River Faughan

The River Faughan winds through the hills of northwest Northern Ireland. It begins on Sawel Mountain north of Park and flows northwest through Claudy. The river then turns north along the eastern edge of Derry city. It passes beneath the A2 road between Campsey and Strathfoyle. Finally, the Faughan reaches Lough Foyle east of Coolkeeragh power station. Legends say Fochain, daughter of Partholón, gave the river its Irish name. The Táin Bó Cúailnge mentions Glenn Fochaine where Cúchulainn met Medb and Fergus mac Róich. A simpler explanation links the name to the Old Irish word for ‘smooth-bottomed.’ The river also supports a trout and salmon fishery. Local culture remembers it in the song ‘The Faughan Side,’ collected from Eddie Butcher’s singing. Visitors find quiet stretches along the riverbank near Claudy. Golfers play at Faughan Valley Golf Club near Eglinton. The river’s course offers views of Sawel Mountain and Lough Foyle. Anglers watch for brown trout and salmon. The A2 bridge marks a crossing point near Strathfoyle. The landscape remains peaceful, shaped by centuries of local life.