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Dark-sky spot Maghera

Glenshane Pass Dark Sky Spot

A high mountain pass in the Sperrins, deep in one of the country's darkest skies

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Any clear nightBest on dark moonless nights
FreeFree to visit
MagheraDark-sky spot
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FreeFree to visit
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Remote & unlitCome prepared
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Glenshane Pass Dark Sky Spot — A high mountain pass in the Sperrins, deep in one of the country's darkest skies.

  • What you'll see: Dark skies with the Milky Way, planets and seasonal meteor showers on clear moonless nights — never guaranteed.
  • Getting there: A6 Glenshane Pass over the Sperrins, between Maghera and Dungiven.
  • When to go: Clear, moonless nights; darker for longer in winter. Check the forecast and moon phase.
  • Facilities: None — no car park, lighting, toilets or shop; pull in only at a safe lay-by off the main road.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Good to know: Busy through-road, exposed and unlit — park fully off the carriageway, keep clear of traffic, bring a torch (red light saves night vision) and warm layers, and tell someone your plans.
Plan your visit

What the night gives you

The Sperrins are open, high and thinly populated, which is exactly what makes their skies so dark, and the Glenshane Pass sits right in the heart of that country. On a clear, moonless night the star count is far higher than near any town, and you can often trace the Milky Way, spot bright planets, and in season watch for meteors. Nothing is guaranteed, so the two things to check first are the cloud forecast and the moon phase.

High mountain pass in the Sperrins Within one of NI's darkest regions Open upland, minimal light for miles Milky Way on clear moonless nights Meteor showers in season Free to reach on the A6
Good to know before you go:

The Sperrins host dark-sky and meteor-shower nights in season, many run from the nearby OM Dark Sky Park at Davagh. Around Glenshane itself, the nights worth planning around are clear, moonless evenings during showers like the Perseids in August and Geminids in December.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🔦A torch — ideally red-lightRed light lets you see the path without wrecking your night vision.
  • 🧥More layers than you thinkYou’re standing still in the dark on a hill — it gets cold fast.
  • 📱A star-map app & the forecastCheck the moon phase and cloud cover before you set off — a full moon washes the sky out.
  • 🧣A flask & a blanketHalf the fun is sitting back with a hot drink while your eyes adjust.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Free dark-sky viewpoint (mountain pass, no dedicated car park)
What you'll see
Dark skies with the Milky Way, planets and seasonal meteor showers on clear moonless nights — never guaranteed
Getting there
A6 Glenshane Pass over the Sperrins, between Maghera and Dungiven
Facilities
None — no car park, lighting, toilets or shop; pull in only at a safe lay-by off the main road
When to go
Clear, moonless nights; darker for longer in winter. Check the forecast and moon phase
Cost
Free
Booking
None needed
Good to know
Busy through-road, exposed and unlit — park fully off the carriageway, keep clear of traffic, bring a torch (red light saves night vision) and warm layers, and tell someone your plans
Parking
No dedicated parking; use a safe lay-by away from the main road
Address
Glenshane Pass, A6, Sperrin Mountains, near Maghera, County Londonderry
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free
When is the best time to go?
Clear, moonless nights; darker for longer in winter. Check the forecast and moon phase
What will we actually see?
Dark skies with the Milky Way, planets and seasonal meteor showers on clear moonless nights — never guaranteed
Are there any facilities?
None — no car park, lighting, toilets or shop; pull in only at a safe lay-by off the main road
What should we bring?
Busy through-road, exposed and unlit — park fully off the carriageway, keep clear of traffic, bring a torch (red light saves night vision) and warm layers, and tell someone your plans
Getting there

Glenshane Pass Dark Sky Spot is at Glenshane Pass, A6, Sperrin Mountains, near Maghera, County Londonderry. A6 Glenshane Pass over the Sperrins, between Maghera and Dungiven. Tap below for directions.

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The story

About Glenshane Pass Dark Sky Spot

You climb out of the valley onto the Glenshane Pass and the Sperrins open around you, high, empty upland with almost no light for miles. This is the edge of one of the darkest regions in Northern Ireland, the same broad hill country that holds the certified Dark Sky Park at Davagh. On a clear, moonless night, off the main road and with your eyes adjusted, the stars come out in force.