Overview
The Clogher Valley stretches along the River Blackwater in the heart of County Tyrone, offering a rare mix of natural beauty, archaeological intrigue and modern leisure. Visitors can wander through ancient stone circles, paddle on the ecologically important Round Lake, or unwind in a four‑star spa set amid rolling hills. Whether you arrive by car, coach or bicycle, the valley’s well‑marked routes and welcoming villages make it an easy‑to‑explore destination for a weekend break or a longer countryside retreat.
History & Background
Human activity in the Clogher Valley dates back to the Neolithic period. The Knockmany Passage Grave crowns a steep hill, its cairn protecting stones carved with spirals and zigzags that hint at a ritual landscape over 5,000 years old. A short walk away, the Spirit of Knockmany guided tour gives access to a 5,000‑year‑old tomb said to be the burial place of the mythic goddess Queen Áine.
Christian heritage is equally rich. St Patrick’s Chair and Well – a 2 m sandstone throne – has long been associated with healing and pilgrimage, while St Macartan’s (Forth Chapel), built between 1838‑1846, stands as a fine example of 19‑century ecclesiastical architecture on the Carleton Trail. The chapel was restored in the 1990s and remains an active place of worship.
The valley also celebrates its trans‑Atlantic link: the U.S. Grant Ancestral Homestead preserves the thatched cottage of the Simpson family, relatives of President Ulysses S. Grant, who visited his Irish roots in the 19th century.
The modern community is anchored by the Clogher Valley Free Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1970, the congregation first met under a tree on a lay‑by after a local hall withdrew permission. A narrow‑gauge steam railway once ran past the site, a reminder of the valley’s industrial past. The original meeting house opened in 1977; a new, larger building was officially opened in October 2021, providing enlarged worship and community facilities. The church runs a vibrant programme of worship (Lord’s Day services at 11:30 am and 7:00 pm), youth groups, a weekly radio show and an annual outreach event at the Clogher Valley Show.
Heritage Trail Video Guide
A concise, self‑guided walk called the Clogher Valley Heritage Trail is showcased in a short YouTube video (“The Clogher Valley Heritage Trail”). The clip walks viewers past the key historic sites – Knockmany Passage Grave, St Patrick’s Chair, the US Grant Homestead and the Free Presbyterian Church – and provides useful navigation tips for walkers of all abilities.
What to See & Do
Outdoor Adventures
- Carleton Trail – A 30‑mile way‑marked route that snakes through lush farmland, ancient monuments, quiet streams and spectacular viewpoints. Ideal for walkers and cyclists, the trail links villages such as Clogher, Augher and Fivemiletown.
- Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails – Near Fivemiletown, these purpose‑built tracks feature berms, tabletops and rock drops suitable for all ages and abilities. The estate also offers a historic house and gardens for a more relaxed day out. The Blessingbourne Mountain‑Bike Festival takes place each July, adding races, skill workshops and a night‑time bike‑light parade.
- Todds Leap Activity Centre – Over 20 adrenaline‑filled activities await, including a 500 m zip‑line, giant swing, free‑fall drop zone, woodland trails and the iconic “Big Yella Slide”. The centre is perfect for groups seeking a high‑energy outdoor experience. (Nearby Ballygawley offers additional adventure options – see Ballygawley.)
- Round Lake Park – Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the lake supports rare wetland flora and invertebrates. A £1 million refurbishment (completed 2024) added an all‑ability play area, a modern “Changing Places” facility, a performance amphitheatre and upgraded caravan and camping pitches (open March‑October). Anglers can enjoy coarse fishing from a slipway, while families stroll the lakeside promenade.
- Knockmany Forest – A woodland walk famous for spring blue‑bell carpets and autumn colour. Parking is available at the forest entrance and the trail is suitable for all abilities.
Heritage & Culture
- US Grant Ancestral Homestead – Explore the thatched cottage that once housed the Simpson family, with interpretive displays about the Grant lineage and 19th‑century Irish life.
- St Patrick’s Chair and Well – Sit on the sandstone throne, make a wish, and soak up the folklore surrounding this ancient pilgrimage site.
- Knockmany Passage Grave – Climb the hill for panoramic valley views and a close‑up look at the protected prehistoric stones. The concrete protective chamber was added in 1959.
