Moneymore

Overview

Moneymore sits in a quiet glen in County Londonderry, roughly 35 miles north of the Atlantic coast. The Ballymully River traces the southern edge of the village, while the slopes of Slieve Gallion rise to the west. With a population just under 2,000, the settlement retains the neat, grid-like layout of a 17th-century plantation village. Today, visitors find a compact destination where historic architecture, curated gardens, and quiet walking routes overlap.

A Planned Settlement

The Irish name Muine Mór translates to “large thicket”, hinting at the dense woodland that once covered the area. In the early 1600s, the Drapers’ Company of London was granted the land and laid out Moneymore as a model plantation town. It was the first settlement in Ulster to receive a piped water supply, a practical innovation that helped the community thrive. The Conyngham family (later Lenox-Conyngham) managed the estate from the late 17th century until 1957, when they gifted Springhill House and its grounds to the National Trust.

Springhill House & Estate

Springhill House anchors the village. The 17th-century manor houses period furniture, family portraits, and a notable Costume Collection documenting fashion from the 1700s through the 1900s. Outside, three marked routes wind through the estate:

• Sawpit Hill Walk – A 1.1-mile circular climb past a historic tower, a former WW2 GI camp, bluebell-dappled laurels, and an ancient yew grove. Clear days reveal panoramic views across the Sperrin Mountains.
• Beech Walk – A flat, accessible route through towering beech avenues and a restored walled garden.
• Snowdrop Walk – Best visited in February and early March when the woodland floor turns white.

The estate operates a seasonal café, gift shop, and picnic area. Dogs are permitted by arrangement and must be leashed on the Sawpit Hill route.

The Moneymore Heritage Trail

For a closer look at the village itself, the self-guided Heritage Trail connects 17 historic landmarks. Interpretation plaques at each stop feature brass inserts that visitors can copy using wax crayons and paper – a simple brass-rubbing activity that doubles as a spelling challenge for the word “MONEYMORE”. Key stops include the Manor House, the Old Market House, the First Presbyterian Church, and a detailed Model Village that recreates 17th-century rural life. Brass-rubbing packs are available at the Manor House reception or Springhill House.

Family Adventures & Local Life

Just 1.2 miles from the estate gates, Jungle NI Adventure Park offers zip-lines, high-ropes courses, and climbing walls. The park runs from May through September and is a reliable option for active families. Back in the village, the local GAA club, Moneymore GAC, hosts matches during the summer months. The community also stages an annual Sports Day in August, featuring traditional races and age-group athletics that draw residents from across Mid-Ulster.

Practical Information

Visitor Tips

• The village sits in a low-lying glen with a medium flood risk. After heavy rain, check conditions before walking near the Ballymully River.
• Spring brings the Snowdrop Walk to life, while autumn delivers strong colour on the Sawpit Hill route. Summer is the only season for Jungle NI.
• Keep bicycles securely locked. Local shops recommend indoor storage for high-value cycles.

Getting Here & Nearby Stops

Moneymore is accessed via the A6 and A31. Ulsterbus routes 110, 110B, and 210A stop at Springhill, connecting the village to Cookstown, Magherafelt, and Derry. The nearest rail station is in Derry/Londonderry, about 30 km away. For a longer day out, pair a visit to Springhill with a drive to Lissan House (2.3 miles north) or a hike in the Sperrin Mountains. The village centre provides straightforward parking for those starting the heritage trail on foot.

Plan to allow at least half a day for Springhill House and the estate walks, then drop by the Manor House to pick up a brass-rubbing pack before tracing the village’s original grid layout on foot.