- Clogher (Clogher Cathedral and Hillfort site): One of Ireland’s oldest ecclesiastical sites, Clogher was a major pre-Christian royal centre and inauguration place for the kings of Airgíalla, featuring a hillfort, possible inauguration mound, and ancient barrow. St Patrick appointed St Mac Cairthinn (Macartan) as bishop here in the 5th century, establishing the diocese. The cathedral (rebuilt in later centuries), graveyard, and the legendary Clogher Stone (a possible pre-Christian inauguration or fertility symbol) make it a profound site blending pagan kingship rites with early Christian foundation.
- Donaghmore Round Tower and High Cross: An important early medieval monastic site founded by St Patrick or his disciple St Donagh (Donnchadh). The striking 10th-century round tower and richly carved high cross stand beside church ruins and a graveyard. The site reflects the spread of Celtic Christianity in Tyrone and draws visitors for its serene atmosphere and the enduring legacy of early Irish saints.
- Ardboe Old Cross and Graveyard: This exceptional 9th–10th-century high cross, one of Ireland’s finest, stands beside the ruins of an early church on the shores of Lough Neagh. Tradition links the site to St Colmcille (Columba), who is said to have founded a monastery here. The cross’s intricate carvings and the peaceful lakeside setting make it a place of quiet pilgrimage honouring one of Ireland’s greatest saints.
- St Patrick’s Well, Clonoe: A holy well associated with St Patrick, located near the early church ruins at Clonoe (Cluain Eo). It is tied to the saint’s missionary journeys through the area and remains a local place of devotion for healing and blessings. Such Patrician wells highlight the Christianisation of pre-Christian sacred springs across Tyrone.
- St Patrick’s Chair and Well, Knockmany: Situated near the ancient passage tomb on Knockmany Hill (a pre-Christian ritual site with Neolithic carvings), this holy well and stone chair are linked to St Patrick. Folklore recounts the saint sitting here to rest or pray. The combination of prehistoric cairn and Christian well makes it a striking example of layered sacred use, drawing visitors for both its ancient pagan heritage and Patrician tradition.
- Errigal Truagh (Errigal Keerogue): An ancient church ruin and graveyard on a hilltop, associated with early Christian settlement in the barony of Trough. The site includes a holy well and reflects the monastic landscape established by saints in the region. Its elevated position and quiet ruins offer a contemplative space tied to Tyrone’s early ecclesiastical history.
- Tullyniskan Old Graveyard and St Patrick’s associations: This historic graveyard contains the ruins of an early church traditionally linked to St Patrick. It serves as a place of local devotion and pilgrimage, exemplifying the many small Patrician sites across Tyrone where the patron saint’s presence is commemorated through wells, altars, and burial grounds.
- Lough Derg (St Patrick’s Purgatory): Although the island pilgrimage site lies on the Tyrone–Donegal–Fermanagh border, it is most closely associated with County Tyrone. This world-famous place of penance dates to the early medieval period, with traditions claiming St Patrick was shown a vision of purgatory here by an angel. Pilgrims undertake a rigorous three-day fast and barefoot vigil on the island, making it one of Ireland’s most enduring and austere pilgrimage destinations tied to the patron saint.
County Tyrone:
Ireland’s county Tyrone is a county of rolling landscapes and historic sites, with the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh offering a fascinating look at emigration history through recreated villages. The Sperrin Mountains provide hiking trails with panoramic views, while the Beaghmore Stone Circles add ancient intrigue. Other attractions include the historic town of Dungannon and its castle ruins. Tyrone is Ireland’s seventh largest county by size (3,263 square km) and 11th largest by population (188,383). Population peaked at 312,956 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 127,586 in 1936. In terms of hospitality, Tyrone is Ireland’s 24th most visited tourist county with around 68,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Sacred Places
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
