River Roe

Overview

The River Roe (Irish: Abhainn na Ró) is a 30‑km waterway that rises in the Glenshane Pass of the Sperrin Mountains and journeys northward through the heart of County Londonderry. Along its course it passes the historic towns of Dungiven, Burnfoot, Limavady and the coastal village of Myroe before emptying into Lough Foyle. The river’s most celebrated stretch is the Roe Valley Country Park, a tranquil ribbon of woodland, meadow and riverbank that offers anglers, walkers and history‑enthusiasts a compact yet varied outdoor experience.

History & Landscape

The name Roe may derive from a Viking term or the Irish rua meaning “red”, a nod to the iron‑rich sediments that colour parts of the water. Geologically the river cuts through a classic glacial valley, opening onto broad, grassy farmland before plunging into a metamorphic rock gorge within the country park. In the 19th century the valley was a centre for the linen industry; water‑driven mills threshed flax and powered a now‑restored water wheel that can still be seen at the Green Lane Museum.

What to See & Do

Angling

Roe Valley Country Park is renowned for its salmon, sea trout and brown trout runs. A dedicated disabled‑angler’s jetty provides easy river access, and the park’s management stocks the river to maintain healthy catches throughout the season.

Walking & Wildlife

A series of well‑maintained footpaths follow the river for roughly 5 km of woodland and meadow. The most popular circular walk starts at the Dogleap Countryside Centre, follows the flat riverside trail for 1.6 km, crosses a footbridge, and returns the same way – a total of about 3.6 km. The route is largely firm‑surfaced, though a flight of steps at the footbridge presents a mild challenge; the walk can be done as an out‑and‑back if needed. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot otters, badgers, foxes and a variety of birds, especially lapwings nesting in the estuary’s flood‑plain.

Heritage Museum

Housed in a converted mill, the Green Lane Museum displays artefacts that illustrate rural life, the linen trade and the engineering of historic water‑mills. Adjacent, the Dogleap Countryside Centre offers exhibitions on the valley’s natural environment.

Recreation

Beyond fishing, the park supports canoeing, rock climbing, orienteering and even a modest golf academy nearby. Picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a wheelchair‑accessible café – AL’s Coffee – provide convenient rest stops. A mobility scooter is available from the café for visitors who need extra assistance.

Management

The park is owned and operated by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, as indicated by the contact address (nieainfo@daera‑ni.gov.uk) for commercial enquiries. The agency oversees conservation, habitat management and the provision of accessible facilities such as the disabled‑angler’s jetty and audio guide for visually impaired visitors.

Nearby Attractions

• Ballymacran Coastal Walk – Lough Foyle – a scenic coastal trail offering sea‑views and bird‑watching opportunities. [/ballymacran/]
• Bellarena – a charming village on the Causeway Coast with a historic harbour and beach. [/bellarena/]

These sites can be combined with a visit to the River Roe for a varied day out in north‑west Derry.

Practical Information

Opening Hours & Facilities

Parking is free at four locations: the main car park at the Countryside Centre (Dogleap Road), O’Cahan’s car park (Roemill Road), Carrick Mills car park (Ballyquin Road) and Carrick Rocks car park (Drumrane Road). An outdoor drinking water tap is situated behind the café.

Accessibility

The majority of the walking route is on firm, level surfaces. A flight of steps at the central footbridge and a few gentle ascents are the only barriers; an alternative linear trail on the same path allows visitors with mobility aids to enjoy the riverbank without negotiating the steps. The café, toilets and a dedicated disabled‑angler’s jetty are wheelchair‑accessible, and an audio guide for blind and partially‑sighted visitors enhances the experience along the specially designed wildlife trail.

Seasonal Path Closures (2026)

• West Bank – Closed 2 Mar – 30 Mar (access from O’Cahan’s Rock footbridge to main car park). An east‑bank alternative remains open.
• Roe Mill footbridge – Closed 23 Feb – 22 Mar (access via wooden steps & boardwalk). Alternative routes are available.

Getting There

The park lies on the outskirts of Limavady (postal code BT49 9NN). It is reachable by car via the A2 or by local bus services listed on the Discover Northern Ireland travel page. The nearest airports are Belfast International and City of Derry.

Contact

For commercial use enquiries, including filming or organised group activities, contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency at nieainfo@daera‑ni.gov.uk.