Hidden Heritage

Residents of and visitors to Mid Ulster will have an opportunity to step back in time this June and July to discover some of the district’s Hidden Heritage.

Three new events organised by the Council includes a tour of the historic town of Maghera, an evening under the darkest of summer skies in Davagh Forest and Beaghmore Stone Circles, and a trip to the scenic Clogher Valley to hear stories along the Carleton Trail.

Maghera, Past and Present, a walking tour of the town

The tour will begin at Maghera Heritage Centre in Main Street which houses historical information, records, publications, photographs, memorabilia, folk memories and artefacts connected with the history of the town and the surrounding district. 

We will then continue to the beautiful Maghera Walled Garden. This garden was once the garden of a 4th century Royal dwelling and ancient monastery. Lying behind an impressive stone wall it has recently been restored and contains many varied herbaceous borders, fruit trees, herb garden, vegetable beds and wild flower meadow. Maghera Walled Garden provides the community with an area for producing fruit and vegetables, plots for growing a variety of flowers and space for community art.

Up next is St Lurach’s Church which dates back to the 10th century. Named after St Lurach who was reputedly one of the original saints to be evangelized by St Patrick himself, the church has elements of a 6th century monastery, a 12th century cathedral and an 18th century tower. 

Throughout the walk the tour will highlight some historically significant buildings within the town before finishing at Walsh’s Hotel.

Stars and Stones Experience, Summer Night’s Edition

Boasting the darkest sky in the heart of Northern Ireland, you can spend the evening at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, by the edge of Davagh Forest and Beaghmore Stone Circles. The Stars and Stones Experience invites you to step back in time and learn about the ancient stones, our first observatory here.

You’ll enjoy a guided exhibition tour beginning at OM Dark Sky Observatory where you will learn about the sky and it’s connection with the Stone circles at Beaghmore. You will learn the basics of the night sky and also have an opportunity to enjoy some solar viewing.

We will then walk the 3.4km Solar Walk to Beaghmore Stone Circles where we will learn about the fascinating history and significance of the stones told through the stories of those who once lived and walked these lands.

William Carleton and His Connections

Enjoy the Clogher Valley scenery and stories along the Carleton Trail named after the highly acclaimed 19th Century Irish novelist William Carleton (1794-1869) who spent his childhood in and around Clogher but later moved to Dublin and became an establishment figure. 

Our journey will begin with a tea/coffee break at Corick House, once home to Carleton's landlord, the Revd John Benjamin Story.

After an introduction to Carleton's local connections, the tour moves on to St Macartan's Cathedral in Clogher and then to St Macartan’s (the Forth) Chapel.

The final part of the tour will take us past Carleton’s Cottage, one of the childhood homes of Carleton, who was well versed in Irish folklore and described by Yeats as ‘the great novelist of Ireland’ and a 'great Irish historian' who recorded the sights and sounds of the world around him before returning back to Corick House.

* Booking for all three tours is essential as spaces are limited.

All tours cost £25 per person, including coach transfers, guided tours and refreshments.