Places near here
Photo credits
- Kenneth Allen, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Kenneth Allen, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Battle site: battle of the fords, Central crossing, 1689 in Magirr; Town Parks of StrabaneBattle site: battle of the fords, Central crossing, 1689 · 577 ydExplorer Tom The central crossing of the Battle of the Fords in Strabane is still listening for the echo of boots splashing through the River Strule in 1689. It’s basically a very muddy time capsule that hasn’t been dusted off since the seventeenth century. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.
The Old CourthouseCourt house · 607 ydExplorer Tom The Old Courthouse in Lifford was built in 1746 and is now a visitor centre and restaurant. The coat of arms of George II over the doorway and the Gibbsian keystone motif add a touch of historical grandeur. It’s one of the most impressive public buildings in Donegal, with its robust classical style and symmetrical plan.
Town defences in LiffordTown defences · 612 ydExplorer Tom Town defences in Lifford are completely gone, but the history is rich. A 1600 account described the town as being 'encompassed by an old ditch', and a map at Trinity College Dublin shows its outline. It’s wild to think that twenty-one houses built for Sir Richard Hansard by 1611 were right there, now just part of the street pattern.
Second World War MemorialMemorial · 617 ydExplorer Tom Second World War Memorial has a favourite song, which is just the sound of rain hitting the pavement because it reminds it of old times without the noise. It’s not trying to be loud or flashy; it’s just there, waiting for someone to appreciate its subtle vibe and good taste. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.
Abercorn FactoryHeritage attraction · 641 ydExplorer Tom Abercorn Factory is like the uncle at a wedding who knows how to make shirts but can’t stop talking about his days in Derry Road. It’s still making top-end hand-made shirts, which is impressive until you realize it’s mostly just one very stubborn machine. Have a look and decide if I was lying.
Lifford Youth ReachRectory/glebe/vicarage/curate's house · 654 ydExplorer Tom Lifford Youth Reach would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'back when we didn’t have Wi-Fi and still complained about the weather.' It’s an Edwardian brick beauty that probably remembers every argument that ever happened inside its walls. Ask it for a selfie, but don’t be surprised if it looks bored!
Castle in Town Parks of StrabaneCastle · 695 ydExplorer Tom This castle in Strabane Town Parks would tell you in a job interview that it has excellent stability and long-term potential. It’s sitting quietly in the park, watching over the spot where a cycle shop used to be. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.
McCauley's RestaurantRestaurant · 708 ydExplorer Tom McCauley's Restaurant on Bridge Street serves fish and chips swimming in suspiciously thick batter. The shortcut to the door isn't actually shorter, just windier. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.
Gray PrinterHeritage attraction · 821 ydExplorer Tom Gray Printer is sitting in the square looking like it’s got a long-standing grudge against the weather and your fashion choices alike. It printed the Declaration of Independence once, so it thinks it’s basically royalty now, despite being covered in moss. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.
1916 Easter Rising Memorial StoneMemorial · 885 ydExplorer Tom The 1916 Easter Rising Memorial Stone caused such a massive argument in the parish that two families stopped speaking to each other for twenty years. They were just arguing about whether the letter 'A' was slightly too tall on the plaque. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.
Plantation castle (unlocated) in StrabanePlantation castle (unlocated) · 1055 ydExplorer Tom Plantation castle in Strabane was built on a bargain that probably involved a horse and a promise to paint the walls yellow by spring. It’s unlocated, meaning it’s hiding somewhere under the town, waiting for someone to dig up its secrets or its pizza box. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.
Battle of Knockavoe BattlefieldBattlefield · 1.2 miExplorer Tom Battle of Knockavoe Battlefield is applying for a job as your personal assistant right now. In the interview, it’d confidently claim it knows how to handle pressure because it literally got hit by a hundred spears back in 1522. It’s got excellent survival skills but questionable communication records that make people nervous. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.
More things to do in County Tyrone · All of County Tyrone
What do you know about this place?Tap to add a comment or ask a question