Three Days of Adventure in Tyrone

To help plan a memorable trip in County Tyrone, we've pulled together this itinerary, ideal for three days away. 

Day 1

Our adventure begins on a Friday evening, after a busy day at work, when we've packed the car with the essentials, including snacks and a soundtrack and we're ready to go. Our first stop is for dinner at Villa Vinci, a family-friendly Italian restaurant in Cookstown. Their menu is full of delicious italian food, with lots of pizzas and pasta dishes that will appeal to everyone's taste buds.

After, it's a short journey onto our stunning base for the weekend: Sperrin View Glamping. Located at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains and just a five-minute walk from Beaghmore Stone circles, it's a great place to stay, where you can relax and feel at one with the outdoors. These unique and comfortable pods offer a fantastic way to experience glamping, and if you're looking for a little luxury, it's possible to book a pod with it's own private hot tub.

Before turning in for the night, take the opportunity to stargaze. This area boasts one of the darkest skies in Ireland, and with so little light pollution you can enjoy crystal clear views of the constellations. Even better, the glamping pods are built with a unique "viewing window", so you can lie in bed and gaze upon the stars, while all snuggly inside.

Day 2

Up bright (or not so bright) and early on Saturday, we headed off to Pomeroy Forest, just a 25-minute drive from the glamping site. There's lots of walking and biking trails here to suit all ability levels, with plenty to see along the way.

For younger kids, the Renardine Nursery Trail (1.0km) is ideal, full of iconic nursey rhyme characters like Humpty Dumpty and the three little pigs, plus there's a playground at the end which is a great place to burn off any remaining energy. On the Renardine Fairytale Trail (2.2km), look out for the mythical Finn the Giant, and children are encouraged to collect virtual badges at stops along the way. For a longer walk in the gorgeous woodland, head off along the Grace Drennan Eco Trail (2.4km).

In the stunning surroundings, we recommend bringing along a picnic and taking a break at the tables provided. And as always, please remember to bring your litter home and leave no trace. For those who prefer a hot lunch, Wildflower Café is only 15 minutes away in Cookstown and offers a variety of breakfast, brunch, coffee and cakes. 

With energy levels topped up, we then headed off to Jungle NI to get the adrenaline pumping. (Please note: It is necessary to book in advance to avoid disappointment.) We took advantage of the variety of activities on offer here, including testing our archery skills, playing a game of Body Zorb Football and climbing through the treetops. Set at 25 feet above the ground, the Mowgli Adventure Playground is a daring high ropes course for kids. Combined, the activities here are sure to delight everyone of all ages, from the devilishly ambitious to the carefully curious.

After a day of adventure, refuel with a delicious dinner at Squires lounge in the Royal Hotel, which is just a 10-minute drive away.  Their menu features a variety of classic pub fare, such as fish and chips and burgers, which is much needed after being on the go all day.

Day 3 

After a great night's sleep back at the glamping pod, we checked out and headed off for a hearty breakfast, before making our way to the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, a 35-minute drive away. The living museum encourages visitors to step back in time and learn about the history of Irish emigration to America. It is an open-air site, so dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Don’t miss the traditional craft demonstrations by the talented costumed guides, including opportunities to watch them spin wool, weave willow and more. Step on-board the full-scale emigrant ship and experience the cramped quarters many had to endure for months as part of their journey to what they hoped would be a better life. We recommend a visit to O’Doherty’s shop of traditional sweets on the site, where you can choose your favourites and watch them being weighed out in quarters in the traditional method using ounce weights! We spent over two hours exploring the museum, and loved that it was a treasure trove of information spread across interactive exhibits and demonstrations set both indoors and outdoors, so factor in a few hours when planning your visit here.

Before leaving, we popped into the gift shop for a peruse including books, toys and souvenirs, and to grab a hot drink at Lilly Anne's cafe. Back on the road we headed east for a hearty lunch at The Cellar Restaurant & Lounge at the Glenavon House Hotel, where we had a tasty carvery, perfect for Sunday dinner.

And before we knew it, it was time for home! We left happy, having had a fantastic weekend. Everyone agreed that County Tyrone is full of stunning landscapes, exciting activities, and rich history, and it's the perfect destination for a getaway that's close to home, but boasting something for everyone. If you're planning a trip, make sure your itinerary includes the magic of the Sperrin Mountains, the enchanting forests of Pomeroy, and the rich history of the Ulster American Folk Park.

For more inspiration on your trip to Tyrone, check out upcoming events in What's On in Tyrone, and get inspiration to Plan Your Trip today!