10 Best Things To Do In Dungannon, UK

1. Explore The Argory

Rich in history, The Argory is a villa with Greek revival architecture, and it was formerly owned by the Bond family who turned it over to the National Trust in 1979. Outside the property, you can enjoy a host of fun family activities. Along the Blackwater River, for instance, you can go for a leisurely walk, and as you stroll along, you will spot some kingfishers. These colorful birds are a sight to behold for kids, with their bright blue and orange hues.

For a relaxing walk, you can head to Lime Tree walk, which outdoor lovers will have fun exploring. Line with pollarded lime trees, this area is a canopy of greeneries, and it can be accessed after passing through the estate’s oak plantation.

The Argory

Address: 144 Derrycaw Rd, Dungannon BT71 6NA, United Kingdom

Website: Argory

Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 11am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

2. Marvel at a castle in Castlecaulfield

A small village set in County Tyrone, Castecaufield lies west of Dungannon. Its main attraction is Castle Caufield, a historic landmark that was originally a 17th century fortified house. It was built and owned by Sir Toby Caufield, around a 1,000-acre (405-hectare) plantation granted to him. The ruins of the castle have remained intact despite the passage of time and are worth exploring for its historical significance.

Visiting Castlecaufield is best in summer when the town participates in the annual “Ulster in Bloom” competition and when the bay area is lined with beautiful flowers, which are a magnificent sight.

You will find Parkanour Forest Park nearby, with its main estate, Parkanour House. This estate is also worth admiring because of its Tudor revival architectural style.

Castlecaulfield

Address: Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland BT70 1AB

3. Catch a fish at Dungannon Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Measuring 70 acres (28 hectares), Dungannon Park is situated in Tyrone, and it boasts a 12-acre (5-hectare) fishery as its main attraction. The lake is filled regularly with rainbow trout, and a diverse set of aquatic insects can be found in and around the area. Fishing enthusiasts will have a fun day here, engaging in their favorite hobby. For those who are beginners at fishing, worry not, because angling instructions are available through prior booking.

If fishing is not your cup of tea, the park has several other attractions worth exploring, such as a caravan and campsite, which families will enjoy, as it is complete with basic amenities, including ample space for tents. This site is perfect for those planning an overnight stay.

Dungannon Park

Address: Moy Rd, Tyrone, Dungannon BT71 6DY, United Kingdom

Website: Dungannon Park

Opening hours: 8:30am - 9:30pm (daily)

4. Check out Donaghmore High Cross

For history lovers, Donaghmore High Cross is a historical landmark to see in Dungannon. Carved with 17th-century stones, the high cross is one of the best preserved in this part of the town.

As you walk around the landmark, you will notice different panels that depict select biblical scenes, ideal for the faithful or those searching for a deeper understanding of the faith. Worth visiting are panels showcasing scenes from both the Old and the New testaments, including Adam and Eve, Baptism of Jesus, The Feast in Cana, Crucifixion, and Resurrection.

Donaghmore High Cross

Address: 3HD, Castlecaulfield Rd, Dungannon, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Learn about history at Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House

You will have a taste of history when you visit Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House, which was formerly a stronghold of a noble family that ruled the Ulster region for more than four decades. A retelling of this family’s story awaits visitors through a multimedia exhibit.

However, for those wanting to see the place first-hand, guided tours are available at the visitor center, so they can see how this beautiful Victorian landmark has been successfully restored.

Apart from the tours, the venue regularly holds live shows in its Square Box performance center, which can seat 90 guests. Conference facilities are likewise available for people coming in for business and leisure, and they are complemented by a coffee shop that serves both coffee and tea.

Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House

Address: 26 Market Square, Tyrone, Dungannon BT70 1AB, United Kingdom

Website: Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

6. See the white fallow deer at Parkanaur Forest Park

On the western end of Dungannon, just 4 miles (6 kilometers) away, Parkanaur Forest Park covers 200 acres (81 hectares), and it is known for its lines of deciduous and conifer trees, which make it a definite treat for nature lovers. Hikers will find the marked trails helpful in guiding them through the forest that starts and ends in the parking area. Worth seeing are large beech and oak trees of the forest that eventually lead to a flowerbed garden.

Tourists will find the place most lovely during the spring season when rhododendrons and daffodils are in full bloom. Wildlife enthusiasts, on the other hand, will be awed when they encounter the white fallow deer.

Parkanaur Forest Park

Address: Castlecaulfield Road, Dungannon BT70 3PQ Northern Ireland

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

7. Appreciate nature at Annaginny Fishery & Park Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For an enjoyable vacation with the little ones, the place to head off to is Annaginny Fishery & Park Farm. This place is literally filled with animals that one can readily find on a farm. These include deer, donkeys, ducks, hens, rabbits, ostriches, and many more.

A guided nature tour aboard a tractor is available, and a nearby lake offers fishing for guests who prefer to stay near the water. Catching a few carp will not be difficult here, but if help is needed, you can avail of fishing lessons.

If a one-day sojourn is not enough, you don’t have to worry because overnight camping is most welcome. You will wake up to sounds of chickens the morning after.

Annaginny Fishery & Park Farm

Address: 40 Annaginny Rd, Dungannon BT71 4DZ, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 9am - 9pm

Price: Adults: 4 EUR (5.5 USD), Kids: 2 EUR (2.8 USD), Family: 10 EUR (13.8 USD)

8. Dine at Viscounts Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When it comes to delicious dishes, Viscounts Restaurant has got every type of customer covered. The diverse menu makes residents and tourists return to the establishment, which offers a variety of dishes, including tempura chicken, barbecue pulled pork with crispy onions, pan-fried tiger prawns, and seared king scallops.

For the little ones, the menu can range from a full meal of beff stroganoff with rice to a tasty snack of southern fried chicken burger with mayonnaise and lettuce. Those with a sweet tooth can have their fill of a crunchy cheesecake or a berry pavlova while wine lovers get to select from a collection of red, white, rose, and sparkling champagne.

Viscounts Restaurant

Address: 10 Northland Row, Dungannon BT71 6AP, United Kingdom

Website: Viscounts Restaurant

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

9. Take a stroll along Bond's Bridge

Bond’s Bridge is set at The Argory and is part of the famed Argory estate, which was turned over by its former owners, the Bond family, to the National Trust more than four decades ago. The bridge is a popular spot for anglers, so fishing aficionados will find the place worth seeing.

Visitors who are not into fishing can opt to take a leisurely walk in and around the area before settling for a fun snack in the picnic area where several tables have been set up.

Bond's Bridge

Address: Unnamed Road, Dungannon BT71 6LZ, United Kingdom

Website: Bond’s Bridge

10. Hang out at Maghery Country Park

Maghery Country Park, which sits on 30 acres (12 hectares) of land features woodland walks, an ideal spot for those who love taking strolls. Beyond the woodland walks are picnic areas where you can relax, enjoy a quick snack, or bond with your family.

The park sits along the shores of Lough Neagh, so you can go canoeing and fishing here. You will spot some crested grebes if you’re here during summer.

Moreover, the park is a great place for anglers who will have fun catching eels, which are long-time residents of Lough Neagh.

Maghery Country Park

Address: Derrylee Rd, Dungannon BT71 6NS, United Kingdom

Website: Maghery Country Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

A family holiday in Dungannon

A family trip to Dungannon is worth planning. After discovering all these top attractions, you will want to come back again. Your little ones will certainly remember the town as a magical place when they grow up.