DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Tyrone

County Tyrone is a captivating destination in the heart of Ulster, known as “O’Neill Country” for its historical ties to the powerful O’Neill dynasty. Located amid the heather-clad Sperrin Mountains, lush valleys, and serene Lough Neagh, Tyrone offers a blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences Tyrone is Ireland’s seventh largest county by size (3,263 square km) and 11th largest by population (188,383).

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Ulster American Folk Park: Located near Omagh, this open-air living history museum immerses visitors in the story of Irish emigration to America during the 18th and 19th centuries. With over 30 exhibit buildings, including thatched cottages, a full-scale emigrant ship, and replica Pennsylvanian farmhouses, costumed guides demonstrate traditional crafts and share stories. Visitors can sample foods like soda bread and pumpkin pie, and the park hosts events like the annual Bluegrass Festival in May. It’s a must-visit for those tracing ancestry or interested in Ulster’s transatlantic connections, with links to figures like Thomas Mellon and Archbishop John Hughes.
Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre: In Dungannon, this historic site was the stronghold of the O’Neill dynasty, offering panoramic views of seven Ulster counties from a glass viewing tower. The visitor center explores the O’Neills’ history, the Flight of the Earls (1607), and the Ulster Plantation, with engaging exhibits and a coffee shop. It’s a key stop for understanding Tyrone’s Gaelic past.
Beaghmore Stone Circles: Near Cookstown, this Bronze Age complex of seven stone circles, cairns, and alignments, uncovered in the 1930s, dates back thousands of years. Set against the Sperrin Mountains, it’s a mystical site for history buffs and those intrigued by ancient rituals, especially given its proximity to the OM Dark Sky Park.
The Argory: A 1820s National Trust property near Moy, this Caledon stone mansion offers tours of its unchanged interiors, showcasing four generations of MacGeough Bond family collections. Its 320-acre wooded estate and gardens, open year-round, are perfect for leisurely walks.
Lissan House: Near Cookstown, this historic estate, open to the public since 2007, features stunning gardens and a 17th-century manor. With over 5,000 visitors in its first eight days, it’s a popular spot for history and nature lovers.
Grant Ancestral Homestead: In Ballygawley, this preserved farmhouse is the birthplace of John Simpson, great-grandfather of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. Open year-round, it offers insights into Tyrone’s American connections.
Wilson Ancestral Home: Near Strabane, this site honors the roots of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s grandfather, James Wilson, born in 1787. It’s a gem for genealogy enthusiasts.
Harry Avery’s Castle: A 14th-century hilltop ruin near Newtownstewart, this castle offers scenic views and a glimpse into medieval Tyrone, named after a local chieftain.
Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre: In Omagh, this center showcases Irish culture through dance, song, crafts, and Irish language classes, with events like traditional seisiúns (music sessions).

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Sperrin Mountains: Tyrone’s crown jewel, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches across central and eastern Tyrone, with peaks like Sawel Mountain (678m). The 48km Central Sperrins Way, starting at Plumbridge, offers diverse trails through blanket bogs, moors, and valleys, ideal for hikers and cyclists. The mountains’ sparse population and vibrant hues of yellow gorse and emerald green create a serene escape.
Gortin Glen Forest Park: Near Omagh, this recently redeveloped park features family-friendly amenities like a destination play park, trim trail, and walking paths through ancient woodlands. It’s perfect for picnics, biking, and enjoying Tyrone’s lush landscapes.
Davagh Forest: Home to the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Davagh offers 16km of mountain biking trails and one of Ireland’s darkest skies for stargazing. Its proximity to Beaghmore Stone Circles adds a historical dimension to outdoor adventures.
Dungannon Park: A 70-acre park with a 12-acre fishing lake, scenic walks, and a playground, ideal for families and anglers seeking coarse and rainbow trout fishing.
Todds Leap Activity Centre: Near Ballygawley, this adrenaline-packed center offers over 20 activities, including off-road driving, a 500m zipline, a giant swing, and the Big Yella Slide. It’s a top spot for families and thrill-seekers.
Lough Neagh: On Tyrone’s eastern border, this is the largest lake in Ireland, offering fishing, boat tours, and birdwatching. Its fertile shores complement Tyrone’s rolling lowlands.
An Creagán Visitor Centre: Near Cookstown, this center interprets the surrounding boglands’ Ice Age origins, with walking trails and eco-friendly glamping pods, ideal for nature lovers.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

