County Tyrone

Dominated by the heather-clad Sperrin Mountains, County Tyrone in Northern Ireland unfolds in a landscape of quiet valleys, windswept hills, prehistoric tombs and deep blue lakes. Walkers will find much to enjoy here, with country lanes leading to characterful towns and ancient stone circles nestled into the hillsides. Beyond the mountains, historic estates, craggy castles and attractions such as the Ulster American Folk Park ensure that County Tyrone rewards in unexpected ways. Isn’t it time you discovered it for yourself?

With hauntingly beautiful glacial valleys, wind-rustled moorland and blanket bog, the Sperrin Mountains dominate the landscape of County Tyrone. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is the ideal terrain for walkers, from the challenging peak of Sawel Mountain to the idyllic Glenelly Valley.

Choose from longer trails such as the Craignamaddy Circuit (20.6km), Robber’s Table (14.5km) and Causeway Hill (15km), or opt for a shorter sprint around trails such as Lough Fea (4km).

Teeming with wildlife, the Gortin Glen Forest Park near Omagh is a beautiful woodland that takes in part of the Irish Section of the International Appalachian Way. There are five trails of varying length. The forest is also a great place to experience the local wildlife, including red foxes, sika deer and pine martens.

Discover more of Northern Ireland’s spectacular walking routes

Don’t fancy walking? The mountains are criss-crossed by four driving routes with views so breathtaking that National Geographic named the Sperrins among the world’s top scenic drives.

Mountain bikers will find lots to enjoy here, too, with Davagh Forest offering a mix of gentle trails and heart-pumping routes.

For a deeper insight into the surrounding landscape, An Creagán Visitor Centre interprets the surrounding bogland and its origins from the last Ice Age.

Embark on a fascinating trip back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, which tells the story of local folk who emigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. At the Grant Ancestral Homeland in Ballygawley, you can visit the farm cottage and ancestral home of Ulysses S Grant, 18th President of the United States.

In Dungannon town, the Hill of The O’Neill occupies a remarkable position with views over seven counties. From here, one of the most important clans in Irish history, the O’Neills, ruled for more than 300 years. In Ranfurly House, next to the hill, you can learn all about the life of an Irish chieftain in the 16th century.

You’ll find more history at Harry Avery’s Castle, thought to have been built in 1320. Further north, 17th-century Lissan House offers another glimpse into the area’s rich heritage. Tour the interior and then enjoy the beautiful estate, with ancient woodland and wildflower meadows.

One of the most magical places in County Tyrone is the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Discovered in the 1930s by peat-cutters, it’s believed that these seven stone circles were built thousands of years ago to mark lunar and solar events.

The stones sit in an internationally recognised dark sky area that is home to Northern Ireland’s first and only OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Its location deep in Davagh Forest makes it a perfect spot for stargazing.

You can even sleep under the stars at Sperrinview Glamping, a unique glamping site featuring special viewing windows that allow you to lie in bed and gaze at the night sky.

Enjoy more off-the-beaten-track destinations in Ireland

Just north of Tyrone is County Londonderry, home to some of the finest beaches in Northern Ireland, such as Portstewart and Benone. Don’t miss Mussenden Temple, an 18th-century summer library, dramatically perched on the clifftop above Downhill Strand on the Causeway Coastal Route.

Derry~Londonderry is a must, too. Wander the city’s 400-year-old boundary walls before checking out treasures within, including the towering Guildhall and the Derry Girls mural.

Southwards lies the shimmering beauty of the Fermanagh Lakelands, which rewards exploration on and off the water. Cruise around the idyllic islands of Lough Erne, where an early-Christian monastic settlement and ancient stone carvings await.

Then uncover the area’s proud heritage at places such as Belleek Pottery and the grand Florence Court. Top tip for your bucket list: explore Enniskillen, Ireland’s ONLY island town.

Plan your Fermanagh Lakelands escape

To the east is “the Orchard County” of Armagh. As the nickname suggests, visiting a picturesque apple farm to try local cider and apple juice is a must.

Escape into nature in the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for walking, hiking and forest bathing. Or head to The Argory, an atmospheric 19th-century neoclassical mansion on a beautiful 315-acre estate.

Next, uncover St Patrick’s story in pretty Armagh city, where Ireland’s patron saint built his first church in 445. This “Ecclesiastical Capital” of Ireland is a key pilgrimage site for followers of Ireland’s world-famous patron saint.

With so much to explore, it’s no wonder that County Tyrone is a destination that leaves a big impression. Start planning your Northern Ireland adventure today.