Magherafelt is located to the north-west of Lough Neagh in the heart of Northern Ireland.

The town benefits from excellent connectivity as it is some 56 kilometres to the north-west of Belfast and some 65 kilometres to the south-east of Londonderry. Magherafelt lies on the A31 trunk road and is close to the A6 Belfast / Londonderry strategic route. The roads surrounding Magherafelt are currently under-going a major overhaul which will create a superior link to Belfast and Derry.
It is the biggest town in the south of the county and is the social, economic and political hub of the area. Magherafelt town is the largest settlement in Magherafelt District, with an estimated population in 2001 of 8,289. Magherafelt accommodates approximately 21% of the total population of the District.