Information
City: TyroneCountry: Ireland
Continent: Europe
Tyrone, Ireland, Europe
Overview
County Tyrone is one of Northern Ireland’s six counties, set in the island’s north where green hills stretch toward the horizon.People know it for its rugged cliffs, its deep roots in history, and the lively culture that fills its streets.Tyrone might not get the same spotlight as other counties, but it’s rich with rolling green hills, centuries-old landmarks, and a strong heartbeat of Irish tradition.Let’s take a closer look at what the county offers-picture open fields, quiet streets, and a few surprises along the way: 1.Tyrone sits with County Armagh to the east, County Londonderry to the northwest, County Fermanagh to the west, and County Antrim to the northeast, where the hills catch the morning light.Most of the county is rural, with gentle hills that rise and fall like waves.You’ll find quiet forests, clear blue lakes, and a countryside that feels still enough to hear the wind in the grass.Omagh is the county’s capital, a busy hub and the biggest town in Tyrone.Number two.Tyrone offers rolling green hills and centuries-old ruins, making it a perfect spot for anyone drawn to Irish history and its wild, rugged landscapes.At the Omagh Ulster American Folk Park, you can wander through a living history museum that brings to life the journeys of Irish emigrants who left Ulster for America in the 1700s and 1800s, from stone cottages to creaking wooden ships.The park showcases a rebuilt American frontier village, offering a glimpse into the transatlantic migration that shaped Irish and American history, right down to the creak of a wooden boardwalk underfoot.In Omagh, the Strule Arts Centre buzzes year-round with theatre, live music, and vibrant art exhibitions.It’s a vital gathering place for Tyrone’s creative community, set against the rolling slopes of the Sperrin Mountains-part of the wider Mourne-Sperrin range in the county’s south.The mountains brim with trails for every pace, from easy strolls to rugged hikes, and they’re famed for sweeping views, wild deer in the meadows, and traces of a long-forgotten past.Sawel Mountain crowns the Sperrins as their highest peak, while nearby Gortin Glen Forest Park offers winding trails, sweeping views, and quiet spots perfect for a picnic under the trees; not far away, the Beaghmore Stone Circles stand in the heather, a cluster of ancient stones set in place more than 3,000 years ago.People believe these stone circles once hosted rituals-perhaps tied to the stars-and they rank among Ireland’s most significant megalithic sites.In Annaghmakerrig, near Ballygawley, the Tyrone Guthrie Centre welcomes artists to a quiet farmhouse where the smell of turf smoke sometimes drifts in from the fields.Named for Tyrone Guthrie, the celebrated Canadian-born theatre director, it hosts artist residencies and an array of cultural events, from intimate poetry readings to lively music nights.Tyrone’s past runs deep, tied to ancient Irish traditions and shaped by the upheavals of 20th-century conflicts.Dungannon is a town steeped in history, its story taking a pivotal turn during the early 1600s, when the Plantation of Ulster reshaped its streets and fields.Once a key stronghold for the Gaelic Lords of Ulster, Dungannon now boasts the leafy calm of Dungannon Park, where you can stroll shaded paths, row across the still lake, or spread a picnic blanket, and nearby, the Hill of the O’Neill rises with its deep-rooted history.Once, it was the stronghold of the O’Neill dynasty, the dominant Gaelic family in 16th‑century Ulster, where banners snapped in the wind above its stone walls.Visitors can wander through the castle’s crumbling walls, take in sweeping views of the hills beyond, and then stroll along Drumragh Avenue in Omagh to see the Drumragh Fold, a quaint Irish stone cottage with a weathered slate roof.It’s a glimpse into 19th‑century rural life in the county.In Cavanacaw, near Omagh, several weathered early Christian crosses still stand, offering a quiet window into the faith that shaped the area long ago.These carved crosses, left from Ireland’s monastic era, give a vivid peek into Tyrone’s spiritual past, their weathered stone still cool to the touch.Just as rich is the county’s natural beauty, where rolling hills, forest trails, and winding roads invite everything from quiet walks to long, scenic drives.Part of Lough Neagh, one of the UK’s largest freshwater lakes, stretches into Tyrone, where its grey water laps quietly against the shore.The lake shimmers under the sun, its winding shores offering breathtaking views, and it draws visitors for boating, fishing, and watching herons glide across the water.The area teems with wildlife-herons skimming the water’s edge-and it’s a paradise for nature lovers.Sitting on the border of Tyrone and County Fermanagh, Lough Ermoh offers calm waters, quiet trails, and great fishing spots for anyone craving peace or a wander through nearby nature reserves.All year long, Tyrone bursts into life with festivals that fill the streets with traditional music, lively dancing, and the scent of local dishes.The Omagh Community Festival rolls around each year, filling the town with music, vibrant art, lively dancing, and the smell of fresh-baked bread drifting through the air.The Tyrone Music Festival bursts with energy, showcasing the county’s rich culture through music that ranges from the haunting notes of a fiddle to the driving beat of a modern band.The festival brings the county to life with performances, hands-on workshops, and lively concerts, while the Fermagh and Tyrone Food Festival serves up the finest local flavors, from fresh-baked soda bread to rich farmhouse cheese.Focusing on traditional Irish dishes and fresh local produce, visitors can taste hearty stews or crumbly soda bread, then join workshops led by local chefs.Tyrone brims with natural beauty and a deep sense of history.Rugged mountains rise against the sky, ancient stone circles stand weathered in the grass, and lively little towns invite you in-perfect whether you’re chasing hiking trails, uncovering history, or soaking up Irish culture.From the rolling Sperrins to the cobbled streets of the Ulster American Folk Park, Tyrone draws you in to uncover its tucked-away treasures and feel the rich heritage and wild beauty that many visitors pass by.
Landmarks in Tyrone
