Eglinton combines local history with a nearby natural attraction: Muff Glen Forest, south of the town. Until 1858, Eglinton was known as Muff; the town’s development can be understood through its founding, main street and protected buildings. The forest along the Muff River adds a scenic focal point. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on the area’s historical development and buildings or the walking route through the mixed woodland, with waterfall views.
Muff Glen Forest: woodland and waterfall
Muff Glen Forest is close to Eglinton, half a mile south of the town. Mixed woodland stretches along the Muff River across 34 hectares. The forest is accessible on foot via a gravel path; at the southern end of the route, there are views of a waterfall. This makes it a specific nature option alongside the town’s historical highlights. Access restrictions may apply during forestry work. Before setting out, check whether any such restrictions affect the route.
From Muff to Eglinton
Until 1858, Eglinton was called Muff. The Grocers’ Company founded the settlement, originally called Muff, in 1619 as a plantation town. Its founding and change of name mark two distinct stages: the settlement was established under the name Muff, which was used until the name changed in the 19th century. The main street also reflects a later historical period. In the 1820s, it was transformed into an impressive, tree-lined street as part of improvements. This redevelopment belongs to a different century from the town’s founding and shows that Eglinton’s history is not limited to its beginnings.
Eglinton Manor House was built in the 1820s and 1830s as part of improvements made by the Grocers’ Company of London in the town, then called Muff. The main street and Manor House provide two different architectural points of reference for this later period. The town’s founding as a plantation town represents a different historical layer from the later changes to the street and building.
Buildings and historical connections
St Canice’s Church of Ireland stands in the centre of Eglinton and is a Category B listed building on Main Street. In the 1940s, it maintained a close connection with the nearby RNAS Eglinton military airfield. Grocer’s Mill is located at 1 Edenreagh Road in Eglinton and is a Category B1 listed building. The different listing categories and addresses provide specific points of reference when exploring the town’s architectural history.
Finding your way around town
A visitor map is located outside the play park on Eglinton Main Street. If you want to use the map, check in advance that it is still there. The address of City of Derry Airport is Airport Road, Eglinton, Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT47 3GY; it provides a precise location for address searches.
Discover more destinations: Londonderry.
For the broader travel overview: Derry.
