Explore The Sperrins

“Take in the breathtaking views at the Gortin Lakes and or enjoy a short stroll in the Gortin Forest. ”

A scenic and wonderfully traffic-free route through mid-Ulster, this is one of the most romantically wild areas in Ireland. The Sperrin mountains are both rugged and curvaceous with many stopping places of interest.

The Sperrins are the largest and least explored mountain range in Northern Ireland with dramatic landscapes, rivers teaming with life, mountains, valleys, forests, lakes, outdoor pursuits, indoor pursuits… something for everyone!.

Let our route take you on a rugged adventure of natural history and beauty!

Day 1


10.00

Head off to explore hidden beauty of the Sperrins, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Travel to Strabane to being your journey.

11.00

Follow the Central Sperrins route from Strabane to view the Millennium Sculpture, long great unifying and highly popular art forms throughout the Sperrins region are represented in this magnificent artwork, which comprises of 5 abstract figures some 18 feet in height.

11.15

Arrive at Sion Mills Village and take a visit the Sion Mills Heritage Trail and Visitors Centre and find out more about the unique story of the great mills of the industrial revolution.
www.sionmills.org

Travel time to next stop: 20 mins

12.00

Arrive at Gortin village and Gortin Lakes and take in the breathtaking views, enjoy a short stroll in Gortin Glen Forest Park if you desire. The village is an ideal point for exploring the surrounding hills and glens by bike or on foot.

Travel time to next stop: 20 mins

13.00

Lunch & Tour at An Creagán Visitor centre which is distinctively designed to mirror the archaeological sites of the area and gives you the opportunity to step back in time. It houses an Interpretative exhibition, restaurant, bar, craft shop, 8 self-catering cottages, and walking & cycling routes onsite. It also offers archaeological, environmental and cultural guided tours of the surrounding area.
www.an-creagan.com

Travel time to next stop: 10 mins

14.30

Arrive at Aghascrebagh “Ogham” Stone. This is one of the very few “Ogham” stones in Northern Ireland. The marks on the edges of this stone are characters from an alphabet that was used in the 5th century Ireland. Known as Ogham, the 25 letter alphabet was supposedly inspired by Ogma, God of eloquence.

14.45

Continue to follow the Central Sperrins Route, along the Glenelly Valley. The valley is carved by the glacial flows of the Ice Age, it is a diverse and stunning landscapes and features picturesque walking and cycling routes, peaceful picnic sites and mysterious archaeological remains which add to the enhancement of the region.

Travel time to next stop: 1hr

15.45

On route stop off at Lough Ash Wedge Tomb, something of Sperrins prehistoric past, an ancient burial chamber. The entrance which faces the West, has a double portal arrangement leading to a single burial chamber where it is believed 3 individuals were interred.

17.00

Arrive in Donemana Village, which is a quiet country village nestling among wooded hillsides and provides an opportunity to sample something Sperrins rural heritage. Take a visit to Mill Pottery, where you will get the opportunity to see high quality craftsmanship.

Travel time to next stop: 30 mins

Day 2


10.00

Starting from Strabane, enjoy another journey of exploration and discovery on the South Sperrins Driving route.
From Strabane Travel to Newtownstewart, to begin the South Sperrins Scenic Route.

Travel time to next stop: 20 mins

10.20

Stop at Harry Avery O’Neill Castle, Newtownstewart. An unusual structure, it is especially important in relation to the study of Irish medieval life as this castle was built in a part of Ulster which did not come under English rule until 1607.

Travel time to next stop: 10 mins

10.45

Ulster American Folk Park. The Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of the emigration from Ulster to American in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. And provides visitors with a living history experience on it outdoor museum. Traditional thatched buildings, American log houses and a full scale replica emigrant ship help bring a bygone era back to life.
www.ulsteramericanfolkpark.org

12.15

Travel time to next stop: 15mins

13.30

Travel onto Baronscourt Estate, the home of the Duke of Abercorn’s family since the early 1600’s.
www.barons-court.com

Travel time to next stop: 15 mins

14.00

Arrive at Sloughan Glen, Drumquin. You can enjoy a short walk here (1 mile). This secluded riverside walk through a deciduous forest is signposted from the town of Drumquin. The waterfall that cascades from the uplands can been seen at its beast after a heavy spell of rain.

Travel time to next stop: 15 mins

14.45

Continue on the South Sperrin route until you arrive at Pigeon Top Picnic Site, this site overlooks Omagh and offers spectacular panoramic views of the region.

Travel time to next stop: 25 mins

15.25

Arrive in Omagh. Omagh was host to the O’ Neill era from the early Middle ages up to 1602 when Mountjoy defeated the Earl of Tyrone. The town begun to develop from the plantation period onwards but most of the town was destroyed by a fire in 1742. B the latter quarter of the 18th Century it became the country town of Tyrone. An excellent choice of independent and high street shops as well as a range of bars, pubs and restaurants to choose form.