Historic venues in Mid Ulster set to open for the public

This year’s programme features a wide variety of special events such as walking tours, history re-enactments and film screenings.

With all events free of charge and many family friendly, everyone can take the opportunity to step back in time.

It will be held over two days - Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. Locations in the Cookstown area opening for the weekend include Lissan House and Demesne and Derryloran Church. The historic Lissan House is nestled in 267 acres of spectacular parkland and forestry.

Reputedly the oldest surviving stately home in Ulster, visitors to the property can join a guided tour and experience over 500 years of built heritage whilst also enjoying entertaining stories of the eccentric family who lived in it! Learn how the last lady of Lissan did all she could to preserve her historic family home for the nation.

Derryloran Church occupies the site of a pre-Norman church associated with St. Luran. Locations in the Magherafelt area opening for the weekend include the Bridewell and Maghera Church. The Bridewell is the old Gaol and courthouse and was built by the Salters’ Company from London during the Plantation of Ulster. It is a familiar landmark at the bottom of Magherafelt’s Broad Street and will host a day of living history. A guided tour will take you through the experience of what life was like for the prisoners.

Some events require pre-booking. To avoid disappointment check out the Discover Northern Ireland website.