Steeped in over 300 years of history, Cookstown is where the echoes of linen looms meet the whispers of ancient stone circles. Founded in 1620 by Dr. Alan Cooke as a Plantation of Ulster settlement, this vibrant town in County Tyrone has long been a crossroads of industry and heritage. Once the heartbeat of Northern Ireland's linen trade, its streets still hum with stories of flax mills and weaving halls that operated until the mid-20th century. Nestled near Lough Neagh and the rugged Sperrin Mountains, Cookstown offers a tranquil yet dynamic backdrop - a place where the 150-square-mile landscape cradles both prehistoric sites like the Beaghmore Stone Circles (dating to 1500 BCE) and architectural gems such as Killymoon Castle, its Saxon-style spires overlooking the town.
For visitors, Cookstown is a portal to living history. The annual Cookstown 100 Road Races roar through the streets each April, echoing a tradition since 1923 that thrills motorsport fans worldwide. Nearby, the Beaghmore Stone Circles invite contemplation of Neolithic ingenuity, while Killymoon Castle stands as a testament to 19th-century opulence. Stroll its mile-long main street past historic Presbyterian churches and bustling markets (Tuesdays for grain, Saturdays for produce), or cast a line into Lough Neagh's trout-rich waters. With easy access to the Sperrin Mountains and cultural hubs like Burnavon Arts Centre, Cookstown balances quiet charm with Northern Ireland's energetic spirit - a town where past and present weave together seamlessly.
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Things to See and Do
Beaghmore Stone Circles
Prehistoric stone arrangements (dating to 1500 BCE) with seven concentric circles and cairns, offering insight into ancient land use near Cookstown.
Killymoon Castle
A historic Saxon-style castle designed by Nash in the early 19th century. Built for Β£80,000 and completed in a year, it remains Cookstown's architectural jewel overlooking its surroundings.
Tullaghoge Fort
Ancient inauguration site of the O'Neill chieftains (9th-16th centuries), marked by a surviving rath (ring fort) near Springhill Manor.
Cookstown 100 Road Races
Northern Ireland's oldest annual motorcycle road race held in April on public roads since 1923, attracting international competitors.
Ardboe High Cross & Abbey
9th/10th-century monastic site featuring one of Ireland's finest Early Christian high crosses near Lough Neagh, with remnants of a medieval abbey.
Springhill Plantation Manor
A well-preserved 17th-century manor from the Plantation of Ulster, showcasing original stone walls and historical layout northeast of Cookstown.
Greenvale Weaving Mill
A family-owned weaving and dyeing establishment producing fine linens since the 19th century, still operational today.
Millburn Works
A historic linen factory with over 300 looms, once employing 500+ workers. A key industrial site showcasing Northern Ireland's textile heritage.
Loymount Manor
A grand estate offering panoramic views of County Antrim and Lough Neagh. Built for J.B. Gunning Moore, it reflects Victorian-era architectural elegance.
Presbyterian Churches of Cookstown
Three historic Presbyterian sites: 1st (James St), 2nd (Loy St), and 3rd (Molesworth St) churches, each with unique architectural details and active congregations.
Parish Church of Derryloran
A historic Anglican place of worship under the Rev. H.B. Carter, B.D., featuring classic Gothic Revival architecture.
Lough Neagh Scenic Area
Ireland's largest lake offers fishing opportunities (especially in Ardboe parish) and dramatic views of the Sperrin Mountains to the west.
Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre
Modern arts venue hosting theater, exhibitions, and community events, located on Cookstown's former town hall site (2000).
Cookstown Markets & Fairs
Weekly markets (Tuesdays for grain/Saturdays for produce) and monthly fairs on the first Saturday of each month, showcasing local goods and traditions.
Cookstown Visitor Information Centre
Central hub for tourism services including maps, event tickets (e.g., Road Races), fishing permits, and access to local heritage trails.
Getting There
Air
To reach Cookstown, the nearest airports are:
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Belfast International Airport (BFS)
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George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
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City of Derry Airport (in County Derry-Londonderry to the north) with direct flights to UK cities like London Stansted, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh From these airports, you can rent a car or take a taxi or bus to Cookstown.
Rail
The nearest train stations are likely to be Portadown or Belfast. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Cookstown. There is also an hourly train service from Lanyon Place in Belfast to Derry-Londonderry which takes approximately two hours, and then you can take a bus to your destination in Tyrone.
Bus
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Ulsterbus and Translink operate scheduled bus services from airports to major towns in County Tyrone.
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Expressway coaches stop at Aughnacloy, Ballygawley, Omagh, Newtownstewart, Sion Mills, and Strabane on its daily Dublin Busaras to Letterkenny route.
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John McGinley Coaches have a Dublin to Letterkenny service with stops in Aughnacloy, Ballygawley, and Omagh.
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Translink operates daily services from Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre (Busaras) to major towns such as Omagh and Dungannon.
Car
Cookstown is located near the M1 motorway and can be accessed by car from Belfast or other major towns in Northern Ireland. From Dublin, take a combination of M1 and N2 in the Republic of Ireland then transfer to the 'A' Road system in Northern Ireland, e.g., A5 to Omagh and Strabane, A28 to Dungannon. The journey from Dublin to Tyrone can take around 2.5 hours.
Approximate travel times:
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From Belfast: 45-60 minutes by car or taxi
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From Dublin: 2.5 hours by car, 3 hours or more by direct bus, or longer with bus connections and traffic around Dublin and Belfast
Events & Festivals 2025
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History
Cookstown's history dates back to the 17th century, when it was founded as a Plantation of Ulster settlement by Alan Cook, an English ecclesiastical lawyer. The town was established around 1620, after Cook leased land from the Archbishop of Armagh, who had been granted the lands following the Flight of the Earls. In 1628, King Charles I granted Letters Patent to Cook, permitting the holding of a twice-weekly market for livestock and flaxen goods.
The native Irish revolted against the Planters in 1641, destroying the town and halting development for nearly a century. The Stewart family, who had acquired the lands around Cookstown, set out plans for the town's rebuilding in the late 17th century. William Stewart commissioned London architect John Nash to rebuild Killymoon Castle in 1802, and Nash also designed the Rectory at Lissan in 1807.
The 19th century saw Cookstown develop as a centre of the linen trade, with Gunning's Linen Weaving Mill operating over 300 looms. The town's poor law union was formally declared in 1839, covering an area of 151 square miles and overseeing the construction of a workhouse that could accommodate 600 inmates. During the famine of 1847-8, a 75-bed fever hospital was erected near the workhouse.
In the 20th century, Cookstown played a role in Ireland's struggle for independence. On June 17, 1920, the Irish Republican Army raided the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks in the town, resulting in the death of IRA member Patrick Loughran, the first IRA man killed on active service in what became Northern Ireland. The town suffered during the Troubles, with several bomb attacks, including one that killed an off-duty soldier from the Ulster Defence Regiment in 1990.
Today, visitors to Cookstown can explore the area's rich archaeological heritage, including the Ardboe High Cross and Abbey, Beaghmore stone circles, and Tullyhogue Fort, the inauguration site of the O'Neills, chiefs of Tyrone. The town is also home to historic estates like Lissan House and Killymoon Castle, showcasing its architectural legacy. Notable figures from Cookstown include comedian Jimmy Cricket, poet Nick Laird, and sculptor Oliver Sheppard.