An ancient church & One of the oldest gardens in Ireland

The church in Maghera is named after St Lurach who was reputedly one of the original saints to be evangelized by St Patrick himself. The church has elements of a 6th-century monastery, a 12th-century Cathedral, and an 18th-century tower. St Lurach was a member of the Royal Colla Uais clan that dominated Mid-Ulster in the early Christian period and his headstone can still be seen today in the adjoining graveyard which possibly dates to the 10th century. Located beside the church are the beautiful and award-winning Maghera walled gardens. This was once the garden of a 4th-century Royal dwelling and has probably supplied food and flowers for the church for the next 1500 years! It has recently been restored and now yet again supplies the community with fruit and vegetables, plots for growing a variety of flowers, and space for community art.