Attractions and Places To See around Leaghan - Top 11
Best attractions and places to see around Leaghan include a variety of natural features and historical sites. This Leaghan location, situated near the Sperrin Mountains, offers diverse terrain for exploration. Visitors can discover summits, ancient monuments, and scenic natural areas that highlight the region's landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Leaghan
- The most popular attractions is Mullaghcarn Summit, a viewpoint and summit that offers rewarding views of the Sperrin Mountains after a hike. It is accessible withโฆ
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Mullaghcarn Summit
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Darach the Guardian Sculpture
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Beaghmore Stone Circles
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Barnes Gap
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Creggan Wood Walk
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High above Cookstown, at the foot of the impressive Sperrin Mountains, you will find the Beaghmore Stone Circles. This is one of Ireland's most fascinating archaeological sites. Only rediscovered in the 1940s during peat cutting, the bog revealed a complex of seven stone circles, ten stone rows, and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds. For a cyclist, the road to Beaghmore is an experience in itself. The route takes you away from the inhabited world into a vast, quiet landscape where the wind has free rein. The complex itself exudes an enormous sense of peace and is the perfect place to get off your bike and soak up the prehistoric atmosphere.
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Breathtaking view of the Sperrins after a steady climb.
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Steep but short stretch. Nice for photography
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Sculpture of a giant made from wood, great fun for the kids, but itโs pretty steep getting up there for little ones.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhรณr), meaning โbig place of birch treesโ. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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Formed from a glacial overflow, Barnes Gap is truly breathtaking. On your way up, don't forget to take in the spectacular views. The gap cuts through the east-west crest line of the southern Sperrin Mountains ridge, between the hills of Mullaghbane and Mullaghbolig.
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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Make sure to pause for a moment at Barnes Gap to take in the exceptional natural beauty this area has to offer. The gap was formed from a glacial overflow and cuts through the east-west crest line of the southern Sperrin Mountains ridge, between the hills of Mullaghbane and Mullaghbolig.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Leaghan?
The Leaghan area, situated near the Sperrin Mountains, offers several natural features. You can hike to Mullaghcarn Summit for rewarding views, or visit Barnes Gap, a breathtaking glacial overflow. Creggan Wood Walk provides a unique bogland experience with diverse plantlife, and the broader Gortin Glen Forest Park is known for its trails and scenic drives.
Are there any historical sites or ancient monuments near Leaghan?
Yes, the region is home to significant historical sites. The most notable are the Beaghmore Stone Circles, a complex of early Bronze Age megalithic features dating back to 2900 - 2600 BC. This site includes seven low stone circles, twelve cairns, and ten stone rows.
What family-friendly activities are available in the Leaghan area?
Families can enjoy visiting Darach the Guardian Sculpture, a large wooden giant located within Gortin Glen Forest Park, which is a fun attraction for children. The Beaghmore Stone Circles also offer an engaging historical experience for all ages. Gortin Glen Forest Park itself has good trails and a scenic drive, often featuring sika deer.
Where can I go hiking around Leaghan?
Leaghan is an excellent base for hiking. You can embark on a round trip hike to Mullaghcarn Summit for panoramic views of the Sperrin Mountains. Other options include trails within Gortin Glen Forest Park and the unique Creggan Wood Walk. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Leaghan guide, which features trails like 'Davagh Forest via Beaghmore Stone Circle' and 'An Creagรกn, Forest and River Trail'.
Are there cycling routes near Leaghan's attractions?
Yes, the area around Leaghan offers several cycling opportunities. The Gortin Glen Forest Park is popular among cyclists, and you can find routes like the 'Sperrins Route 4 - White Hare Cycle Route' or a 'Bike loop from Loughmacrory'. For more cycling options, refer to the Cycling around Leaghan guide.
What is Darach the Guardian Sculpture, and where is it located?
Darach the Guardian Sculpture is a large wooden sculpture of a giant. It is located within Gortin Glen Forest Park and offers a viewpoint after a steady climb, making it a rewarding stop, especially for families.
Is there parking available for attractions like Mullaghcarn Summit?
Yes, for attractions like Mullaghcarn Summit, you can park in Gortin Forest Park and then walk to the start of the trail.
What makes Beaghmore Stone Circles significant?
Beaghmore Stone Circles are significant as a complex of early Bronze Age megalithic features, believed to have astronomical alignments. Discovered under peat in the 1930s, the site comprises seven stone circles, twelve cairns, and ten stone rows, with stones dating back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
What is Barnes Gap known for?
Barnes Gap is known for its exceptional natural beauty. It's a breathtaking glacial overflow that cuts through the east-west crest line of the southern Sperrin Mountains ridge, offering spectacular views between the hills of Mullaghbane and Mullaghbolig.
Are there any forest parks to visit near Leaghan?
Yes, Gortin Glen Forest Park is a prominent forest park near Leaghan. It features good trails, beautiful trees, a 5-mile scenic forest drive, waterfalls, and is home to resident sika deer. It also hosts attractions like Darach the Guardian Sculpture.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Leaghan?
Visitors appreciate the rewarding views from summits like Mullaghcarn Summit and the historical depth of sites like Beaghmore Stone Circles. The Darach the Guardian Sculpture is often highlighted as a fun, family-friendly stop, especially for its scenic climb.
Are there options for running trails in the Leaghan area?
Yes, the Leaghan area provides various running trails. You can find routes of different difficulties, such as 'Running loop from Greencastle' or 'Running loop from Loughmacrory'. More options are available in the Running Trails around Leaghan guide.
What kind of plantlife can I see on walks around Leaghan?
On walks like the Creggan Wood Walk, you can observe a fantastic array of plantlife unique to bogland environments. This includes sphagnum moss, cranberry, crowberry, and bilberry, among many others, accessible via gravel paths and raised boardwalks.
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