Overview
Springhill House sits on a gently rolling estate just outside the village of Moneymore in County Londonderry. Described by the National Trust as “one of the prettiest houses in Ulster”, the property blends a 17th‑century plantation house, a rare costume collection, a library of 3,000 volumes and three well‑marked walking routes that sweep through beech avenues, bluebell‑filled glades and a historic walled garden. The house is open to the public from March to June, all of July and August, and on weekends in September, making it a flexible stop for a day‑trip into the Sperrin foothills.
History
Springhill began life as a modest farmstead in the early 1600s, but the present stone house dates from 1680‑1695, when William Conyngham II fulfilled a marriage settlement that required him to “build a convenient house of lime and stone, two stories high”. Dendrochronology confirms the roof timbers were felled after 1690, placing the core of the house firmly in the post‑Plantation era.
The Conyngham (later Lenox‑Conyngham) family dominated the estate for three centuries. In 1765 Colonel William Conyngham added the two single‑storey wings that now house a nursery and a ballroom, giving the house its distinctive seven‑window façade. The house survived the turbulence of the 18th and 19th centuries, but by the early 20th century the family’s fortunes were waning. After a series of sales and inheritances, the last private resident, Mina Lenox‑Conyngham, died in 1961. The house was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1957, and a major restoration returned the interiors to their original 17th‑century layout, stripping later Victorian alterations.
A lingering legend adds a touch of the uncanny: Olivia Lenox‑Conyngham, the second wife of George Lenox‑Conyngham, is said to haunt the house. Her story, recorded in The Ghost‑Hunter’s Casebook, makes Springhill a favourite stop for those intrigued by Irish hauntings.
What to See & Do
The House
Inside, the Gun Room boasts one of the UK’s largest surviving 18th‑century Chinese wallpaper schemes (c. 1720) and a “long gun” presented to Alderman James Lenox after the Siege of Derry. A six‑inch muzzle‑loader and two late‑18th‑century blunderbusses sit alongside a medicine chest once owned by the 3rd Viscount Molesworth. The library, catalogued by Mina Lenox‑Conyngham, contains a 1541 Latin psalter and around 3,000 volumes, making it one of Ireland’s most important private collections.
Costume Collection
The former laundry houses Northern Ireland’s largest costume collection, assembled initially by Viscount Clanwilliam in 1960. Highlights include 18th‑century silk gowns, 19th‑century everyday wear, and a selection of theatrical costumes that rotate through the on‑site museum.
Gardens & Walks
Three themed walks radiate from the house:
- Beech Walk – a gentle circuit through towering beech avenues that, on clear days, frames views of the Sperrin Mountains and Slieve Gallion.
- Snowdrop Walk – a spring‑time stroll where snowdrops carpet the ground in February and bluebells appear in April.
- Sawpit Hill Walk – a 1.1‑mile loop that climbs to a former corn‑mill tower, passes the remains of a WWII American GI camp, and finishes amid a rhododendron display and an ancient yew grove. The estate also features a small pond frequented by frogs, an aviary where herons nest, and a historic sawpit site that supplied timber for the house’s original construction.
Visitor Amenities
The Barn Café, run by Bean at Springhill, serves light bites, savoury snacks and sweet treats. A second‑hand bookshop offers literary treasures to peruse while you sip tea. Picnic areas, on‑site parking and free Wi‑Fi make a comfortable family day out. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, and baby‑changing facilities are provided.
Practical Information
| Season | Opening Days |
|---|---|
| March – June | Daily |
| July – August | Daily |
| September | Weekends only |
| Ticket Type | Standard | Gift Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £6 | £6.60 |
| Child (under 16) | £3 | £3.30 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | £15 | £16.50 |
The house is reachable by car via the M2 and has a free on‑site car park. Public transport is served by Ulsterbus routes 110, 110B and 210A (stop: Springhill). Accessible toilets are located near the café, and the main paths are graded gravel with some steep sections; signage and a route card are available from the Cookstown Tourist Information Centre.
Note: Following Storm Eowyn (January 2025) some garden routes may be temporarily closed. Check the National Trust website for the latest updates and consider making a donation to support restoration work.
Springhill House offers a rare glimpse into three centuries of Ulster gentry life, a treasure‑trove of decorative arts, and a network of walks that showcase the natural beauty of the Sperrin foothills. Whether you are a history buff, a costume enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic family outing, Springhill provides a richly layered experience that lingers long after you leave the estate.