Roe Valley Country Park

Take a virtual tour of this site!

Roe Valley Country Park runs for three miles either side of the River Roe near Limavady. The river plunges through spectacular gorges and its banks are clothed with mature mixed woodland. It is a beautiful tranquil location.

The River Roe, especially after heavy rainfall, can be seen surging its way through the Park. The banks of the river are much quieter with a dense woodland of majestic trees. In springtime the woodland floor is covered with a carpet of wild flowers. A fascinating variety of damp-loving plants thrive all the year round in the moist shade of the riverbank slopes. The Park is the habitat of foxes, badgers and otters. Over sixty species of bird have been seen in the park.

The Country Park contains a countryside museum and the refurbished Dogleap Countryside Centre which currently has an in-house environmental display. The centre also contains a newly refurbished cafe - 'The Ritter Tea Rooms' - which has been extended to seat up to 75 customers and offers a range of healthy-eating options and numerous Fairtrade Products. The cafe, which opens daily, affords patrons a delightful view of the country park. It has been renamed The Ritter Tearooms after John Edward Ritter and his wife who, in 1896, opened Northern Ireland's first commercial hydro-electricity scheme at the Dogleap.

There is a disabled angler's jetty by the river and also for the disabled visitor there is a specially designed trail emphasising the wildlife of the park. This includes an audio guide for blind and partially sighted visitors.

Above all, the park is a place for recreation - superb salmon and trout fishing, canoeing, rock climbing, orienteering and mile upon mile of riverside and woodland walks.

Education

If you are planning a visit or looking for educational resources on this site, please visit this page.

Facilities

• Countryside Centre
• Museum with 19th century artefacts
• Many historical monuments related to the 18th century linen industry
• 19th century Hydro-electric powerstation (open on request)
• 'Milltoun Field' is a biodiversity experiment with flower meadow, grain field and pond
• Biodiversity Trail provides access for disabled

Access & Booking

Open Daily
The Park is open access.

Visitor Centre opening hours:
Easter - end September - Open daily 10am to 6pm. (Toilets 9am - 9pm)
October - Easter - Open Daily 10am to 5pm. (Toilets 9am - 5pm)

For educational visits, please call the number below to arrange.

Contact

Roe Valley Country Park
41 Dogleap Rd
Limavady
BT49 9NN

Tel: 028 7772 2074
Fax: 028 7776 6571
email roevalley2@doeni.gov.uk

Getting Here

The park is well signposted on all roads around Limavady. It is best approached from the Drumrane Rd, the B192. The B192 leaves the main Derry to Limavady road before the town of Limavady. Avoid the B68, Ballyquinn Rd, as access to the park is via a very narrow bridge.

Search www.northcoastni.com for further information and places of interest near the Roe Valley Country Park

The Park Code

Visitors to the Country Park should remember the Park code:

• Protect the wildlife, plants and trees.
• Take all litter home or use the bins provided.
• Ensure all dogs are kept under control and not allowed to foul paths and mown grass or the beaches.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Make no unnecessary noise.
• Cycling or horse riding is not permitted.
• Launching of boats or canoes is not permitted.
• A river has natural hazards - supervise children and stay clear of the water.
• Riverside walks are not suitable for wheelchairs, prams etc.
• Some walks can be strenuous - see map for major steps area.
• Some paths may be liable to flooding in severe weather.