Limavady
Limavady is a historic market town in County Londonderry, nestled on the River Roe and surrounded by the scenic landscapes of the Roe Valley. The town's name, from the Irish "Léim a' Mhadaidh" meaning "leap of the dog," originates from a legend associated with the O'Cahan clan, who once ruled the area. Its rich musical heritage is its greatest claim to fame; it was here in the 19th century that Jane Ross wrote down the tune of "Londonderry Air," which would later become the melody for the famous song "Danny Boy." The town celebrates this legacy with a annual Danny Boy Festival.
The Roe Valley Country Park, just outside the town, is a beautiful linear park following the river gorge, offering walking trails, industrial heritage sites like old linen mills, and opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The town itself has a pleasant centre with a mix of shops and cafes. Limavady serves as a gateway to the scenic beauty of the Sperrin Mountains to the south and the beaches of Benone and Castlerock to the north. It offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere deeply connected to its cultural and natural surroundings.
