About
Discover for yourself why our ancestors choose to settle at the foot of this iconic mountain – drive up the Curragh Road to the viewing point at the top and soak in the spectacular panoramic views over the whole of the Sperrins and the Northwest, including Lough Foyle and as far as Inishowen/ Donegal. A short walk leads from the viewing-point carpark to the summit, at 465m AOD.
The earliest record of Benbradagh mountain dates back to the 6th Century where a reference appears in the Annals of the Four Masters. The name of the mountain was recorded as 'Beann Fhada Rí Ciannachta' which translates as 'the long peak of the King of Ciannacht'.
Even the US recognised its strategic importance, locating a Naval Radio Station here during the Cold War, the remnants of which are now a registered defence monument, DHR 00295.
The mountain forms a magnificent scenic backdrop to the town of Dungiven – the "Crown o'er Dungiven town" - and the area's rich built heritage such as the Grade B1 listed Dungiven Castle, and is the subject of cultural myths and legends and enshrined in folklore, poetry, art and songs.
View the bronze statue of Finvola, daughter of local chieftain Dermot O'Cathan, outside Dungiven library, and the new mural on the opposite side of the street, telling of her romance and death and links to Benbradagh as detailed in the song "Finvola The Gem of the Roe".
The town hosts a heritage trail ( https://niarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Glor-Dungiven.pdf ) which includes a 12th century Augustinian Priory (LDY031:015). The wider local area contains medieval ringforts/ raths and early Christian sites such as Banagher Old Church built around 1100, and many prehistoric stone circles and burial tombs of earlier settlers.
Benbradgh, meaning "Hill of Thieves" – was also the title of the award-winning album by renowned folk singer Cara Dillion in 2010. (The title-song was voted as one of the Top Ten original songs to have come out of Northern Ireland by listeners of BBC Radio Ulster in the Great Northern Songbook).
Life has unfolded here for many centuries under the unwavering presence of Benbradagh mountain - it continues to shape lives, generation after generation, providing a steadfast link with the past. "