- St Macartan’s (Forth Chapel) – Visit this 19th‑century chapel on the Carleton Trail, notable for its simple yet elegant stonework.
- Clogher Valley Heritage Trail – A self‑guided walking route that links the valley’s key historic sites, highlighted in the YouTube guide above.
- Cooneen Ghost House – Said to be the only house in Ireland where an exorcism took place, this privately‑owned building offers occasional tours for those interested in the supernatural.
- Beaghmore Stone Circles – A short drive north‑west of the valley, the Beaghmore site offers a cluster of Bronze‑Age stone circles and cairns; an excellent add‑on for archaeology enthusiasts. (Beaghmore Stone Circles)
Wildlife & Nature Highlights
- Lough Antrawar – Situated southeast of the Slieve Beagh hills, this small lake feeds into the River Blackwater and offers tranquil walking routes and excellent bird‑watching for waders in spring.
- Round Lake SSSI – The lake’s rare wetland habitat supports species such as water‑milfoil and a variety of invertebrates, making it a hotspot for nature lovers.
- Knockmany Forest – In spring the forest floor is carpeted with blue‑bells; autumn brings a vivid display of foliage.
Sports & Community
- Clogher Valley Rugby Football Club – The local rugby club competes in the All‑Ireland League Division 2B following promotion in 2024. After a successful promotion in 2023 the team enjoys strong community support and hosts regular home fixtures at the club grounds near Fivemiletown. The club also lifted the Energia All‑Ireland Junior Cup for a second consecutive year in 2024.
- Clogher Valley Golf Club – Established in 2000, this nine‑hole, par‑67 parkland course straddles the Tyrone‑Fermanagh border just outside Fivemiletown. The layout comprises 6 Par‑3, 11 Par‑4 and 1 Par‑5 holes, with three small lakes and a stream featuring on six of the holes. Green fees are £20 for adults and £5 for juniors (under 15). The club celebrated back‑to‑back Energia All‑Ireland Junior Cup victories in 2023 and 2024 and continues to attract both locals and visitors.
- Clogher Valley Free Presbyterian Church – In addition to worship services, the church runs youth fellowship, weekly children’s meetings, a holiday Bible club, a weekly radio programme and an annual outreach event at the Clogher Valley Show. The new meeting house opened in 2021 provides modern facilities for community events.
Luxury & Relaxation
- Corick House Hotel & Spa – Nestled on three acres of gardens, this four‑star hotel offers 43 en‑suite rooms, the award‑winning Carleton Restaurant, the Blackwater Bar, and a full‑service spa featuring a thermal suite, hydro‑therapy pools, sauna, steam room and Northern Ireland’s first Vichy shower. Free on‑site parking and disabled‑visitor toilets make the hotel highly accessible. The hotel’s website provides up‑to‑date dining times and special packages such as the “Sunday Solace” stay.
- Local Food & Drink – The valley’s agricultural heritage shines in farm‑to‑table eateries, traditional pubs and the Blackwater Bar, where live music on Friday and Saturday evenings adds a convivial touch.
Events & Festivals
- Clogher Valley Show – The annual summer showcase (usually in August) features crafts, livestock competitions, food stalls and live entertainment. The 2024 edition saw a young Simmental bull take the beef champion title, a Suffolk shearling ewe win the sheep inter‑breed class and a Holstein cow dominate the dairy competition. Youth participation was high, with many young handlers entering the beef and dairy classes. The 2025 show attracted over 5,000 visitors and highlighted award‑winning home‑industry displays.
- Mountain‑Bike Festival – Held each July on the Blessingbourne estate, the festival brings together riders of all abilities for races, skill workshops and a night‑time bike‑light parade.
- Round Lake Amphitheatre Concerts – During the summer months the amphitheatre hosts a series of outdoor concerts ranging from traditional Irish sessions to contemporary folk bands.
Recent News & Highlights
- Rugby triumph – In September 2024 Clogher Valley RFC secured promotion to the All‑Ireland League Division 2B, marking the club’s first foray into senior provincial rugby. The side also retained the Energia All‑Ireland Junior Cup for a second year running.
- Golf success – The Golf Club celebrated back‑to‑back junior‑cup victories in 2023 and 2024, cementing its reputation as a competitive hub for emerging talent in the region.
