Manannán Mac Lir-Celtic Sea God-Gortmore Viewing

On visiting Gortmore Viewing Point on Binevenagh Mountain – you’re in for a visual treat. The famous statue of Manannan Mac Lir is located on Bishop’s Road – on the Binevenagh Loop, part of the excellent Causeway Coastal Route. Below are some facts about the location itself:

Gortmore Viewpoint – Binevenagh Mountain

At Gortmore Viewpoint, the view extends to Donegal Islay and Jura islands on the Scottish west coast. Families and individuals can easily hold picnics there and enjoy their day if the weather permits. Visitors will also be able to view the sculpture of Manannan Mac Lir, a sea God originating from this area.

At Gortmore Viewpoint, the outline of Binevenagh Mountain and Lough Foyle is quite visible. You can also catch a glimpse of the Magilligan Special Area of Conservation and the classic landslips below the cliff line.

Gortmore Viewpoint Right Up To Hell’s Hole

This walk overlooks Benone Beach, Lough Foyle, and the Inishowen Peninsula and offers stunning views of the coastline and countryside.

This path also crosses through the town of Gortmore and continues through an open field before reaching a small headland. Then, one of the largest dune systems in these islands, which forms part of the Magilligan Special Area of Conservation, comes into view.

As you keep going South, following the fence line uphill to Bishop’s Road, you will pass Hell’s Hole.

The Area of Bievenagh

Binevenagh Mountain towers over Limavady Borough, offering breathtaking views of Lough Foyle, Inishowen, and the northern coastline. It is also home to various birds, including the peregrine falcon.

The Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) received its protected area status in 2006. The area’s significance is due to its distinct balance of natural, man-made and cultural heritage. Along the extent of the northern boundary of the AONB are some of the broadest dune systems and the finest stretches of beach in Ireland.

Beyond the beaches, the coastal waters around Binevenagh AONB hold various marine habitats, a primary food source for many popular seafaring birds. This area also provides a haven for various wild bird populations.

About Binevenagh

Binevenagh Mountain is located west of Downhill Demesne, which nestles below the cliff beneath the Mussenden Temple. The Mountain was formed 60 million years ago when successive volcanic eruptions forming The Giant’s Causeway reached their westernmost extent here. According to legend, Viking raiders once mistook the mountain for a fortress and fled rather than fight the men who could build something so enormous.

The Bishop’s Road winds along the crest of Binevenagh, offering spectacular views. Some even say that this wild place is where the last wolf was slain in Ireland.

Along the road, about a mile away, we can also see the Tamlaghtard Church. Frederick commissioned it and finished it with his architect, Michael Shanahan, around 1787.

Nearby Attractions

The Statue of Manannán mac Lir

The Celtic God of the sea, named after the Isle of Man, is one of five life-size sculptures highlighting the myths and legends of the Roe Valley’s cultural heritage.

The Disappearance of Manannan Mac Lir

The mountain statue made headlines in 2015 when it suddenly disappeared from Binevenagh Mountain and went missing for an entire month.

The monument, created by sculptor John Sutton, known for his work on the hit HBO TV series Game of Thrones, has become a popular tourist attraction. It features the figure of Manannan Mac Lir standing in a boat’s prow at the top of the mountain.

The nine-foot monument was later found by a group of wanderers dumped on the mountainside just a few hundred meters from its original spot after a land and air search involving PSNI officers had failed to locate it.

The statue was badly damaged, and whoever cut it down left a wooden cross with the words ‘You shall have no other gods before me’ in its place. The artist spent the next six months painstakingly creating a replacement sculpture to replace the original.

“It took too much effort because you can see where they tried to saw it off at the beard, the neck and the arms,” said Mr Sutton. “They obviously went to some effort but shot themselves in the foot. I don’t think they realised there would be such a backlash. Everybody was talking about it. They didn’t think it through.”

Replacement of the Sculpture

The SDLP’s Gerry Mullan said that sculpture was vital for local tourism, “The replacement … quickly attracted a large crowd of spectators. Some might say this is a massive waste of money, but I think it is a vital investment in tourism for the local area. The original one was found with chunks missing from its head and was too badly damaged to be put back. But I hope we can use it in the local arts centre for educational purposes.

The new one has been reinforced, but I hope those damaging the first one don’t do the same again. Tourism is the only real sustainable industry in the Northwest, and this piece of art is vital to helping boost that industry. We even had a bus tour come to see the sculpture almost the minute it went back up again.”

Spirit of Manannan Mac Lir

Local people living near Lough Foyle believe Manannán’s spirit is released during fierce storms, and some even remark, “Manannán is angry today”. He is thought to inhabit the offshore sandbanks between Inishtrahull Sound and Magilligan waters.

Historians believe that Mannin Bay was named after him, and he is considered an ancestor of the Conmhaícne Mara, the people for whom Connemara is named.

According to local folklore, one day, Manannán’s daughter was caught in a storm while boating in Kilkieran Bay, so to rescue her from the danger, he conjured up Mann Island.

Now you know the answer to the regular pub quiz question, “Who is the god of the sea?” Just remember to answer with the Celtic god!

Why not check out the Gortmore Viewpoint in a 360-degree Video Experience—experience it as if you were there!

Limavady Visitor Information Centre

Located within the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, the Limavady Visitor Information Centre provides information services for both locals and visitors new to the area.

The centre provides a range of accessible tourism literature, including accommodation, events, visitor guides, and maps detailing the Causeway Coast, Glens area, and Northern Ireland. It also provides an accommodation booking service, assistance with genealogy inquiries and information on planning trips.

Opening Times of the Centre

The centre is open all year round, Monday through Wednesday and Saturday, 09.30 – 17:00, and Thursday and Friday, 09.30 – 21:30.

Have you ever visited Gortmore or Binevenagh? We would love to know your thoughts. What do you think of the statue of Manannán Mac Lir? Why not let us know below?

Statue of Manannán mac Lir-Gortmore Viewing Point on Binevenagh Mountain – Limavady – County Derry/Londonderry

A final view from the mountain –

Experience the Limavady viewpoint with 360 photos –

The Gortmore Viewpoint will not disappoint you. The views you will experience are breathtakingly beautiful. As well as checking out the Famous Statue of the Irish Sea God. Make sure it is on your list of places to visit in Northern Ireland.

Also, don’t forget to check out other places and attractions around Northern Ireland that might interest you: The Derry Peace Bridge | Guildhall Derry; A Beautiful Building | Bogside Murals | All You Need to Know About Derry/ Londonderry | Limavady: History, Attractions and Trails