Moneymore

Overview

Moneymore sits in a tranquil glen of County Londonderry, about 35 miles north of the Atlantic coast. The Ballymully River threads through the southern edge of the village, while the slopes of Slieve Gallion rise to the west, crowned by a radio tower. With a population of just under 2,000, the settlement retains the tidy, orderly feel of a 17th‑century plantation village built by the Drapers’ Company. Today, visitors discover a blend of historic architecture, well‑kept gardens and a network of walking routes that reveal the layers of Ulster’s past.

Name and Administration

The Irish name Muine Mór translates as “large thicket or large hill”, reflecting the village’s original landscape. Moneymore is both a townland and a village within the Mid‑Ulster District council area. It is recognised as a classic example of a planned plantation settlement, the first town in Ulster to receive a piped‑water supply.

Historical Highlights

Moneymore’s story stretches back over a millennium. In 563 a decisive battle – the Battle of Móin Daire Lothair – was fought nearby between the Northern Uí Néill and the Cruithin tribe, an event recorded in the Annals of Ulster. The village later became a model plantation settlement in the early 1600s, its streets laid out by the Drapers’ Company of London. It was the first town in Ulster to receive a piped‑water supply, a milestone that helped shape its early growth.

The Conyngham family (later Lenox‑Conyngham) made Springhill House their home from the late 17th century until 1957, when the National Trust assumed ownership. Census figures show the settlement grew from 1,369 residents in 2001 to 1,849 in the most recent data, reflecting steady development while retaining its historic layout.

What to See & Do

Springhill House and Estate

Springhill House is arguably the crown jewel of Moneymore. Described by the National Trust as “one of the prettiest houses in Ulster”, the 17th‑century mansion showcases period furniture, portraits and an impressive Costume Collection spanning the 18th to 20th centuries. The estate offers three marked walks:

• Sawpit Hill Walk – a 1.1‑mile circular route that climbs past a historic tower, a WW2 GI camp site, bluebell‑filled laurels and an ancient yew grove. The path provides views of the Sperrin Mountains and Slieve Gallion on clear days.
• Beech Walk – a gentle stroll through towering beech avenues and a walled garden, ideal for families.
• Snowdrop Walk – a spring‑time walk where snowdrops carpet the ground in February.

Facilities include a car park, seasonal coffee shop, picnic area, accessible toilets and a well‑stocked gift shop. Dogs are welcome by arrangement.

Moneymore Heritage Trail

The self‑guided Heritage Trail is a short, easy walk that threads through the village’s 17 points of interest. Interpretation plaques at each stop invite visitors to try brass‑rubbing – a simple craft where wax crayons and paper are used to copy the brass inserts on the plaques. Collect the letters and try to spell “MONEYMORE”. The trail highlights:

• Manor House
• Model Village (a 17th‑century replica of rural life)
• Library
• Old Market House
• Drapers Arms
• First Presbyterian Church
• Manor Park
• The Manse
• Orange Hall
• New Market House
• Corn Store
• Gaol
• Common Barn
• Springhill House
• St John’s and St Trea’s Churches
• Second Presbyterian Church
• The New Church at Moneymore

The trail is free to follow; brass‑rubbing supplies can be obtained from the Manor House reception or Springhill House.

Other Attractions

• Model Village – a miniature representation of 17th‑century Ulster life.
• Churches – a collection of historic places of worship, including St John’s (Church of Ireland) and the Roman Catholic Church of SS John & Trea.
• Moneymore GAC – the local Gaelic Athletic Association club, where visitors can catch a match in summer.

Adventure and Family Activities

• Jungle NI Adventure Park – just 1.2 mi from the Springhill Estate, Jungle NI offers zip‑lining, high‑ropes and climbing activities. The park operates from May to September and provides a full‑day family adventure option.

Seasonal Highlights & Nearby Attractions

• Lissan House – a short drive north brings you to Lissan House, a historic manor with its own gardens and a small museum.
• Sperrin Mountains – the surrounding range offers longer hill walks and cycling routes; the town is a convenient base for exploring the area.
• Magherafelt – a 20‑minute drive brings you to the larger market town of Magherafelt, with additional shops, eateries and cultural events.

Community Events

Moneymore hosts an annual Sports Day each August, a lively community gathering featuring sack races, egg‑and‑spoon contests, and a range of age‑group athletics. The event draws families from the village and surrounding towns, offering a fun, free‑entry day out for children and adults alike. Recent reports from the Irish Independent detail the range of age‑specific races and the enthusiastic participation of local schools.

Recent Developments

Road Works

In August 2023 a resurfacing scheme began on the A31 (Smith Street and Magherafelt Road). The works stretch from the A29 Lawford Street/High Street mini‑roundabout for about 820 m, with lane closures each weekday between 08:00‑17:00. A signed diversion via the A29, A6 and A31 Magherafelt Bypass is in place until late September. Drivers should allow extra time when accessing Springhill House or the heritage trail.

Bypass Campaign

A majority of residents have voiced support for a Moneymore bypass to ease peak‑hour congestion on the A29. The route is already protected in the Mid‑Ulster Area Plan and is being considered in the Regional Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP). Public consultation on the scheme is scheduled for Spring 2026, although no final decision has been made.

Practical Information

Visitor Tips

• Parking – While parking is free, the estate occasionally charges during peak summer weekends; signage will indicate any fee.
• Dog‑friendly – Dogs are allowed on the estate grounds by arrangement and are welcome on the Beech Walk; they must be kept on a lead on the Sawpit Hill Walk.
• Bike security – A high‑value bike theft in 2022 saw more than £115,000 worth of bicycles taken from a local family‑run shop. Keep bicycles locked and consider indoor storage if you plan to cycle.
• Flood risk – The village sits in a low‑lying glen; medium flood risk has been identified, so check local weather warnings before walking near the Ballymully River after heavy rain.
• Road works – Expect lane closures and diversions on the A31 during the resurfacing scheme (August‑September 2023). Allow extra travel time.
• Bypass plans – A protected bypass route is under review; traffic patterns may change after the Regional Strategic Transport Plan consultation in Spring 2026.
• Best time to visit – Spring offers the Snowdrop Walk and early blossoms, while summer provides full access to all walks and the Jungle NI park. Autumn colours are vivid on the Sawpit Hill Walk.

Getting Here

Moneymore is reachable by road via the A6 and A31 routes. The nearest major airports are Belfast International and City of Derry. Bus services connect the village to Cookstown, Magherafelt and Derry. For those driving, the village centre offers ample parking near the heritage trail start point.

Nearby Day‑Trips

The Springhill Estate is a short drive from Lissan House (2.3 mi) and the Jungle NI adventure park (1.2 mi). The Sperrin Mountains and the historic town of Magherafelt lie within a 20‑minute drive, providing additional hiking and cultural options.

Moneymore may be small, but its concentration of historic sites, well‑maintained walks and welcoming community make it a rewarding stop on any Northern Ireland itinerary.