Adjoining the south-western shore of Lough Neagh, County Tyrone is the largest of Northern Ireland's six counties. It is bordered to the south-east by County Armagh, to the south-west by County Fermanagh, while County Londonderry lies to the north-west.

Tyrone is a county of rugged natural beauty, rich with variety. Starting at the shores of Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Northern Ireland, the unspoilt peatlands of East Tyrone gradually rise in the distance. Windswept moors, lush forest parks and wooded valleys wend their way to hillier terrain in the west, including the spectacular Sperrin Mountains. This wonderfully diverse landscape makes the county a haven for wildlife. The River Foyle is popular destination for anglers, while hill walkers and cyclists have the chance to see deer, foxes, badgers, red kites and more. Unfortunately, we can't guarantee any monkeys!

The landscape of County Tyrone also reveals the county's rich heritage stretching back over 6000 years. The countryside is peppered with ancient monuments that trace the history of Tyrone. Built around 3500 BC, Creggandevesky Court Tomb is one of the finest examples of Neolithic court tombs, common to the north of the country. The Beaghmore peat bog near Cookstown has a dense concentration of Bronze Age stone circles, the first of which is thought to date from 3000 BC. Moving forward in time, visitors will find myriad abbeys, monasteries, castles and picturesque villages, each with their own stories.

Although a border county, Tyrone escaped the worst of The Troubles. However, the town of Omagh earned a place in history as the scene of one of the most devastating attacks. In 1998, a car bomb was planted in the centre of Omagh by dissident members of the Real IRA opposed to the Good Friday Agreement. The explosion killed 29 civilians and wounding over 200 others. Fortunately, the attack failed to destabilise the peace process. Instead, it served as a catalyst, and stood as a stark reminder of why the peace process was of so important. A monument and memorial garden now stand in the town centre as testament to this tragic day.

County Tyrone has much to offer visitors, and it isn't hard to see why. Stunning vistas, abundant wildlife and history combine to make it a destination well worth exploring, preferably at a leisurely pace. Tyrone is one of the friendliest places in Northern Ireland, and visitors are assured a warm welcome.