Davagh Forest Trail

Yes, dogs are welcome on the Davagh Forest Trails. However, they must be kept on a lead at all times to protect local wildlife and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Please also remember to clean up after your dog.

No, there are no fees or permits required to access Davagh Forest or its trails. Parking is also free at the trailhead facilities.

For beginners and families, the gentle circular walk alongside Davagh Water is ideal. Another excellent option is the Archaeology Walk, which follows black way-marker arrows and offers a glimpse into the area's rich history. Both provide an easy and enjoyable experience through the forest.

Walking times vary depending on the trail. The gentle circular walk along Davagh Water can take around 30-60 minutes. The Solar Walk, which is 3.4km linear, might take 1-1.5 hours one way. The Archaeology Walk also offers a pleasant, relatively short stroll. For longer excursions, you can combine sections or explore the wider forest paths.

The trailhead at Davagh Forest offers excellent facilities including free parking, clean toilets, changing rooms, and a bike wash. There's also a picnic area and a play park for children, making it a convenient and family-friendly starting point for your adventure. Bike hire may be available when the shack is open.

Given the varied terrain and potential for changing weather in the Sperrin Mountains, it's recommended to wear appropriate footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes. Layered clothing is advisable, including waterproofs, even on seemingly clear days. For mountain biking, a helmet is essential, and protective gear like gloves and knee pads are highly recommended.

While Davagh Forest itself has picnic facilities, there are no cafes or pubs directly within the forest. For dining options, you would need to travel to nearby villages or towns such as Draperstown or Cookstown, which offer a selection of eateries and pubs.

Davagh Forest, with its coniferous woodland and blanket bog understory, is home to various wildlife. You might spot common forest birds, small mammals like squirrels, and potentially deer. The forest's tranquil setting also makes it a good spot for observing insects and plant life unique to the Sperrin Mountains.

Davagh Forest is renowned for its mountain biking trails that cater to all abilities. The Green Trail is an easy 3km loop perfect for beginners and families. The Blue Trail, a 7.5km loop, offers more technical riding with singletrack and berms for intermediate riders. For experienced riders, the challenging 16km Red Trail features a climb up Beleevnamore Mountain, fast descents, and technical sections including rock drops. A skills park and pump track are also available at the trailhead to practice.

Davagh Forest is primarily accessed by car, with clear signage from the A505 Cookstown–Omagh road and nearby villages like Draperstown. Public transport options directly to the forest are limited, so planning for private transport or a taxi from a nearby town would be advisable.

Davagh Forest was designated an International Dark Sky Park due to its exceptionally low light pollution, offering unrivalled views of the night sky. This status means it's one of the best places in Ireland, and indeed the world, to observe constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way, making it a unique destination for stargazing enthusiasts.

Yes, Davagh Forest offers several fabulous vantage points where you can enjoy scenes of the surrounding countryside, particularly from the higher sections of the mountain bike trails or along the winding gravel paths. The OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory also provides unique views, especially at night, and the Solar Walk offers scenic boardwalk sections over peatland bog.