Things To Do
in Limavady
Limavady is a small market town in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, set at the head of the Roe Valley and close to the dramatic north coast. It combines a compact Victorian town centre with easy access to rivers, beaches and the Binevenagh plateau for dramatic views. The town has a quiet, friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of local community and traditional pubs and events.
Limavady makes a convenient base for exploring the Causeway Coast, Derry~Londonderry and nearby natural attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Limavady and check into your cozy accommodation located in the heart of town. After settling in, take a stroll through the picturesque streets, soaking in the charming architecture and local shops. Grab a coffee and a pastry at a local café to fuel up for the day's adventures.
Visit the Limavady Visitor Centre to learn about the rich history of the area and pick up some souvenirs. Next, head to the beautiful Roe Valley Country Park for a relaxing walk amidst nature, where you can enjoy the scenic river views. Don't forget to take some photos of the stunning landscapes along the way.
As the day winds down, enjoy a traditional Irish dinner at a local pub, where you can sample local dishes like stew or seafood chowder. After dinner, experience the lively local music scene by seeking out live traditional music performances in various pubs. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the river, taking in the peaceful ambiance.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading to the Roe Valley Country Park for a day of outdoor activities. Take advantage of the hiking trails and explore the rugged beauty of the park, keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife. The fresh air and stunning views will invigorate your spirit.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a packed lunch in the park while surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature. Post-lunch, opt for a guided tour that includes canoeing on the River Roe, allowing you to experience this picturesque landscape from a different perspective. The exhilarating paddle will give you a true sense of adventure.
Return to Limavady and freshen up before heading out for dinner at one of the town's highly rated restaurants. Savor some locally sourced cuisine paired with a refreshing drink. Wrap up your evening with a visit to the local cinema or catch a show at the Limavady Theatre for a taste of local culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint of local beer | $5-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to dramatic coastal scenery and natural attractions (Binevenagh, Mussenden Temple, Benone Beach).
- Friendly small-town atmosphere with authentic local pubs and community events.
- Good base for exploring the Causeway Coast and Derry~Londonderry.
- Plenty of outdoor activities: hiking, fishing, cycling and coastal walks.
- Limited late-night nightlife and fewer dining options than larger centres.
- Public transport links are modest—having a car is helpful for exploring the area.
- Weather is changeable and can disrupt outdoor plans.
- Some attractions may have seasonal opening times.
Places to Visit in Limavady
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside trails, waterfalls and woodland provide intimate landscape and nature photography opportunities close to town.
Dramatic viewpoints over the Causeway Coast and Lough Foyle—excellent for wide landscape shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Iconic coastal temple perched on cliffs above the sea—stunning for coastal panoramas and golden-hour photography.
Long sandy beach with dunes and sea vistas—ideal for minimalist seascapes, long-exposure shots and wildlife photography.
Victorian architecture, the Diamond and local murals/streetscapes capture small-town character and everyday life.
Food in Limavady
Limavady Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, soda bread and potato bread—widely available in cafés and pubs in town.
Must-Try!
Fresh fish and shellfish from the nearby coast—look for smoked salmon, fresh haddock or crab dishes in coastal cafés and restaurants.
A warming lamb or beef stew with root vegetables, served in pubs across the region and ideal on cooler days.
Traditional breads often served with butter or as part of a breakfast—available at bakeries and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market (check weekly schedule) where regional producers sell cheeses, breads, meats, preserves and seasonal produce—great for picnic supplies and gifts.
At nearby tourist spots and beaches you’ll find small stalls and cafés offering hot drinks, sandwiches, and locally caught seafood—perfect for quick bites during outdoor days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in Limavady are generally friendly and polite—use please and thank you, and be courteous in shops and on public transport.
Avoid taking political sides or discussing sensitive issues such as sectarian history unless you know someone well; local identities and histories can be personal topics.
Respect queues and personal space; lining up and waiting your turn is customary.
Pubs are social spaces—buying a round is a common gesture among friends but not expected from visitors. Ask about house traditions if you join a group.
Safety
Tipping in Limavady
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In pubs where you order at the bar, tipping is uncommon; in restaurants, 10–15% is customary if service isn’t included. Taxi drivers and hotel porters often receive small tips for good service.
British pounds (GBP) are used. Credit and debit cards (chip and contactless) are widely accepted in shops, cafés and larger pubs; carry some cash for small rural vendors and market stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, long daylight hours and relatively drier weather—best for coastal walks, beach time and panoramic views. Expect more visitors at popular coastal sites and bring sun protection and a light layer for cooler sea breezes.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in river valleys and forests; good for hiking and photography. Weather can change quickly—pack waterproofs and warm layers.
Cooler, wetter conditions with shorter days; occasional frost and strong coastal winds. Many attractions remain open but check winter opening times and road conditions for higher routes like Binevenagh.
Wildflowers and newborn lambs in the countryside; improving weather but still changeable. A great time for quieter visits and watching migratory birds along the coast.
Limavady at Night
Hiking in Limavady
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Several routes ranging from short walks to longer hill treks with panoramic views over Lough Foyle, the Sperrins and the coastline.
Easy riverside paths, woodland walks and shorter trails suitable for families and photographers.
A dramatic coastal walk along cliffs to the iconic Mussenden Temple with spectacular sea views—watch for cliff-edge safety and changing weather.
Flat, extensive beach walks ideal for long-distance walking, birdwatching and capturing coastal light.
Access to longer sections of the Causeway Coast Path for multi-site hikes including views of the Giant's Causeway, cliffs and coastal villages.
Airports
How to reach Limavady by plane.
The closest airport, about a 25–40 minute drive depending on route—serves regional flights and connects to UK destinations; car hire and taxis available.
Major international airport roughly 1.5–2 hours’ drive away, offering more flight options and car hire services.
Closer to Belfast city centre (about 1.75–2.25 hours by car), useful for domestic and short-haul flights to the UK; combine with train/bus options into the region.
Ireland’s largest airport, about 3 hours by car—an option for international flights though further away than Belfast airports.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly families and people with deep roots in the surrounding rural area; community-oriented and involved in local clubs and events.
Some residents commute to Derry~Londonderry for work and education, blending town and city influences.
Surrounding countryside is home to farming families and smallholdings contributing to local markets and traditions.
Seasonal influx of visitors attracted to the Causeway Coast and outdoor activities; primarily domestic and regional tourists.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Strong local interest and community clubs support Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) sports—matches and local club events are important social fixtures.
Popular at community and youth levels; local teams and amateur leagues are active.
Played in clubs across the county and enjoyed by local supporters.
Angling on the River Roe and coastal waters, plus surfing and bodyboarding along the north coast are popular recreational sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Limavady.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many pubs—look for vegetable soups, salads, cheese-based dishes and meat-free versions of local dishes. Ask staff; they are generally accommodating.
Vegan choices are increasing but can be limited in smaller pubs—café-style outlets and some restaurants will offer vegan soups, salads and plant-based mains; calling ahead helps.
Gluten-free bread and menu options can be provided in many cafés and restaurants, but always inform staff about cross-contamination concerns if you have coeliac disease.
Halal-specific options are more limited in smaller towns—Derry and larger nearby centres have more diverse offerings. For strict dietary needs, consider self-catering or checking menus in advance.