From heritage sites to walking trails and open farmland, the area offers a genuine mix for a day out.
Families will find soft play at Hunter's Quest, animal encounters at Grangewater Open Farm, and free waterside walks at Ballyronan Marina & Beach. There's plenty to fill a full day, and much of it won't cost a penny.
The best days out near Castledawson
Moyola Park Golf Club
Bellaghy Bawn
Seamus Heaney HomePlace
Hunter's Quest
Meadowlane Shopping Centre
Greenvale Leisure Centre
AJ’s Farmshop
Lough Beg
Heaney Farmhouse Brewery
Traad Ponds Golf Club
Grangewater Open Farm
Abhainn Cruises
Culsara Equestrian Centre
Ballyronan Marina & Beach
Mullagh Church
The Jungle NI
Maghera Walled Garden
Maghera Old Church
Mid Ulster Garden Centre
Iniscarn Forest
Iniscarn Forest Play Park
Splash Outdoor Waterpark
Ardboe High Cross
The Oaks Trout Fishery
Portglenone Forest
Sperrin Distillery
Old Killelagh Church
Our Brewery
Springhill House
Mackenzies Equestrian Centre
Ben Vista Garden Centre
Glenshane Pass Dark Sky Spot
Railway Karting & Adventure Park
Glenshane Country Farm
Buchanan's Farm Shop
Hillstown Farm Shop & Cafe
Littlebridge Farm Fresh Ltd
What's on near Castledawson
- 6JulIndoor PlaySeamus Heaney HomePlace
- 21JulStrand StrollersSeamus Heaney HomePlace
- 23JulSenior StrollsSeamus Heaney HomePlace
- 2AugSummer Garden Tours with NaomiSpringhill
- 2AugLittle Learner toursSpringhill
- 3Aug3-Day Leporello Art Booklet WorkshopSeamus Heaney HomePlace
Days out in Castledawson — your questions
What are the best days out in Castledawson?
The Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy is a standout for heritage. Families love Grangewater Open Farm for animal encounters and Ballyronan Marina & Beach for a free waterside afternoon. If you want to get out on the water, Abhainn Cruises is a great option. There's a good spread of places across the area.
What free things are there to do in Castledawson?
Plenty. Bellaghy Bawn is a free historic castle in the village. Lough Beg is brilliant for a quiet walk and wildlife watching. Ballyronan Marina & Beach is free and great for a family afternoon. Maghera Walled Garden and Iniscarn Forest are also free and easy to visit with kids.
Where can you go on a rainy day near Castledawson?
Hunter's Quest is the go-to indoor option, with soft play for younger children. Greenvale Leisure Centre has a pool if you fancy a swim. Meadowlane Shopping Centre in Magherafelt is covered and free to browse. Seamus Heaney HomePlace is also a great indoor choice when the weather turns.
What's good for young children near Castledawson?
Grangewater Open Farm is ideal — animals, outdoor space, and hands-on fun for small visitors. Hunter's Quest has indoor soft play that suits little ones well. Iniscarn Forest Play Park is a free outdoor play park in the woods. Ballyronan Marina & Beach is a lovely free spot for a relaxed afternoon out.