Roe Valley Country Park and Carrick Mills Car Park

Overview

Roe Valley Country Park runs for about 3 km along the River Roe, just south‑west of Limavady in County Londonderry. Managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the park blends steep‑sided gorges, mature deciduous woodlands and open grassland into a landscape that feels both wild and carefully curated. The free Carrick Mills car park on Ballyquin Road sits at the park’s southern edge, providing the most convenient gateway to the popular riverside walks, wildlife‑rich woodlands and the ruins of 19th‑century linen mills.

History / Background

The valley has been a hub of human activity for centuries. In the 18th and 19th centuries the River Roe powered a thriving linen industry; stone‑shell mill foundations and a restored water‑wheel still mark the sites where flax was turned into fine cloth. Artefacts from this era are displayed in the Green Lane Museum inside the visitor centre, alongside items from agriculture and everyday rural life. A disused hydro‑electric generating station, commissioned in 1896, highlights the valley’s early experiments with renewable power. Local folklore adds colour – the legend of the “Black Dog of Limavady” tells of a canine messenger that leapt the river to warn the O’Cahans of danger.

What to See & Do

• Riverside Walks – From Carrick Mills follow the firm‑surfaced path that hugs the River Roe. A 3.6 km circular route starts at the Dogleap Countryside Centre car park; the section accessible from Carrick Mills offers tranquil riverbank scenery, benches and footbridges at O’Cahan’s Rock, Carrick Mills and Carrick Church.
• Historic Mill Ruins – A short walk inland reveals the stone foundations of Carrick Mills and a restored water‑wheel. Interpretive signs explain the linen trade and the engineering ingenuity of the era.
• Green Lane Museum – Housed in the visitor centre, the museum showcases linen‑industry artefacts, flax‑drying fields, watch‑towers and the 1896 hydro‑electric station. It closes for winter and reopens around Easter; callers should confirm current hours.
• Wildlife Watching – The river gorge supports otters, badgers, foxes and a variety of birds. An audio guide on the specially designed sensory trail assists blind and partially sighted visitors.
• Picnic & BBQ – Picnic tables and a BBQ area sit close to the car park, perfect for a packed lunch while listening to the river’s gentle flow.
• Café Break – The Dogleap Countryside Centre houses AL’s Coffee, a wheelchair‑accessible café open daily 10:00–17:00. A mobility scooter can be borrowed here for those needing extra assistance.
• Fishing & Angling – A disabled‑friendly jetty provides a safe spot for fishing; permits are required for salmon and brown trout.

Getting There

The Carrick Mills car park is accessed via the A2 road on Ballyquin Road (41 Dogleap Road). Free parking is available, including an electric‑vehicle charging point. For those travelling by public transport, Limavady railway station is a short bus ride away; local bus services (e.g., Ulsterbus route 212) stop near the park entrance.

Practical Information

Opening Hours (Car Parks & Toilets)

• Admission: Free parking and free entry to the park.
• Facilities:
  • Disabled‑friendly toilets near the café.
  • Electric‑vehicle charging point at Carrick Mills car park.
  • Wheelchair‑accessible café and mobility‑scooter hire.
  • Sensory trail with audio guide for visually impaired visitors.
• Contact: For museum opening times or any accessibility queries, contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency via the council’s visitor information line.

Enjoy a day of gentle walks, historic discovery and wildlife spotting, all anchored by the convenient Carrick Mills car park in the heart of Roe Valley Country Park.