience – from ancient stone monuments and medieval church ruins to vibrant local hospitality. Whether you are tracing the footsteps of early saints, exploring a megalithic tomb, or simply enjoying a pint in a historic pub, the town provides a welcoming base for discovering the cultural heart of County Londonderry.