Bann Woods South Forest

The Bann Woods contains many miles of forest roads which members of the public can use for walking. The best woodland walks are those where clearfelling has not yet taken place, such as Bracknamuckley just north of  Portglenone on the Gortgole Road on the Antrim side of the River Bann.

There are good views along the River Bann on all the Bann Woods. The British and Irish Hardwoods Improvement Programme has referred to the pure oak stand at Movanagher Wood as “possibly the best stand of oak of this age in Northern Ireland” and “compares with the best in the Republic of Ireland”. Movanagher Wood is on the Derry side of the River just a mile north of Kilrea, just off the Movanagher Road. Part of Movanagher Wood is in an ASSI called Tully Hill, which is an important example of a flat topped delta created by glacial retreat up the Bann Valley.  

Moneygran Wood is on the same side of the River just south of Kilrea. Some of the woods, such as Vow Wood near the Angler’s Rest on the Antrim side of the River north of Kilrea, and Movanagher, Moneygran and Bracknamuckley Woods have provision for boats or canoes to tie up. There are fishing stands on the river at Movanagher.

How To Get There

Situated at various locations along the River Bann between Portglenone and Aghadowey.The forests are open every day of the year from 8.00am until sunset. Admission is free.

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