Magherafelt factfile

How to get to Magherafelt
Magherafelt is the largest town in the south of County Londonderry, and lies on the A31, linking it to Moneymore and Cookstown. The town is only a short way off the A6, connecting to Belfast 56 km (35 mi) away, and not far from the A29 to Coleraine in the north and Armagh in the south.

Sports and leisure in Magherafelt
Magherafelt is a haven for sports and leisure enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities available. The town has two leisure centres, with swimming pools, water slides, fitness suites, ball pits and an adventure playground for the kids, martial arts and step aerobics.

On top of all that, there's horse riding, two golf courses, indoor soccer, badminton, basketball, volleyball and more. And if that doesn't fulfil your sporting appetite, why not opt for local paint balling, fishing, bird watching, a visit to the cinema or bingo—all on offer in Magherafelt.

Eating and drinking in Magherafelt
Magherafelt is an expanding town, and boasts a variety of cultures and cuisines, with a rich multi-cultural community especially among its Chinese, Portuguese and Lithuanian minorities.

Whether you're after fine traditional fare or something a little more trendy, you'll find it somewhere in Magherafelt. Award-winning pubs and bars attract musical talent from all over the UK, both in the form of visiting bands and karaoke. For something a little more low-key there are the town's quieter stylish bars, with traditional Irish music often on offer.

Arts and culture in Magherafelt
"Festival" seems to be the buzzword in Magherafelt, with different celebrations peppered throughout the year. For example, there's the Magherafelt Festival of Culture and Arts in March, the Magherafelt May Festival, the Magherafelt Autumn Festival in October...

Things to see and do around Magherafelt
Castledown Open Farm near Margherafelt is a farm with a difference, dedicating itself to more unusual creatures than your average sheep and goats. Here you'll find chinchillas, miniature Shetland ponies, rare pigs, emus, chipmunks and the farm's pet fox, Vickie.

The gently undulating hills of the Sperrin Mountains overlook the District of Magherafelt. This area of outstanding natural beauty makes Magherafelt an ideal base for hill walking.

In the heart of Magherafelt lies the Bridewell, the town's old gaol and courthouse built in 1805. The building has now been fully restored and houses the local library and tourist information centre.