Davagh Forest - OM Dark Sky Park Landscape Experience

About

Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland and foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, Davagh Forest offers nature lovers and adventure seekers an unforgettable experience.  Located at the heart of a rich landscape of substantial archaeological and cultural significance and a history which spans millennia. 

With the only Dark Sky Park in Northern Ireland, Davagh offers a natural haven to enjoy gentle riverside walks, challenging mountain bike trails, as well as, a diverse array of wildlife, flora and fauna.  You may be lucky to catch a glimpse of a Sika deer. Ceoldán: The Stargazer, a new art installation created by world acclaimed artist, Thomas Dambo, welcomes visitors into the past, present and future and forms part of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail.  

A highlight in the Park is the 3.4km Solar Walk that takes you across the ancient landscape via a boardwalk from the modern-day observatory at OM in Davagh Forest to what we believe may have been the first observatory in our ancient landscape, Beaghmore Stone Circles.  ​​​​​The route is clearly signed to the rear of OM Observatory.  The trail leads into the forest, over Davagh Water before continuing on a boardwalk over a peatland bog landscape.  The boardwalk ends, crossing onto a shared road to Beaghmore Stone Circles.  Along the Solar Walk, an augmented reality app and markers with QR codes provide a digital guide of the solar system in real time. A linear route of 3.4km returning the same route.

Archaeology Walk - The route begins from the upper car park and follows the black way-marker arrows alongside Davagh Water. This pleasant riverside path meanders through lush green, almost fluorescent, woodland before crossing over Davagh Water and a gradual incline to meet the main forest road. Look out for the red tint of the river when crossing the newly constructed footbridge. The return leg of this walk uses the wide, surfaced forest road which leads down to meet the car park and back to the start of the trail. This is a circular route of 2 miles.  

Accessibility - The Archaeology Walk and the Solar Walk are accessible for users with a moderate level of ability.  Please note small sections contain loose gravel and the Solar Walk is a boardwalk.  Limited seating and sky lounger beds are situated along the Archaeology walk and at the outdoor amphitheatre beside OM Observatory as well as seating within the building.