Attractions and Places To See around Kilcreen - Top 10
Best attractions and places to see around Kilcreen include a diverse landscape within the Sperrins range. This region features prominent peaks like Sawel Mountain, ancient woodlands, and serene reservoirs. Kilcreen offers a variety of natural and historical sites, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Kilcreen
- The most popular attractions is Sawel Mountain Summit, a natural monument that stands as the highest peak in the Sperrins range at 678m. From the summit, visitors…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Sawel Mountain Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Altnaheglish Reservoir
Highlight • Forest
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Sperrin Road
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Learmount Castle
Highlight • Castle
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Banagher Forest
Highlight • Forest
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Tips from the Community
Wear waterproof shoes/boots because even on the longest day of the year it's still wet underfoot
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Banagher Forest is a large coniferous woodland featuring beautiful sitka spruce and peat covered slopes. It is one of the oldest ancient woodlands in the whole of Ireland and a real hidden gem. The tracks around the forest are paved and undulating, making this a wonderful location for a jog.
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Enjoy some peace and serenity as you jog along the shores of the beautiful and calm Altnaheglish Reservoir, situated in the Sperring Area of Natural Beauty. The reservoir is located in the Banagher Forest, which is home to some of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland. It's a true place of beauty!
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Learmount Castle is a stunning Tudor-Gothic mansion that was built in the 1830s by Henry Barré Beresford. The house is now abandoned, but you can still use your imagination to picture its grandeur when it was in all its glory.
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With Barnes Top and Knockanbane Mountain to the east and Sawel Mountain to the south east, Sperrins Road carves through the landscape with cracking views all around. There is some descent climbing to get here but it's worth it.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone. It's all downhill from this point on, so you can enjoy a scenic descent back to the carpark.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone.
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Enjoy some peace and serenity as you walk along the shores of the beautiful and calm Altnaheglish Reservoir, situated in the Sperring Area of Natural Beauty. The reservoir is located in the Banagher Forest, which is home to some of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland. It's a true place of beauty!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Kilcreen?
Yes, Kilcreen offers several family-friendly options. Altnaheglish Reservoir, located within Banagher Forest, provides calm shores for walks and is home to ancient oak woodlands. Banagher Forest itself features paved and undulating tracks, making it suitable for families to explore.
What kind of hiking trails can I find near Kilcreen?
The Kilcreen area, nestled in the Sperrins, offers a variety of hiking trails. You can find easy walks like the Learmount Forest Walk via Learmount Castle (2.8 km) or more challenging routes such as the Sawel Mountain trail (4.5 km) which leads to the highest peak in the range. For a comprehensive list of trails, explore the Hiking around Kilcreen guide.
Are there any historical sites to visit in the Kilcreen area?
Yes, you can visit Learmount Castle, an abandoned Tudor-Gothic mansion built in the 1830s. This historical site offers a glimpse into the region's past and is surrounded by tracks suitable for exploration.
What natural features are prominent around Kilcreen?
Kilcreen is rich in natural beauty. You can explore Sawel Mountain Summit, the highest peak in the Sperrins, offering expansive views. The area also features Altnaheglish Reservoir and the ancient Banagher Forest, known for its old oak woodlands and coniferous trees.
What is the best time to visit Kilcreen for outdoor activities?
The Sperrins, including Kilcreen, are beautiful year-round. For hiking and outdoor activities, late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. However, be prepared for potentially wet conditions underfoot, especially on mountain trails like Sawel Mountain, even during drier months.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots in Kilcreen?
While not widely publicized, Banagher Forest is considered a real hidden gem. It's one of Ireland's oldest ancient woodlands, featuring beautiful sitka spruce and peat-covered slopes, offering a serene escape.
What cycling opportunities are available near Kilcreen's attractions?
Kilcreen and the surrounding Sperrins offer diverse cycling routes. You can find challenging road cycling loops like the Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop, or more moderate options such as the Learmount Castle – Learmount Wood loop. The Sperrin Road itself is a popular route offering cracking views.
What kind of views can I expect from the attractions in Kilcreen?
From Sawel Mountain Summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone. The Sperrin Road mountain pass also provides stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, including Barnes Top and Knockanbane Mountain.
What should I wear for hiking in the Kilcreen area?
When hiking in Kilcreen, especially on trails leading to Sawel Mountain Summit, it is highly recommended to wear waterproof shoes or boots. The terrain can be wet underfoot, even on warmer days, due to the montane heathland vegetation.
Are there any specific wildlife to look out for on trails in Kilcreen?
The montane heathland around Sawel Mountain Summit supports a variety of plant life, including heather, bilberries, and cowberries. While specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the ancient woodlands of Banagher Forest and the serene Altnaheglish Reservoir provide habitats for local flora and fauna typical of Irish forests and wetlands.
What are some easy walks suitable for beginners near Kilcreen?
For beginners or those seeking an easier stroll, the Learmount Forest Walk via Learmount Castle is an excellent option, covering approximately 2.8 kilometers. The paved and undulating tracks within Banagher Forest also offer a gentle environment for a walk or jog.
Most popular routes around Kilcreen
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