This includes Nobel prize winning poet Seamus Heaney who was born near Castledawson, and Olympic medal winning cyclist Wendy Houvenaghel (nee McLean) who hails from Upperlands.
Here is a selection of well known people who were born in or are closely connected to the area. Can you think of any other famous faces that hail from the district?
5. Tommy Hughes
Maghera born distance runner Tommy Hughes represented Ireland at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. He has been running for five decades and is aiming to be the first person over 60 to break the 2 hour 30 minute barrier for the marathon. Pic: Press Eye Photo: Contributed
6. Stuart Dallas
Northern Ireland International and Leeds United player Stuart Dallas was born in Cookstown. Pic: Getty Images Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA
7. Dennis Taylor
Born in Coalisland, Dennis Taylor is best known for winning the 1985 World Snooker Championship, beating defending champion Steve Davis. Pic: Getty Images Photo: VCG
8. Harry Gregg
Harry Gregg was born in Tobermore and played in goals for Matt Busby during his management of Manchester United. Gregg survived the Munich air disaster in 1958. Pic Getty Images Photo: Charles McQuillan