County Tyrone ~ Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's two main motorways go west from Belfast round Lough Neagh to the north and south and traveling north the M2 is en route to the Sperrins, and the M1 will bring you to the green and pleasant land of County Tyrone. This County is the largest in Northern Ireland and the county town is Omagh which has been the spiritual capital for over 1,500 years. It is the seat of the Protestant and Catholic archbishops and it is said that St Patrick called this town 'my sweet hill' where he built a church and today stands the Anglican Cathedral. The area is sparse with people but there are Neolithic sites and Celtic remains which are a testament to those who passed through in the Stone Age. Cookstown is well known for its sausages and about 50 years ago the Beaghmore stone circles were discovered nearby. Dungannon is another town with few residents but prehistoric remains are plentiful.

Geography

County Tyrone has forest parks where herds of deer are found, the Sperrin Mountains and on the upper reaches in the foothills of the valleys there are blanket bogs and heathers. The Sperrins are a great favourite with hill walkers and cyclists. The tributaries of the River Foyle are where the fishing enthusiasts go to catch trout and visit the numerous standing stones and burial sites.

Omagh is a base to go exploring places such as the Gortin Glen Forest Park where planting of conifers as a crop for production of timber is unique. In Dungannon is the Tyrone Crystal factory where visitors can experience hand blown molten glass being transformed into works of art. Vista parks have been carefully placed where the motorist can stop and without getting out of the car marvel at the splendid views.

Industry

With the rich and fertile soil farming and agriculture are the main souces of employment and even in the mountains the pastures are ideal for grazing the animals. The building trade is high profile with some light industry. The principal rivers are fished and also attract tourists as does the unspoiled landscape. Irish Linen is known world-wide and the production for export is flourishing. To the north of Omagh the area is known as the Orchard of Ireland where trees brought by 17th century settlers from Worcestershire produce a huge crop of apples.

Tourists provide a good income for the many artists and craftsmen in this area, who buy the ceramics, soft furnishings, hand knitted clothing and Celtic mementoes. The tourist industry is the main provider of visitors for the hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.

Cities, towns and villages within County Tyrone