Attractions and Places To See around Gortalowry - Top 6
Attractions and places to see around Gortalowry, a townland in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, offers a blend of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural features. Located within the southern part of Cookstown, the area provides access to ancient raths, historic churches, and expansive forest parks. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from serene lakes to mountainous regions. The region combines historical significance with opportunities for outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Gortalowry
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Drum Manor House Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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Drum Manor Forest Park Woodland Trail
Highlight • Trail
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Wellbrook Beetling Mill
Highlight • Historical Site
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Lough Fea
Highlight • Lake
The scenery is mountainous and panoramic, and the calm waters bring …
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Tullaghoge Fort
Highlight • Natural Monument
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An enjoyable 4km walking track leads you around the serene Lough Fea in the eastern Sperrins in Northern Ireland. The scenery is mountainous and panoramic, and the calm waters bring many anglers and are home to a number of fascinating bird species, often seen flitting along the lake. The walk is lovely and flat and features a children's play area, toilets, and plenty of rain shelters in case of unpredictable weather.
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An important historic site, Tullyhogue Fort is where the O'Neills were crowned the Chiefs of Ulster. It is now planted with trees and you can enjoy views across the countryside of County Tyrone.
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Here stands the remains of the once magnificent Drum Manor house. The house was built in the 1800s and was bought from the Forest Service in 1964 when it was turned into a park for the public. The park now features a campsite, hiking trails, gardens and a play park.
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Drum Manor Forest Park is made up of beautiful mature deciduous woodland feauturing beech and oak. Winding forest tracks will take you on a lovely route through the area passing ponds, gardens, and a derelict manor house.
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National Trust owned water powered mill, originally used in the manufacture of Linen. Well worth stopping off for a look around.
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Outdoor activities include a campsite, hiking trails, gardens and a play park. There is also a large parking lot with restrooms.
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This a National Trust property that I believe has limited opening hours. It is well worth a visit and taking the free guided tour which gives lots of info about the place the mill had in the linen manufacturing industry (beetling being part of the finishing of the linen cloth). As part of the tour the water powered mill machinery will be stated up and you see the linen cloth being processed as it would when the mill was open.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly attractions around Gortalowry?
For families, Drum Manor House Ruins and its surrounding park offer a play park, hiking trails, and gardens. Lough Fea also features a children's play area and a flat 4km walking track, making it suitable for all ages. Davagh Forest, with its OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, provides an educational and engaging experience for older children interested in astronomy.
Are there historical sites to explore near Gortalowry?
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit Tullyhogue Fort, an important historic site where O'Neills were crowned. The Derryloran Old Church Ruins and Cemetery offer a glimpse into early religious history. Within Gortalowry itself, you'll find St Luaran's Roman Catholic Church and the impressive Derryloran Parish Church, designed by renowned architect John Nash. Don't miss the ancient Rath, a Scheduled Historic Monument, and the mystical Beaghmore Stone Circles dating back to 2900 BC.
What natural features and parks can I visit around Gortalowry?
The region boasts several beautiful natural spots. Drum Manor Forest Park Woodland Trail offers mature deciduous woodland, ponds, and gardens. Lough Fea provides serene waters with mountainous and panoramic scenery. Further afield, Davagh Forest features towering pine and spruce, while the magnificent Sperrin Mountains offer stunning landscapes and dark skies. Lough Neagh, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the UK, is also nearby.
Are there hiking trails suitable for beginners near Gortalowry?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The 4km walking track around Lough Fea is lovely and flat, perfect for a relaxed stroll. Drum Manor Forest Park Woodland Trail also offers winding forest tracks through beautiful woodland. For more options, explore the various easy routes listed in the Hiking around Gortalowry guide.
Where can I go road cycling near Gortalowry?
Gortalowry is a great starting point for road cycling adventures. You can find routes of varying distances and difficulties, including loops around Mountjoy Castle or Lough Neagh. For detailed routes and maps, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Gortalowry guide.
Are there running trails available in the Gortalowry area?
Yes, there are several running trails. Drum Manor Forest Park offers a moderate running loop. You can also find various running loops starting from Cookstown or exploring areas like Roughan Lough. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the Running Trails around Gortalowry guide.
Which attractions are dog-friendly around Gortalowry?
The Drum Manor Forest Park Woodland Trail is explicitly dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful mature deciduous woodland with your canine companion. Many outdoor areas and trails in the wider Cookstown district are generally welcoming to dogs, but always check local signage for specific rules regarding leashes or restricted areas.
Where can I experience stargazing or dark skies near Gortalowry?
Davagh Forest is home to the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, recognized as one of the world's best places for stargazing, featuring advanced technology and a large telescope. The Sperrin Mountains, located in the heart of County Tyrone, are also an official Dark Skies location, offering exceptional opportunities for observing constellations away from light pollution.
What are some hidden gems or unique places to visit?
Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting the ancient Rath, a Scheduled Historic Monument within Gortalowry itself. The Beaghmore Stone Circles, dating back to the Neolithic period, offer a mystical and unique historical experience. For a cultural insight, Gortalowry House, originally built around 1764, now serves as a community center.
Can I spot wildlife near Gortalowry?
Yes, particularly around natural water bodies. Lough Fea is known to attract a number of fascinating bird species that can often be seen flitting along the lake. Drum Manor Forest Park also provides a habitat for various local wildlife within its woodlands and ponds.
What is the best time of year to visit Gortalowry attractions?
The best time to visit Gortalowry and its surrounding attractions for outdoor activities is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Autumn (September-October) also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage, especially in places like Drum Manor Forest Park. For stargazing at Davagh Forest or the Sperrin Mountains, clear, dark nights are ideal, which can occur year-round.
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