Overview
Springhill House sits on a gently rolling estate just outside Moneymore in County Londonderry. Recognised by the National Trust as one of the finest surviving Plantation-era buildings in Ulster, the property draws visitors for its carefully restored interiors, a standout costume archive, and three distinct woodland circuits. The house operates seasonally from March through September, but the estate grounds, walled garden, and walking routes remain accessible year-round, making it a reliable stop for walkers and heritage enthusiasts alike.
A House Through the Centuries
Springhill began as a modest farmstead in the early 1600s, but the stone house that stands today was built between 1680 and 1695 by William Conyngham II. The construction fulfilled a marriage settlement requiring a “convenient house of lime and stone,” and tree-ring dating confirms the roof timbers were felled shortly after 1690, firmly placing the core structure in the post-Plantation period.
The Conyngham family (later Lenox-Conyngham) managed the estate for three centuries. In 1765, Colonel William Conyngham extended the building with two single-storey wings that now contain a nursery and a ballroom, creating the façade’s distinctive seven-window rhythm. After the last private resident, Mina Lenox-Conyngham, died in 1961, the National Trust undertook a major restoration. Rather than preserving the Victorian alterations that had accumulated over decades, conservators stripped the interiors back to their original 17th-century layout, revealing the house’s early architectural bones.
Local folklore adds a quieter layer to the estate’s history: visitors and staff have long spoken of Olivia Lenox-Conyngham, second wife of George Lenox-Conyngham, whose presence is said to linger in the upper corridors. The story appears in several regional ghost-hunting records and remains a favourite conversation piece during guided tours.
Inside Springhill House
The Gun Room
The Gun Room is the standout interior space, preserved with one of the UK’s largest surviving 18th-century Chinese wallpaper schemes (c. 1720). The hand-painted panels frame a collection of historic firearms, including a “long gun” presented to Alderman James Lenox following the Siege of Derry, and a six-inch muzzle-loader alongside late-18th-century blunderbusses. A medicine chest once owned by the 3rd Viscount Molesworth sits nearby, offering a tangible link to the estate’s medical and military past.
The Library
Catalogued personally by Mina Lenox-Conyngham, the library houses around 3,000 volumes and is considered one of Ireland’s most important surviving private collections. Highlights include a 1541 Latin psalter, early botanical texts, and regional histories that document the Conyngham family’s stewardship of the area. The room’s original wood panelling and reading desks have been carefully conserved to reflect their 17th-century arrangement.
Costume Collection
Located in the building’s former laundry, this archive holds Northern Ireland’s largest costume collection. Displays rotate regularly but consistently feature 18th-century silk gowns, 19th-century working-class garments, and period theatrical costumes. The collection is particularly valuable for researchers and visitors interested in how textile production and dress codes evolved across Ulster over the past four centuries.
Gardens & Woodland Walks
The estate’s grounds are divided into three marked routes, each catering to different fitness levels and seasonal interests.
- Beech Walk – A gentle, fully wheelchair-accessible circuit that winds beneath towering beech avenues. The route frames open views of the Sperrin Mountains and Slieve Gallion, with clear signage explaining the estate’s planting history.
- Sawpit Hill Walk – A longer, more challenging route that climbs through historic parkland and ridge-top clearings. The path includes steep gravel sections and uneven roots, so sturdy footwear is essential. The reward is a sweeping panorama across the Moneymore valley.
- Snowdrop Walk – Open from late January through February, this trail was designed to showcase the walled garden’s early-blooming bulbs. Over a hundred varieties of Galanthus carpet the ancient stone walls, mature oak and beech woodland, and riverbanks. Occasional crocuses and early daffodils extend the display into March, making it a favourite for photographers and quiet woodland strolls.
Family & Visitor Facilities
- Barn Café – Operated by Bean at Springhill, the café serves light lunches, hot drinks, and seasonal baked goods. Opening hours vary by season, so check the Trust website before visiting.
- Children’s Adventure Playground – A dedicated outdoor play area with climbing frames and natural play features, suitable for younger visitors.
- Second-hand Bookshop – A small, volunteer-run shop offering vintage fiction, local history titles, and occasional estate memorabilia.
- Events Programme – The estate hosts craft workshops, seasonal festivals, and guided heritage talks throughout the year. Spring and summer typically see the highest activity, with Heritage Open Days in September offering extended house access.
Practical Information
Admission
| Ticket type | Standard price | Gift Aid price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £6 | £6.60 |
| Child (under 12) | £3 | £3.30 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | £15 | £16.50 |
National Trust members enter free. Prices are guide figures and subject to annual adjustment.
Facilities & Accessibility
- Toilets and baby-changing facilities are located near the café and visitor centre.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the reception area.
- On-site parking is free for National Trust members; a small daily charge applies to non-members.
- Dogs are welcome on the estate grounds but must be kept on a lead at all times. They are not permitted inside the house or café.
- The Beech Walk is fully wheelchair-accessible. The Sawpit Hill Walk and parts of the Snowdrop Walk feature gravel, roots, and steep gradients that may not suit all mobility aids.
Getting There
Springhill House is located just off the A6 between Magherafelt and Moneymore. Clear National Trust signposting directs visitors from the main road. Public transport options are limited; the nearest regular bus routes stop in Moneymore, followed by a short taxi or walking connection to the estate entrance.
Visitor Tips
- Check the seasonal opening calendar before travelling, as house access closes outside the March–September window.
- The Snowdrop Walk is at its peak between mid-January and late February; early morning visits avoid the busiest periods and provide softer light for photography.
- Bring layers and waterproof footwear. The woodland paths retain moisture well into spring, and gravel sections can become slippery after rain.
- Allow at least two hours to explore the house, browse the costume collection, and complete one of the shorter woodland circuits.