Traditional Music and Pubs: Tyrone’s towns, like Omagh, Dungannon, and Strabane, are alive with traditional Irish music sessions in pubs such as The Brewer’s House in Donaghmore, The Loco Bar & Grill in Fivemiletown, and Yankee Star Grillhouse in Coalisland, known for its desserts. These venues offer hearty meals and a warm welcome.
Sporting Culture: Gaelic football is a cornerstone of Tyrone’s identity, with the county winning three All-Ireland titles. Visitors can catch matches at Healy Park in Omagh or explore the legacy of players like Peter Canavan. Rugby and cricket also thrive, with Bready Cricket Club hosting international matches.
Shopping and Markets: Omagh and Dungannon offer high-street shopping, while The Linen Green in Moy is a designer village with unique boutiques for linen and crafts, a nod to Tyrone’s historical linen industry.
Tyrone Roots Genealogy Tours: For those tracing ancestry, personalized tours by guides like Vincent (Tyrone Roots) offer visits to ancestral lands, churches, and graveyards, creating memorable connections to Tyrone’s past.

Family-Friendly and Adventure Activities

Glamping and Camping: Tyrone offers pet-friendly campsites and glamping options like eco pods and luxury yurts at An Creagán and other sites, many open year-round (except mid-December to late January). These cater to families with playgrounds and trails.
The Abingdon Collection: Near Omagh, this private museum (by appointment) showcases over 2,500 World War II artifacts and classic vehicles, offering a unique experience for history buffs.
Omagh Leisure Complex and Aladdin’s Kingdom Play Centre: Family-friendly indoor activities include swimming, sports facilities, and play areas for kids.

Practical Tips

Accessibility: Tyrone is a 2–2.5-hour drive from Dublin (M1/A5) or 90 minutes from Belfast airports. Translink buses connect Dublin, Belfast, and Tyrone’s towns (Omagh, Dungannon, Strabane) in 2.5–3 hours. No direct rail service exists, so car hire is recommended for rural exploration.
Weather: Tyrone’s climate is mild but wet, with July averaging 63°F and winter months rainiest. Pack waterproof gear, especially for Sperrin hikes.
Accommodation: Options range from spa hotels like the Silverbirch in Omagh to family-friendly B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and glamping pods. Book early for peak seasons (July–August).
Currency: Pounds sterling (£) are used. ATMs are available in towns, but euros may be handy for cross-border trips to Donegal or Monaghan

What’s New

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory Enhancements: Opened in recent years, the OM Dark Sky Park in Davagh Forest continues to expand its offerings in 2025 with new stargazing events and guided astronomy tours, capitalizing on Tyrone’s minimal light pollution. Its proximity to Beaghmore Stone Circles makes it a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions.
Gortin Glen Forest Park Upgrades: Following its redevelopment, Gortin Glen introduces new family-friendly features in 2026, including enhanced walking trails, a larger play park, and seasonal events like guided nature walks, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One Arm No Legs Podcast: Launched by Omagh’s Adam O’Connor and Dungiven’s Ríaín Ó Conchóbair, this new podcast highlights Tyrone’s community spirit and local stories, offering visitors a modern cultural connection through events and interviews promoted via BelfastLive.
Visitors to County Tyrone in 2026 can expect a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring the Ulster American Folk Park’s emigration story to hiking the Sperrin Mountains’ scenic trails. Historical sites like the Hill of The O’Neill and Beaghmore Stone Circles connect visitors to Tyrone’s Gaelic and prehistoric past, while family-friendly attractions like Gortin Glen and Todds Leap offer adventure. The county’s warm hospitality shines in its pubs, music sessions, and local cuisine. New for 2025, enhanced St. Patrick’s Day festivities, upgraded facilities at Gortin Glen and OM Dark Sky Park, and the “One Arm No Legs” podcast add fresh appeal. With robust tourism promotions, Tyrone is a compelling destination for history, nature, and culture enthusiasts.
For more details, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com or www.whatsonincountytyrone.com