Hidden Heritage

Visitors to Mid Ulster will have an opportunity to step back in time to discover some of the district’s Hidden Heritage.

Four new events will provide the opportunity to discover ‘Who Lives in a House Like This’, with a visit to some of Mid Ulster’s most historic houses, the Three Sisters tour and a final event at Friel's Famine and Folklore Visitor Centre in Swatragh

Who lives in a house like this – Ballyscullion Park, Bellaghy, MAGHERAFELT

Ballyscullion Park is the beautiful home of Richard and Rosalind Mulholland and their four children. The estate was bought by Richard’s grandparents, Sir Harry and Lady Mulholland in 1938, and the house was restored to its present state.

You will be taken on a journey to explore this private historic house and estate situated amongst unspoilt countryside, surrounded by ancient woodland and breath-taking views over Lough Beg. Richard (a professional tour guide) will give a fascinating talk about the history of Ballyscullion Park and the Mulholland family, with their long-standing involvement in the linen industry.  Richard is descended from Jane Austen’s brother Edward Knight, and Rosalind has connections with Charlotte Bronte.

The Three Sisters Tour, Springhill, Lissan House and Killymoon Castle, COOKSTOWN

Explore Mid Ulster’s amazing collection of historic houses, perfectly maintained and lovingly preserved.  You will be taken on a journey of three of these houses, Lissan House, Springhill and Killymoon Castle which all have a unique link of The Three sisters - Henrietta, Louisa and Elizabeth Molesworth, the daughters of Richard Molesworth and his second wife Mary Jenney Ussher.

Who lives in a house like this – Blessingbourne Estate, FIVEMILETOWN

A special welcome will await you from the Lowry family home at the award-winning Blessingbourne Estate. A beautiful historic 550 acre country estate, nestled in the heart of woodlands, lakes and wildlife on the edge of the Clogher Valley. Delve into the estate’s captivating history with Colleen, the lady of the house.

In the coach house Bronagh Duffin from BakehouseNI will demonstrate her traditional baking including her now very famous soda farls.

Friel's Famine & Folklore Visitor Centre, SWATRAGH

With the opening of their brand new Visitor Centre, this authentic experience will allow the visitor to immerse themselves in 1840’s rural village life. Meet Dr Mooney and his wife Sarah in their home and learn about how they provided medical care to local tenants of the Mercers Company in their wonderfully recreated surgery. Discover how, when and why the blight hit Ireland and inparticular Swatragh and the devastating effects it caused. Explore some of the heart wrenching decisions the people of Swatragh had to make during the famine.

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

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