Roe Valley Park
Roe Valley Park
Roe Valley Country Park is located a couple of miles outside the town on the Roe Valley Scenic Route to Dungiven. The fast flowing river cascades over and through pre-Cambrian rock outcrops providing a location for excellent walks and a challenge for white water sports. The park was originally a private estate belonging to the Ritter family who ran a dairy farm, mineral waterworks, market garden and a hydro-power station. The hydro-power was pioneered by John Edward Ritter who owned the estate, he first began generating electricity in 1893 for the Roe Park House and farm with an engine and dynamo, later he moved to an operational water wheel.
In 1896 he built the power house, installed water turbines and turned his attention to supplying electricity for Limavady. The first power was delivered in 1897 and by 1900 he had 75 customers. Limavady became the first town in Ireland to have hydro-electricity, the business flourish despite opposition and competition from the gas works. After he died in 1901, his wife took over the running of the business helped by her eldest son Stanton and it continued in the family right up to 1946 when the Electricity Board for Northern Ireland bought it over. They inherited 1095 customers and 48 miles of electric circuits, it ran for another 19 years before closing in 1965 on the grounds of expense in comparison to the cost of oil at the time. The power house is open to the public and the area is highly recommended for a visit, a small interpretation display exists on site.