If exploring Lough Neagh or the quiet Sperrin Mountains, base yourself in the countryside around Dungannon for cycling, walking, or mountain biking breaks. You can get a taste of culture at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace or traditional ways of living at the Ulster American Folk Park, but you will also be within driving distance of Belfast. Check out the camping and glamping sites in the peaceful countryside and forest areas for your overnight adventures.
This huge lake is a wildlife haven, magnificent for birdwatching and fishing, where you can take peaceful walks or try out some outdoor adventure centres. Take a relaxing boat cruise or sea safari on the lough to visit heritage sites, hear local legends, and see the sun setting over the Sperrins. You can also walk or cycle the loughshore trail, which runs for 205 kilometres, or visit the Oxford Island Nature Reserve for birdwatching. For camping, look for waterfront caravan parks.
The Sperrin Mountains are Northern Ireland’s largest mountain range and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty great for walking, cycling, or scenic driving routes. Drop into the Gortin Glen Forest Park for forest walks or take the 8-km forest drive. Camping here on clear nights will give great starry views, too—try Davagh Forest or nearby caravan parks for the best experiences.
At Bellaghy near Lough Neagh, you can visit the Seamus Heaney Homeplace to learn about the poet’s early life and how the landscape influenced his work. The exhibition area has plenty of interactive exhibits, and discovery areas for kids. For more culture, the Beaghmore Stone Circles are about a 40-minute drive away. See seven stone circles, plus cairns dating from the early Bronze Age.
Spend a day here to experience the traditional life and customs of the area in the 18th and 19th centuries, with recreated streets and farmhouses, a replica thatched cottage, and live demonstrations of crafts and skills like turf cutting, patchwork quilting, and wool spinning. You can also hear the story of emigration and the hardships involved, and even board a replica of an emigrant ship.
Dungannon is about 45 minutes from Belfast, great for sightseeing, restaurants, pubs, or shopping. Explore the Titanic Quarter to learn the history of the famous ship, then explore the city’s Cathedral Quarter. Belfast’s food scene is vibrant too, whether you’re tasting nibbles at St George’s Market at the weekend, or tucking into Michelin-starred meals at Deanes Eipic or Ox.
