Dungannon lies at the heart of a region defined by its potent industrial legacy. Surrounded by a web of rivers which provided the power for the numerous mills in the area, towns like Coalisland thrived on the production of linen and cotton.

All you ever wanted to know about Dungannon District.

To view places to visit in Dungannon District.

To see all the events from Dungannon District.

There is a wide range of places to stay in Dungannon District.

For further information on the wide range of activities you can participate in, in the Dungannon District area.

From 1650 onwards, potteries, brickworks and spademills flourished. But the making of linen and glass are not activities confined to the past - Tyrone Crystal is famous worldwide for the quality of its hand made products; whilst Moygashel Linen and the Linen Green sees the rebirth of a great tradition.

South Tyrone's historic industrial life is illustrated in the Coalisland Experience, charting working life over 300 years. Dungannon itself is a bustling community and was once the seat of the Royal O'Neills, the Chieftains of Ulster. Local landmarks include Benburb Castle and the Ulysses S. Grant Homestead. With many forest parks, excellent fishing and first-rate camping and caravan facilities, the region will captivate you with its manifold pleasures. Tyrone Crystal, Killybrackey, Dungannon is where visitors can see crystal pass through each stage of production in a very special guided tour.

Coalisland Cornmill Heritage Centre tells the story of Coalisland's industrial history, told through photographs, audio-visuals and personal recollections. Peatlands Park, where a narrow gauge railway runs through its preserved bogland, which is covered with oak, birch, hazel and yew. A 3D Audio Visual display is also available in the Visitor Centre.

Ulysses S. Grant Ancestral Homestead Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, features audio visual interpretations of traditional agriculture and the American Civil War. Heritage World The Heritage Centre 26 Market Square Dungannon offers family history, roots tracing, name scrolls, coats of arms and much more. Dungannon Park, Moy Road, Dungannon is set in 10 acres of woodland. Lakeside walks and family activities are available for all the family.

Literary History

The scenic Clogher Valley is often referred to as "Carleton Country", because it was the home of the acclaimed 19th century poet and novelist William Carleton. William Carleton lived in Co Tyrone's Clogher Valley, near Dungannon, in a time of the Irish peasant before the Great Famine of the mid 1840's. The area and his surroundings gave Carleton the inspiration for his work, such as Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, 1829 and 1833 and in a succcesion of novels such as Fardorougha the Miser (1839), Valentine McClutchy (1845), The Prophet (1847), The Emigrants of Aghadarra (1848), The Tithe Proctor (1849) and The Squanders of Castle Squander (1852).

The Carleton Country Trail is a way marked trail which follows walking and cycling routes, taking in many of the landmarks which have Carleton associations and which allow you to enjoy this beautiful and historical countryside.

There are three routes of varying lengths, all of which start from the Clogher Valley Rural Centre in Clogher and follow minor roads and forest paths. Alternative routes bypassing the forest stages are signposted for cyclists. The trail is completely signposted and waymarked and there are information panels at various points along the way. The routes are generally suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness. Although refreshments can be obtained in Clogher, Augher and Fivemiletown, proper preparation is essential as the route passes through beautiful but remote areas.

Carleton's work is also celebrated during the William Carleton Summer School, which is held in the Clogher Valley during August and has been since 1992. This school aims primarily to present Carleton as a significant writer, worthy of serious critical attention and to promote the study of his writings.

For further information, contact: Killymaddy Tourist Information Centre, Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT70 1TF, Tel: 028 87767259, E-mail: killymaddy@nitic.net