Mountsandel Fort

The earthen fort in Mountsandel Wood is thought to date back to Norman times and is close to the site of the first hunter-gatherer settlement in Ireland, dating from about 7000BC.

Flint tools were found here, indicating that Stone Age hunters camped here to fish salmon in the natural weir. There are good views over Somerset Wood and of the River Bann. The forest walk leads from the Fort down to the banks of the Bann and passes close to the weir at the Cutts. Swans, kingfishers and herons nest along the riverside. Access is free.