'The Roe Valley was ruled for many centuries by the O'Cahan Clan. Today, you can journey deep into the woods to visit the site of the O'Cahan Castle and hear legends of the heroic leap across the river by O'Cahan's dog. 

'At the Park, the countryside museum and the Dogleap Centre tell the story of the valley in an audio-visual theatre. The area is still known as Dogleap and its original Irish name, "Leim an Mhadaidh", is now pronounced "Limavady". 

The Park also reflects Limavady's changing industrial history. The geography of the river is ideal for the use of water power via mill races, and the remains of several water wheels and linen factories can still be seen, as do two surviving bleaching green watch towers.

The sound of gushing mill races, clattering water wheels and the rhythm of linen-making machinery are now gone. The mills are quiet, but the Park is dotted with a host of industrial relics, and another glimpse into the past is provided by the Power House Museum. Here a local scientific genius developed a water powered generating station which provided cheap electricity to Limavady and the surrounding area for many years. And this was way back in 1896, when R.E.Ritter built Ulster's first power station.

Today, especially after heavy rainfall, the River Roe surges through the Country Park. There are foxes, otters and badgers, and the Park is said to be the inspiration for "Londonderry Air". The dense woodland of oak and birch are also reminders of what Ireland may once have looked like.'

Roe Valley Country Park
Limvady
Tel: 028 7772 2074

Information courtesy of Roe Valley Country Park Heritage Service and Jochen Lueg
Photographs © Jochen Lueg