Overview
Springhill House sits on a gently rolling estate just outside Moneymore in County Londonderry. The National Trust calls it “one of the prettiest houses in Ulster”. Visitors can explore the restored 17th‑century plantation house, its extensive costume collection and library, and choose from three marked walking routes – Beech Walk, Sawpit Hill Walk and the Snowdrop Walk – that wind through beech avenues, blue‑bell glades, a historic walled garden and along the River Blackwater. The house is open to the public from March to June, all of July and August, and on weekends in September; the wider estate and its gardens are accessible year‑round.
History / Background
Springhill began as a modest farmstead in the early 1600s. The present stone house was erected between 1680 and 1695 by William Conyngham II, fulfilling a marriage settlement that required a “convenient house of lime and stone”. Dendrochronology shows the roof timbers were felled after 1690, anchoring the core of the building in the post‑Plantation era.
The Conyngham (later Lenox‑Conyngham) family dominated the estate for three centuries. In 1765 Colonel William Conyngham added two single‑storey wings that now house a nursery and a ballroom, giving the façade its distinctive seven‑window rhythm. After the last private resident, Mina Lenox‑Conyngham, died in 1961, the house had already been bequeathed to the National Trust in 1957. A major restoration returned the interiors to their original 17th‑century layout, stripping later Victorian alterations.
A lingering legend adds intrigue: Olivia Lenox‑Conyngham, second wife of George Lenox‑Conyngham, is said to haunt the house, a story recorded in The Ghost‑Hunter’s Casebook.
What to See & Do
The House
- Gun Room – home to 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.
- Firearms – a six‑inch muzzle‑loader and two late‑18th‑century blunderbusses sit beside a historic medicine chest once owned by the 3rd Viscount Molesworth.
- Library – catalogued by Mina Lenox‑Conyngham, it holds a 1541 Latin psalter and around 3,000 volumes, making it one of Ireland’s most important private collections.
Costume Collection
Housed in the former laundry, this is Northern Ireland’s largest costume collection. Highlights include 18th‑century silk gowns, 19th‑century everyday wear and rotating theatrical costumes, all displayed in a purpose‑built museum space.
Gardens & Walks
- Beech Walk – a gentle circuit beneath towering beech avenues, offering framed views of the Sperrin Mountains and Slieve Gallion. This route is fully wheelchair‑accessible.
- Sawpit Hill Walk – a longer route that explores the estate’s historic parkland and ridge‑top panoramas; it includes some steep sections, so sturdy footwear is advised.
- Snowdrop Walk – created to showcase the walled garden’s early‑spring display. From late January through February more than a hundred varieties of Galanthus carpet the ancient stone walls, mature beech and oak woodland, with occasional crocuses and other bulbs. The trail follows the River Blackwater and provides tranquil woodland exploration.
Family & Leisure Facilities
- Barn Café (run by Bean at Springhill) – serves light bites, tea and seasonal treats. (opening hours to be confirmed on the Trust website)
- Children’s adventure playground – perfect for a family break.
- Second‑hand bookshop – a cosy spot for browsing.
- Events programme – craft workshops, seasonal festivals and other activities run throughout the year.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Snowdrop Walk (January–February) – the estate opens its walled garden to showcase a carpet of snowdrops, a favourite early‑spring attraction for photographers and nature lovers.
- Spring Craft Workshops – held throughout March and April, featuring traditional textile and woodworking skills.
- Summer Family Days – occasional outdoor performances and guided walks in July and August.
- Heritage Open Days – the house participates in the national Heritage Open Days weekend each September, offering special tours and talks.
Practical Information
Admission (2025 guide prices)
| Ticket type | Gift Aid price | Standard price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £6.60 | £6 |
| Child (under 12) | £3.30 | £3 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | £16.50 | £15 |
Facilities
- Toilets and baby‑changing facilities near the café.
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout the visitor centre.
- On‑site parking (free for National Trust members, small charge for others – exact fee to be confirmed).
- Dogs welcome by arrangement; they must be kept on a lead on the walks.
- Gift shop selling garden‑related items and local crafts.
Accessibility
The estate offers accessible routes and facilities. The Beech Walk is fully wheelchair‑accessible, while the Sawpit Hill Walk includes some steep sections and uneven surfaces. Detailed information is available on the National Trust website and via the AccessAble guide for the nearby Argory property.
Getting There
Springhill House lies just off the main road between Magherafelt and Moneymore in County Londonderry. It is reachable by car, with clear signposting from the A6. Public transport options include regular bus services to Moneymore, followed by a short taxi ride to the house.
Visitor Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes – the woodland paths can be uneven, especially after rain.
- Check the weather forecast; the Snowdrop Walk is best enjoyed on a dry, sunny day.
- Bring a water bottle – there are limited refreshment points on the longer walks.
- Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead; they are not permitted inside the house.
- Arrive early in the spring to avoid crowds during the Snowdrop Walk.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballyrashane – a charming village a short drive north, offering a traditional pub and easy access to the River Bann.
- Benbradagh – a rugged hill with panoramic views of the Sperrin range, popular with walkers looking for a longer day‑trip.
Check the National Trust website for the latest opening times for the house, gardens and the Snowdrop Walk before you travel.