Major city · United Kingdom
LimavadyLéim a' Mhadaidh
Give Limavady one night as a Roe Valley and Benone Strand base with a car; without wheels, use it as a 3-hour bus stop from Derry or skip it.
Limavady is a market town of about 11,000 in County Londonderry, set in the Roe Valley between the Sperrins and the north coast. Its pull is landscape, not streets: Roe Valley Country Park, Binevenagh, Magilligan Point and the 7-mile Benone Strand. Sights sit 5–10 miles apart and buses are thin, so a car changes the trip completely. It is also the town where Jane Ross heard the tune that became "Danny Boy" in 1853.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wind and rain)
- Airports
- LDY · BFS · BHD
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Limavady999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Limavady, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime market town; the real risks are rural roads, fast traffic on Benone Strand, cliff edges on Binevenagh and cold…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 101 police non-urgent · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLDY City of Derry Airport, Eglinton (About 10 miles west on the A2; UK routes plus some summer Mediterranean flights.
- Getting aroundYou need your own wheels for the valley, Binevenagh and the beaches.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–20 (≈ US$16–30)
- BeerDraught beer in a pub£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 miles£10–15 (≈ US$14–20)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–20 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedFamily room or static caravan (up to 4), a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- Mid-range bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £80 (≈ US$110) · High £140 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LDY City of Derry Airport, Eglinton (About 10 miles west on the A2; UK routes plus some summer Mediterranean flights. Bus 143/144/152 passes Eglinton between Derry and Limavady.) · BFS Belfast International (More choice of flights; bus 246 runs one morning commuter service M–F via Dungiven to Belfast Europa, so most travellers hire a car or take a bus to Derry first.) · BHD George Best Belfast City (Rail and bus connections via Belfast; the train to Derry passes Bellarena, 5 miles north of Limavady, with no connecting bus.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Apr (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Limavady: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
15 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
15 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
17 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need your own wheels for the valley, Binevenagh and the beaches. Ulsterbus 143/144/152 links Derry via Eglinton and Ballykelly to Limavady in about 70 min, hourly M–Sa with only four Sunday services. Bus 134/234 runs M–Sa every 2–3 hours from Coleraine along the A2 via Castlerock, Magilligan crossroads, Bellarena and Aghanloo Cross to Limavady in just under an hour; the 234 Goldline Express continues to Ballykelly, Eglinton and Derry. The Belfast–Derry train stops at Bellarena, 5 miles north, where you must pre-book a taxi. Bells is the main local taxi operator.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Roe Valley Country Park
goDoor to door: About 10 min
Drive or taxi about 1.5 miles south of the centre
A 3-mile wooded gorge on the River Roe for walking, fishing and kayaking; the visitor centre was closed in 2021 — check.
Binevenagh
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive via Bishop's Road off the B201 old Coleraine road
Basalt cliffs at 385 m with views to Lough Foyle and Donegal; gliders launch from the edges. Drive most of the way up.
Benone Strand and Magilligan Point
goDoor to door: 20–40 min
Drive the A2 north to the tourist complex, or bus 134/234 to the Magilligan crossroads
7 miles of sand from Magilligan Point to the Downhill cliffs; Martello Tower, pub and the summer ferry to Greencastle.
Mussenden Temple and Castlerock
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive the A2 east; bus 134/234 stops at Castlerock
Cliff-edge temple at the east end of Benone Strand; see the Castlerock page.
Derry
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min by bus
Bus 143/144/152 via Eglinton and Ballykelly, or drive the A2
Walled city with museums and a full day of sights; hourly M–Sa buses, only four on Sunday.
Coleraine and the Giant's Causeway
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h to Coleraine
Bus 134/234 along the coast road, or drive
The causeway and Antrim coast deserve their own night; see the Coleraine page.
Dungiven Castle and the Sperrins
cautionDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive the A6 south
The castle has been a dance hall, army base, school and hotel and was closed in 2021 — check before going.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Main Street and around the Buscentre)
Walkable to pubs, cafés and shops; the small Alexander Arms hotel sits next to the bus station (accommodation was closed in 2021 — check before booking).
Roe Park Resort, Lisnakilly Road
118-room hotel with golf, dining and spa about 1.5 miles from the centre; the comfort option, B&B double from about £180.
Ballykelly and the A2 west
Drummond Hotel, 2 miles west, B&B double about £90; handy for City of Derry Airport and the Derry road.
Benone and the coast
Caravan parks and static units at Benone, open Apr–Sep; beach access and the tourist complex with golf and tennis.
Dungiven, 6 miles south
Kintala Resort spa with cabins, glamping pods and apartments, B&B double about £130; a base for the Sperrins side.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–110 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- £110 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or B&B double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £80 | £160 |
| Car hire, one day1 × £45 | £45 |
| Ulsterbus Derry → Limavady, one way2 × £8 | £16 |
| Lough Foyle ferry, foot passenger, one way2 × £3 · 2021 fare; check 2026 | £5 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £36 |
| Trip total≈ £196 per person per day, bed included | £392≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Northern Ireland excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Fish and chips | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Pub main course | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Draught beer in a pub | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi, 5 miles | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–20 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Buses are sparse, especially on Sundays: check the timetable before you commit to a car-free day.
- Magilligan inland is an army firing range and prison land — stay on the beach and marked paths.
- Vehicles are allowed on Benone Strand and some drive fast near children; keep clear of traffic.
- Roe Valley visitor centre and museum were closed in 2021, and Dungiven Castle was closed: check current opening before travelling.
- The Lough Foyle ferry to Greencastle runs Jun–Aug only, roughly 09:00–20:00, and there is no onward public transport from Magilligan Point.The Lough Foyle ferry to Greencastle runs Jun–Aug only, roughly 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, and there is no onward public transport from Magilligan Point.
- Summer accommodation near the beaches books out around the Stendhal Festival (2–4 July 2026).
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police non-urgent
- 101
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
Pocket card
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LimavadyLéim a' Mhadaidh
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police non-urgent101
- NHS non-urgent111
Embassy
No embassy in Limavady; the US consulate-general is in Belfast, and Dublin handles some services for the Republic. Check your own country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Derry → Limavady (143/144/152): about 70 min, hourly M–Sa, four on Sunday
- Bus Coleraine → Limavady (134/234): just under 1 h, every 2–3 h M–Sa
- Lough Foyle ferry, Magilligan Point → Greencastle: 10 min, Jun–Aug, about 09:00–20:00; €2.50 (≈ US$3) foot passenger, €16 (≈ US$19) car with passengers (2021 fares, check)10 min, Jun–Aug, about 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; €2.50 (≈ US$3) foot passenger, €16 (≈ US$19) car with passengers (2021 fares, check)
Say or show
- Hello / Hi — Hello
- Please — Please
- Thanks / Thank you — Thank you
Tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants if no service charge is added; not expected in pubs. Prices in pounds sterling.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Limavady. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wind and rain) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LDY and BFS: last bus and train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four driving clusters with anchors: town centre, Roe Valley, Binevenagh and Dungiven, Benone and Magilligan.
- Place pages with verified opening status (Roe Valley visitor centre, Dungiven Castle, Alexander Arms rooms) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and festival fixtures (Lough Foyle Jun–Aug, Stendhal 2–4 July 2026) so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialLimavady Borough Council (official site)
- officialLough Foyle Ferry
- officialRoe Park Resort
- officialStendhal Festival
- secondaryWikivoyage: Limavady, revision 5283607 (CC BY-SA 4.0)