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The Sperrins
Harry Avery's Castle, County Tyrone
Secret Sperrins
Pretty fields criss-crossed with hedgerows, soft valleys and heather-clad hills with sweeping views; you'll find them all in the Sperrin Mountains. Despite being one of Ireland’s largest upland areas (it stretches from Strabane in County Tyrone to the shores of Lough Neagh in the east) the Sperrins range is an undiscovered gem – wild, untouched and so beautiful it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
You can thank the ice age for the variety of landscapes on offer here. Barnes Gap, Gortin Glen and the beautiful valleys of Owenkillew and Glenelly were all scoured out by ice, leaving behind spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Even on a mixed day, you can see as far as Muckish and Errigal in County Donegal. In fact, National Geographic thought so highly of the meandering, occasionally roller-coaster roads in the Sperrins that it included them in its prestigious Top 101 Scenic Drives in the World.
The Sperrins, County Tyrone
L-R: Walkers in the Sperrins; enjoying a quiet moment; Harry Avery's Castle; birdlife in the Sperrins
Biking, hiking and more
The Sperrins is a particular paradise for walkers. Whether you’re on for an easy ramble for an afternoon, or in the mood for a hefty hike up into the hills, you’ll find it all here. Undulating hills, quiet valleys and boggy uplands are made for moderate walks, but with 10 peaks higher than 500 metres, including Sawel, the highest, at a leg-stretching 678 metres, there are plenty of more challenging options. However, come prepared and wear boots – this is peat-bog country and you’ll need something tougher than trainers.
These heather-clad moorlands are also popular with horse-riders, cyclists, mountain bikers and parachutists, while gliders take full advantage of the swirling air currents above Magilligan Point). An Creagán Visitor Centre nearby also offers a family-friendly interpretation of the surrounding bogland.
The peace, serenity and beauty of the landscape made it one of the loveliest walks I have done...
Moira Burns, WalkNI.com
Gortin Lakes, The Sperrins
Courtesy of Tyrone and Sperrins destination
History and legends
The wild remoteness of the mountains isn’t just a boon to walkers. In centuries gone by, these hills harbored all manner of bandits and ne’er-do-wells, who preyed on luckless travelers. The most famous was one Shane Crossagh Ó Maoláin, a raparee (an ex-soldier turned bandit, named after the Irish for the weapon they used, the half-pike), who evaded the law for years but finally met his end on the gallows in 1720. You can still walk to the Robber’s Table, where legend has it the thieves divided their spoils.
17th century bad guys are only a late chapter in the history of the mountains, for more than 90 sets of stone circles dating back to the Bronze Age have been found here. The most famous are the Beaghmore Stone Circles, which are in the southeast part of the range, along with several Bronze Age megalithic cairns and structures. Their meaning is lost, but they are aligned to the movements of sun, moon and stars.
Beaghmore Stones, County Tyrone
Stargazing and sightseeing
The Stars and Stones experience allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the history of this mystical region, merging the Beaghmore Stones Circle’s ancient gravitas with spectacular stargazing in this designated Dark Sky area. This two-hour experience centers around Northern Ireland’s first Dark Sky Observatory in Davagh Forest, set in the foothills of the Sperrins. Here visitors can travel through space on a virtual reality tour, explore fascinating myths and legends and gaze at the glorious, clear night sky through glass-roofed glamping pods.
In the town of Dungannon, the incredible panoramic scenery at the Hill of the O’Neill is another must-see Sperrins sight – especially considering that this was the strategic stronghold of one of the mightiest clans in Ulster, who ruled the land for some 400 years. Seven of the nine counties in Ulster lie before you as you stand in the preserved ruins of this incredible highland rampart. You can also pre-book a guided tour and step inside Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre to hear incredible tales of power, sieges and war, including the Flight of the Earls and how this momentous event changed the course of Ulster’s history forever.
The Sperrins highlights
Don't miss these things to see and do
Gortin Lakes
This short off-road walk leads around Gortin Lakes with superb views of the Sperrins landscape. The path has recently been upgraded - the firm surface is of a good and consistent standard throughout the walk.
Gortin
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Lough Neagh Stories
Experience the biggest lake in Ireland and Britain and Ireland in the company of a real fisherman.
Magherafelt
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Todds Leap Activity Centre
Days outs at Todds Leap are all about getting outdoors, spending time with friends and having lots of fun! There are over 20 action packed activities available including off road driving, a 500m zipline, a giant swing, a free fall drop zone, woodland trails and the Big Yella Slide, all spread across a purpose-built off-road track, so getting around is really fun!
Ballygawley
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Coarse Angling Lough Catherine
Coarse fishing year round in the Sperrin waters.
BT78 4EZ
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Omagh Golf Club
Founded in 1910, this club is located one mile from the town centre on the Belfast/Dublin road. It boasts a fine 18 hole parkland course 6,165 yards in length, with a par of 71. Visitors and society meetings are always welcome to enjoy the ...
Omagh
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Blessingbourne Woodland Walk
This circular walking trail begins in the farm yard and meanders through a mix of woodland and open farmland before crossing the main drive and reaching Blessingbourne’s beautiful Lough Fadda.
Fivemiletown
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Harry Avery's Castle
Thought to have been built around 1320 by a local chieftain of the O’Neill clan, but named after Harry Avery O’Neill,a local chief who died in 1392, this structure is considered unusual in that Irish chieftain’s of the time rarely built stone castle.
Newtownstewart
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OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory
Take a journey through time and space with a visitor experience that’s out of this world. Book your visit to Northern Ireland’s only International Dark Sky Park.
Davagh Forest
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Divis Lough Trail (all ability)
Gentle circular route that leads you across the open hills on a wide, flat and gently sloping path. Lough Neagh, the Sperrins and further afield can be viewed on a clear day.
Belfast
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Ulster American Folk Park
Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, from the Old World of Ulster to the New World of America. Learn what life was like in rural Ulster, step on board the full-scale emigrant ship and enjoy craft demonstrations performed by guides in traditional costumes.
Omagh
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