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Head for the Hills

Was your last getaway a little lacklustre? Missing that va va voom – a bit flat?

If so, say hello to County Tyrone and the glorious Sperrins – just the hilly holiday tonic.

Feast your eyes on this for destination inspiration. The largest of Northern Ireland’s counties, Tyrone has terrific towns and hamlets; each with wonderful places to stay over and chow down. The county is blanketed with rugged ranges, moors of shrubbery and heaths festooned with wild heather. It has peatlands, a shoreline along Lough Neagh and rugged terrain.

On its west side, Tyrone is carpeted by the spectacular Sperrin Mountains – the biggest range in Northern Ireland. Hike over its grassy heaps, stopping en route to try some adrenaline pumping activities. Paint a pretty picture with watercolours, hunt for craft treasures or survey some ancient stone sites.

Say no to flat holidays. Instead, visit Tyrone and the Sperrins for a more elevated experience...

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Peruse the craft shop at An Creagán Visitor Centre

Stop by Killymaddy Tourist Information and Craft Centre

 

Hike the heights of the Sperrins – the highest peak is Sawel at 678m

Explore the outdoor offerings on a ‘Learn to Tyrone’ holiday – such as canoeing, fly fishing or off-road driving

Cycle along the Sperrin cycle trails or get behind the wheel and hit its driving routes

Gohorse-riding

Tee off at one of Tyrone’s excellent golf courses

Visit ancient historic sites, like Harry Avery O’Neills Castle, Banagher Old Church and the Beaghmore Stone Circles (which dates back to the Bronze age)

See St. Patrick’s Chair and Well in Altadavin Forest – water from the well is rumoured to cure tooth aches

Pop by Springhill House in Moneymore

Peer at the Wellbrook Beetling Mill in Cookstown – Northern Ireland’s last working water mill

Enjoy the 17th century Bellaghy Bawn

Learn about Irish emigration at the Ulster American Folk Park