The American Folk Park

The view from Strule Arts Centre

REVIEW Glens Forest Park

arts venue and conference centre is home to theatre performances, comedy, Ciara Hedgcock music, dance, workshops and exhibitions. Gorgeous views can be admired from the cafe. It is located conveniently in the heart of , close to transport links and town explores Omagh and centre parking. Open-air history lesson Grants of Omagh The Ulster American Folk Park is an open- The Sperrins air museum, five miles north of Omagh. Step back in time to an era when brave Breath of fresh air wonderful getaway. was very personable and carefully explained emigrants risked their lives crossing the A winter morning walk in the Gortin Glens Both properties are in , just the interesting menu. Our choice of starter; Atlantic to travel to America, hundreds Forest Park is a peaceful experience; the off the main road between Omagh and the goat’s cheese, beetroot, candied walnuts of years ago. With more than 30 exhibit wide-open space is unspoilt and naturally and have been awarded a four- with pear, and the Spanish fish cakes with buildings to explore, the museum tells the beautiful. Gortin Glen is six miles north of star rating from Tourism . rocket, pepper and paprika mayonnaise got story of three centuries of Irish emigration. nestled in a quaint and calm setting. Visit the historic town of Omagh at the western Unsurprisingly, Vincent and Briege have a our taste buds off to a great start. I enjoyed discovering the thatched the interpretative exhibition and learn For further information regarding gateway to the Sperrin Mountains. A range loyal following of regular guests who return For my main meal, I opted for a cottages of Ulster and American Frontier about this unique landscape and its culture attractions mentioned in this feature visit: of waymarked trails gives visitors the year after year. vegetarian spicy Moroccan curry. I really log cabins and meeting costumed and heritage. It is the ideal central base to www.exploreomaghsperrins.com or chance to enjoy the park’s natural flora enjoyed the authentic flavours with the characters, including a blacksmith who explore the wider Sperrins region and many call: 028 8224 7831. and fauna at its best. As well as rambling, Food heaven couscous and naan bread accompaniment. demonstrated traditional crafts and told other well-known sights. visitors can enjoy mountain biking and, Grants of Omagh is a popular family-owned My friend decided on the Grants signature stories of years gone by. I also embarked with a permit, horse riding. bar and restaurant. It is filled with curious Boston beef fillet steak with all the on a full-scale model of an emigrant ship An Creagan A children’s play sculpture composed of antiques, ornaments and artwork. With the trimmings, which she described as “melt in to experience the living conditions faced larch, red cedar and oak was inspired by wood panelling, high shelving and ornate the mouth delicious”. by so many as they set sail for a new life in the natural surroundings. The sculpture windows it feels church like. America. centrepiece, a family of red deer, was chosen The low lighting, alcoves, natural fires Saturday night live specifically to reflect the importance of the and décor create a comfortable and warm We were lucky to catch The Knotty Pine Culture and play forest park’s relationship with its much ambience. There are lots of nooks for String Band and The Drunken Lullabies An Creagan is a versatile community, admired inhabitants. intimate dining and large tables for sociable at Strule Arts Centre. Both were hugely family and tourism focused heritage family-friendly gatherings. talented and entertaining. environment site located between Omagh Home from home During my visit co-owner Myles McCann, This award-winning contemporary and Cookstown. Families, couples, Vincent and Briege Meenagh, proprietors of individuals and groups can get involved Drumaneir Cottage and Drom-Na-Gainne Drumaneir Cottage with an impressive range of workshops or B&B, are the perfect hosts. They are down choose one of the many walks or cycle trails. to earth and welcoming, and with over 20 You can unwind in the community garden years’ experience in the business, they are and children can enjoy the freedom of the hospitality experts. natural wildwoods play area. Their charming home and B&B Visitors can stay in one of the traditional Drom-Na-Gainne, in the idyllic, serene cottages that have been refurbished with a foothills of the Sperrin Mountains is cosy contemporary twist. For those summer days and modern. Breege takes great pride in her and bright evenings, guests can make use delicious home-cooked breakfasts. of the spacious BBQ area. The restaurant, Drumaneir Cottage is a delightful self- which produces hearty dishes using catering accommodation, that features a seasonal and local produce, overlooks the BBQ house and secure children’s play area. natural bogland and pond. Vincent grew up a stone’s throw away and is This intriguing building, designed to constantly thinking of ideas to enhance this reflect the archaeology sites in the area is

64 65