Attractions and Places To See around Moneyconey - Top 11

Moneyconey is rich in history. You can visit the preserved stone ruins of the Old Church of Ballinascreen, considered the oldest building in Sixtowns, with legends linking it to St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. Nearby, an ancient grave in Cavanreagh suggests early burial practices. The ruins of the Barnett Clachan offer a glimpse into 19th-century residential structures. Additionally, the Beaghmore Stone Circles are a significant complex of early Bronze Age megalithic features, including stone circles, cairns, and stone rows, providing insight into ancient rituals and astronomy.

The Moneyconey area boasts diverse natural beauty. Explore Coiner's Glen, known for its original vegetation, or visit Mumawannish Glen, home to the reputed 'wart well.' The majestic Slieveavaddy and Carnanelly mountains provide scenic backdrops. You can also visit Lough Fea, a serene lake with a walking track, or ascend Sawel Mountain Summit, the highest peak in the Sperrins, for panoramic views. Don't miss the Blanket Bog and Turf Information Boards Near Crockmore Peak to learn about this unique ecosystem.

Yes, there are a couple of great options for families. The Beaghmore Stone Circles are considered family-friendly, offering an engaging historical experience. Lough Fea also provides a pleasant 4km walking track around the lake, complete with a children's play area, toilets, and rain shelters, making it ideal for a family outing.

Moneyconey is an excellent base for hiking. You can find various trails, including the easy Lough Fea loop, or more challenging routes like the Sawel Mountain trail. Other popular options include the Davagh Forest via Beaghmore Stone Circle and the Crockbrack Way. For a comprehensive list of hiking routes, visit the Hiking around Moneyconey guide.

Cyclists can enjoy several routes in the vicinity of Moneyconey. Options range from moderate to difficult, such as the Davagh Forest loop from Pomeroy, the Davagh Forest loop from Ballinascreen, and the longer Lough Fea loop from Ballinascreen. More details on these and other cycling tours can be found in the Cycling around Moneyconey guide.

Yes, there are several running trails suitable for various fitness levels. You can find easy loops like the Running loop from Ballinascreen, or more challenging routes such as the Davagh Forest loop from Pomeroy and the Davagh Forest loop from Ballinascreen. For more options, check the Running Trails around Moneyconey guide.

For impressive views, consider ascending Sawel Mountain Summit, which stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range. Another excellent viewpoint is Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit, at 496m, offering sensational views across the Sperrins mountain range and Lough Neagh.

Moneyconey holds some unique natural features and folklore. The Mumawannish Glen is home to a small hole in the rock known as the 'wart well,' reputed for its power to cure warts. Discoveries of pointed sticks in the Bogs of Moneyconey suggest Bronze Age settlement, adding an archaeological layer to the natural landscape. The name Moneyconey itself may derive from 'muine comhnuidhe,' meaning 'the hill of rest,' or 'moin congna,' meaning 'bog of the antler,' hinting at its ancient past.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from the mountain summits, such as Sawel Mountain and Slieve Gallion NE Top. The historical significance of sites like the Beaghmore Stone Circles, with their ancient rituals and astronomical connections, also captivates many. The serene beauty of Lough Fea and its accessible walking track is also a community favorite.

When visiting natural attractions like Sawel Mountain, it's advisable to wear waterproof shoes or boots, as the ground can be wet underfoot even during drier seasons. For places like Lough Fea, rain shelters are available, which can be useful given unpredictable weather. Always be mindful of private land, as some routes, like parts of the descent from Slieve Gallion NE Top, may cross private property with no access allowed.

The natural landscapes around Moneyconey offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. The montane heathland vegetation around Sawel Mountain Summit supports various plant life, including heather, bilberries, and cowberries, which in turn attract local fauna. The calm waters of Lough Fea are home to a number of fascinating bird species. The Blanket Bog near Crockmore Peak is also an important wildlife habitat.