Ash Park, Dungiven, Northern Ireland.

The farm and surroundings

Ash Park farm is a picturesque traditional family farm overlooking the stunning Sperrin Mountains in the North West of Ireland. The Sperrins is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and stretches from the Donegal border in the west, to Lough Neagh in the east and the Atlantic shores in the north. The area is steeped in archaeological and cultural heritage and is characterized by a dramatic rugged landscape which encompasses peaks, moors, valleys, natural forests, scenic lakes and sparkling rivers.
There is a wide range of things to do in the area including cycling, hiking, bird watching, fishing, golfing, riding or for the more adventurous parachuting, kayaking or rock climbing. The Giant’s Causeway (a world heritage site) is within easy reach as is a host of famous golf courses and spectacular blue flag beaches. In fact the striking Benone beach can be reached by a very scenic drive with superb views in approx 35 minutes by car. Within an hour you can be on a remote beach with towering sand dunes on the west coast of Donegal where you may find yourself the only one on the beach. There are National Trust properties, numerous heritage centres and festivals at certain times of the year to explore too.
The vibrant city of Belfast is an hour’s drive. The ancient city of Derry, one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe is 25 minutes by car. Belfast International Airport is 50 minutes, Belfast City Airport 55 minutes and Derry Airport is 25minutes.

The Farming at Ash Park
Ash Park is a beautiful 550 acre traditional working mixed farm. A beef suckler herd, breeding sheep, free range chickens, sheepdogs and Jack the terrier can all be found sharing the land along with an abundance of wildlife. Alongside the typical rich green grassland that you find in Ireland are special fields dedicated to wild bird cover, woodland, bog and lots of ancient hedgerow and sod banks.
Ash Park farm was originally part of the Knockan estate which was 15,000 acres (of mostly moor and bog) before much of the land was compulsory purchased to make way for the Altnahelgish reservoir at Banagher dam.  The farm’s foundations were built on flax and it retains to this day the mills originally used for treating the flax to make linen. The farm is currently run on an extensive basis with the focus on the environment.

The Stevenson Family
James is the thirteenth generation and he runs the farm along with his wife Fiona and children Alethea and William. William who is three and a half will make it fourteen generations father to son. Sean (the farm manager) and his wife Noreen have been on the farm for over 25 years. They have five children Lisa, Kevin, Shauna, Carol-Ann, and Ann Marie. James, Sean and their families are passionate about the countryside and the animals and feel it is a privilege to be able to pass on their knowledge and experience to guests.

Pets allowed

Pets are welcome, but please keep them under close control near livestock.

The location of the Feather Down tents
The tents are sited in and around the hedges of the Ash Park Well field in a delightfully spacious layout.  They all have breath taking views over the magnificent Sperrin Mountains and the surrounding Irish green countryside. You will marvel at the tranquillity, the isolation, the pleasure of the stunning countryside that surrounds you.  The animals are nearby and the friendly sheep will keep a close eye on everybody. Each tent enjoys its own privacy, but is also placed perfectly for groups. There are numerous sites for campfires.

• Farmers Irish Soup or Irish Stew from the Open Fire - £27.50 (soup) / £32.50 (stew)
You will receive all the ingredients, including fire wood, the recipe and cooking utensils to prepare a delicious Farmers Soup or Stew at your tent enough for four people.
These Slow food arrangements are best pre-booked at reservation as availability is limited.
• Camp Fire Facilities
Gather your friends and family together for an evening beside the camp fire telling stories and toasting marshmallows!

>> Click here to make a reservation at Ash Park farm.

Trips in the area of Ash Park farm:
• Giant’s Causeway (world heritage site) and the scenic north Antrim coast
• Walking and hiking – there is much to explore
• North Sperrins scenic drive
• Derry City Walls
• Mussenden Temple and Downhill demesne (NT).
• Ulster American Folk Museum
• Bushmills Distillery
• Springhill (NT)
• Cashel Fisheries
• Leslie Hill animal farm
• Benone and Castlerock Blue flag Beaches
• County Donegal and its wild coast
• Ness Wood
• Lough Neagh
• Banagher Dam and old church
• Numerous golf courses including world renown Portrush and Ballyliffen .

>> Click here to make a reservation at Ash Park farm.