The true definition of a hidden gem, Davagh Forest lies approximately 6 miles north west of Cookstown in an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests. It includes a unique network of walking and mountain biking trails that cater for all abilities.
Davagh Forest’s short circular walk begins from the upper car park and follows the black waymarker arrows alongside Davagh Water.
This pleasant riverside path meanders through lush green, almost fluorescent, woodland before crossing over Davagh Water and gradually ascending to meet the main forest road. 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.
Davagh Forest offers gentle mountain biking trails as well as an impressive 16km red trail with some rock slab drops you will never forget!
Trailhead facilities include:
- Changing facilities
- Bike Hire
- Car Parking
- Picnic area
- Bike Wash
|Davagh Dark Skies Observatory
2020 will bring a whole new star-gazing experience to Mid Ulster, when a Dark Sky Observatory and Visitor Centre opens at Davagh Forest, near Cookstown.
Davagh has one of the ‘darkest skies’ in Ireland, which means there is so little light pollution that there are crystal clear views of star constellations.
The new centre will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night sky as it is rarely viewed – and as it would have been seen centuries ago by our ancestors.
Combining the latest tech, from holographic installations to virtual reality headsets with colourful, accessible interpretation panels and hands-on activities, visitors to the centre will be able to explore our solar system from our sun and moon to our stars and the planets.
The centre piece of the space will be a star-gazing telescope, opening up the opportunities to view the night sky without light pollution and establishing Davagh as the only official ‘dark sky’ reserve here.
The centre will also host events and offer an education programme.
Davagh Forest Trails
T: Cookstown Visitor Information Centre on 028 8676 9949