- Mountain‑Bike Festival buzz – The July 2025 edition added a new night‑time bike‑light parade, drawing over 300 participants and receiving coverage in regional media.
- Show visitor numbers – The 2025 Clogher Valley Show recorded a record‑breaking attendance of more than 5,000 visitors, underscoring its importance as a community and agricultural showcase.
Practical Information
Getting There
The Clogher Valley is reachable via the A5 and A4 routes from Belfast or Derry. The nearest major towns are Omagh (≈30 km) and Dungannon (≈25 km). Public transport is limited – the nearest railway station is at Portadown (about 45 km away) – so a car is the most convenient way to explore the dispersed attractions. Free on‑site parking is available at Corick House Hotel & Spa, Round Lake Park and the Golf Club.
Accommodation
Options range from the historic Corick House Hotel & Spa to 17th‑century country hotels, 18th‑century estates and boutique family‑run inns scattered throughout the valley. Caravan and camping pitches at Round Lake Park operate from March to October, offering basic amenities and direct lake access. The Golf Club’s B&B provides a convenient stay for golfers.
Visiting Round Lake Park
- Opening – Open year‑round; the refurbished visitor centre operates daily.
- Facilities – All‑ability play area, performance amphitheatre, changing‑places toilet, slipway for coarse fishing, and a network of walking trails around the lake.
- Camping – Caravan and tent sites are available March‑October; bookings are recommended during school holidays.
Corick House Hotel & Spa
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant hours | 12:00 – 20:30 daily |
| Sunday Lunch | 12:30 – 15:00 (£27.50 adults, £13 children) – booking essential |
| Steak Night | Thursday & Friday, 17:00 (£55 for two) |
| Afternoon Tea | 12:30 – 16:00 (£27.50 regular, £33.50 sparkling) |
| Live music | Friday & Saturday, 21:00 |
| Parking | Free on‑site |
| Accessibility | Disabled toilets, guide‑dog friendly |
Clogher Valley Golf Club
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | 9‑hole, Par 67 parkland course (6 Par‑3, 11 Par‑4, 1 Par‑5) |
| Green fees | £20 adults, £5 juniors (under 15) |
| Restaurant & lounge | Open daily, serves lunch and dinner |
| B&B | 4‑room Bed & Breakfast on‑site |
| Parking | Free car park at clubhouse |
| Opening season | Year‑round (check website for any seasonal closures) |
| Contact | 07765 370375 |
Clogher Valley Free Presbyterian Church
- Address: 150 Ballagh Road, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, BT75 0QP
- Service times: Lord’s Day 11:30 am & 7:00 pm (Sunday)
- Facilities: Community hall, kitchen, weekly children’s meetings, youth fellowship, radio programme, annual outreach at the Clogher Valley Show, new meeting house opened 2021.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring – Wildflowers burst in the Victorian walled garden of Corick House; blue‑bells carpet Knockmany Forest; bird‑watching is excellent around Round Lake.
- Summer – Mountain‑bike festivals on the Blessingbourne trails; outdoor concerts at the Round Lake amphitheatre; golf tournaments at Clogher Valley Golf Club; the Clogher Valley Show.
- Autumn – The Carleton Trail showcases vivid foliage; the US Grant Homestead runs special heritage talks; Cooneen Ghost House offers occasional evening tours.
- Winter – The spa’s thermal suite offers a warm retreat; the valley’s quiet landscape is perfect for reflective walks; indoor concerts continue at the amphitheatre.
Useful Links
- Official valley guide – Visit Mid Ulster – Clogher Valley
- Corick House Hotel & Spa – corickcountryhouse.com
- Blessingbourne Estate – blessingbourne.com
- US Grant Ancestral Homestead – Visit Mid Ulster – US Grant Homestead
- Todds Leap Activity Centre – Visit Mid Ulster – Todds Leap
- Clogher Valley Golf Club – cloghervalleygc.co.uk
- Clogher Valley Free Presbyterian Church – hopeinthevalley.co.uk
The Clogher Valley invites you to step back in time, breathe in fresh river air and indulge in contemporary comforts—all within a compact, easily navigable corner of Northern Ireland. Whether you’re tracing ancient tombs, pedalling rugged trails, teeing off on a scenic course, or simply sipping tea in a historic garden, the valley promises a memorable Irish experience.