Overview
The Burnavon opened in 2000 on the site of Cookstown’s old town hall, demolished two years before, and it has been Mid-Ulster’s main stage ever since. It’s a compact venue on Burn Road in the centre of Cookstown, pulling together an auditorium, a rotating exhibition gallery, a craft shop and one of the region’s main tourist information desks under one roof. For a wet afternoon in County Tyrone, it’s the obvious indoor stop – just check what’s on first, because on a quiet weekday the gallery and craft shop may be all that’s open.
Live performances
The programme leans on live music, comedy, theatre and dance, with touring productions sharing the stage with local talent. Performances usually run Wednesday to Saturday, starting at 8pm with doors an hour before. Expect a spread of genres across the season – traditional folk, singer-songwriters, stand-up and seasonal family shows – plus community and school productions that give amateur groups a proper stage.
The schedule changes monthly, so check the website or call the box office on 028 8676 9949 before a trip. Popular touring acts sell out, so book ahead. On event nights the Gallery Bar opens, and you can pre-order interval drinks to skip the queue.
Gallery and craft shop
The gallery rotates exhibitions through the year, usually work by regional painters, photographers and mixed-media artists. It’s free to view during opening hours. Next to it, the craft shop stocks pieces from local makers – hand-spun wool, woven textiles, ceramics and Irish silver jewellery – a practical place to pick up a gift without trailing round the high street. Prices are marked, and staff can tell you about the makers.
Visitor information centre
The Burnavon doubles as one of Mid-Ulster’s main tourist information points. The desk is staffed by locals who can help plan itineraries, book accommodation and sort transport, and they hand out free maps and brochures for heritage sites, walks and family attractions. They can also help with fishing licences and local event details – a useful first stop if you’re new to the area.
Practical information
- Opening hours: Box office Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, and open one hour before scheduled performances. Closed Sundays except for events.
- Ticketing: book online, by phone or in person. Concession rates are generally available for students, seniors and families; prices vary by show.
- Accessibility: step-free access throughout, with ramps and lifts to all public areas, plus accessible toilets and baby-changing. The centre holds the Autism NI Impact Award and WorldHost recognition for its customer service. Visitors with specific requirements should contact the venue ahead.
- Parking and transport: there’s a free public car park right next to the venue, and the Burnavon is a short hop from both the M1 and M2. Cookstown is linked by regular buses to Dungannon, Magherafelt and Belfast; there’s no rail service, so road is the reliable option.
Around Cookstown
The Burnavon is within walking distance of Cookstown’s shopping street, cafés and pubs. Further out, a short drive takes you to Baronscourt, the 18th-century estate of the Dukes of Abercorn, with its formal gardens and country house. It pairs well with the Beaghmore Stone Circles, a prehistoric set of circles, cairns and standing stones, or the woodland trails and lake at Drum Manor Forest Park, under three miles away. For a larger arts venue, the Alley Arts & Conference Centre in Omagh runs a complementary programme a short drive off.