County Tyrone Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for County Tyrone, including top places to visit, things to do, best time to visit, how to get there, and more.


Introduction to County Tyrone

County Tyrone, located in Northern Ireland, boasts a rich history and a beautiful landscape filled with mountains, valleys, and lakes. The county is known for its friendly locals, vibrant culture, and historic landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in County Tyrone

If you’re planning a trip to County Tyrone, make sure to put these top destinations on your must-see list:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ulster American Folk Park: This unique open-air museum tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • The Argory: A beautiful 19th-century house with stunning gardens and scenic walks.
  • Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre: This historic site provides insight into the O’Neill clan, one of the most powerful families in Irish history.

Natural Attractions of County Tyrone: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sperrin Mountains: Explore scenic walking trails through the picturesque Sperrin Mountains.
  • Gortin Glen Forest Park: This beautiful park is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
  • Lough Neagh: The largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, Lough Neagh offers boating, fishing, and bird watching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Tyrone

For outdoor enthusiasts, County Tyrone has some exceptional hiking and biking trails, such as:

  • Ballyskeagh Trail: A scenic hike through Ballyskeagh Forest.
  • Davagh Forest Trails: 16 km of trails through the beautiful Davagh Forest.
  • Todd’s Leap Activity Centre: Offers a variety of adventure activities from ziplining to paintballing and mountain biking.

Best Things to Do in County Tyrone: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, County Tyrone has something for everyone. Here are some best things to do in the County:

  • Seamus Heaney HomePlace: A museum dedicated to the life and work of Seamus Heaney, the Nobel Prize-winning poet.
  • Drum Manor Forest Park: With a playground, orienteering course, trails, play area, and picnic tables, it’s a perfect day out for families.
  • An Creagán Visitor Centre: Offers a range of activities including hiking, outdoor adventure, team building, art, and craft workshops, and Irish language classes.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Tyrone

If you have a week in County Tyrone, here is an itinerary that will allow you to see the best of the county:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Ulster American Folk Park
Day 2 Explore the Sperrin Mountains
Day 3 Visit The Argory and surrounding gardens
Day 4 Hike the Ballyskeagh Trail
Day 5 Take a tour of Seamus Heaney HomePlace
Day 6 Relax in Gortin Glen Forest Park
Day 7 Visit the Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre

Food and Drink Scene of County Tyrone

County Tyrone has a rich culinary history and a thriving food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Champ: A popular Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, butter, green onions, and milk.
  • Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake.
  • Ulster Fry: A hearty breakfast featuring bacon, eggs, black and white pudding, fried tomatoes, and bread.

Local Beverages

  • Bushmills Whiskey: The oldest licensed distillery in the world, producing some of the finest Irish whiskey.
  • Tayto Crisps: An iconic Irish brand of potato chips.
  • Harp Lager: A refreshing Irish beer that is light and easy to drink.

Where to Stay in County Tyrone: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

County Tyrone has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Some popular choices include:

  • Silverbirch Hotel: A 4-star hotel located in Omagh, with contemporary rooms, a spa, and fitness facilities.
  • Clanabogan Country House Bed and Breakfast: A charming country house set in beautifully landscaped gardens.
  • Hostel Connect: A budget-friendly hostel in Omagh, offering both private and shared rooms.

What to Buy in County Tyrone: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, we recommend:

  • Belleek Pottery: Ireland’s oldest pottery famous for its intricate designs and quality craftsmanship.
  • Handmade Tweed: County Tyrone is well known for its tweeds.
  • Daisy’s Gifts: A local gift shop in Omagh, offering a range of Irish souvenirs, candles, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of County Tyrone

Irish people are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and County Tyrone locals are no exception. Respect for traditions, the Irish language, and family is key to the Irish culture.

Best Time to Visit County Tyrone

County Tyrone can be visited year-round, but June to September is the best time to visit as the weather is milder, and attractions and activities are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Tyrone

Do:

  • Do take part in traditional Irish activities like Ceili dancing, music sessions, and sports like Gaelic Football and Hurling.
  • Do be respectful of the local customs and traditions and the Irish language.

Don’t:

  • Don’t assume everyone in County Tyrone is interested in talking about politics or religion.
  • Don’t forget to pack warm clothes and rain gear, even in summer.

Safety and Health

Safety in County Tyrone

County Tyrone is a safe place to visit, but visitors should take the usual precautions while traveling, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in County Tyrone

The health care system in Northern Ireland is excellent, and visitors may be entitled to free emergency treatment under certain conditions.

Getting to County Tyrone: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Tyrone

Belfast International Airport is the nearest airport to County Tyrone, approximately 63 km away.

Bus Stations Near County Tyrone

Bus Eireann and Ulsterbus provide services to County Tyrone, with Omagh and Strabane being the main transport hubs.

Other Options

Cars can easily be rented from Belfast International Airport.

How to Get Around in County Tyrone

A car is the best way to get around County Tyrone, but there are also public transport options available.

Where to Go Next from County Tyrone: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

County Tyrone is well situated for exploring other parts of Northern Ireland and Ireland, including:

  • Derry/Londonderry: A walled city with a vibrant nightlife and rich cultural history.
  • Belfast: The capital city of Northern Ireland, with a thriving food and drink scene, museums, and art galleries.
  • Donegal: A ruggedly beautiful county with stunning beaches and charming villages.

Conclusion

County Tyrone is a must-see destination for those interested in Irish culture, history, and outdoor adventures. With so much to see and do, visitors can easily spend a week or more exploring the county’s hidden gems and uncovering its rich history.



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