Tullaghoge Fort

Full Description

Tullaghoge Fort is a hilltop with a story, and it lands differently once children know what happened there. This was a royal power centre, and from the 11th century it was the inauguration place of the O'Neills — the spot where chieftains were made.

What You'll Find

A royal power centre that came to prominence in the 11th century as a dynastic centre and inaugural place for Cenél nEógain, later the O'Neills.

From its hilltop position it commands wide views of the surrounding countryside and is visible for miles around. Interpretation panels on site explain what you're looking at.

It is a State Care monument cared for by the Department for Communities, and entry is free.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓The walk up the hill — the sense of arriving somewhere
• ✓The views from the top
• ✓Hearing the story of how chieftains were inaugurated here
• ✓Reading the panels and working out what's left of the earthworks

Before You Visit

The site is off the Tullywiggan Road at Tullaghoge, near Cookstown (BT80 8UB).

The entrance is on a difficult corner, with a small car park at the foot of the hill and an uphill path from there to the fort. Coach parking is available.

The map pin marks the fort itself rather than the car park, so watch for the entrance on the corner as you approach.

Entry is free and the site is open to the public, though access can be restricted during works, so check before you visit.

There are no toilets or café facilities on site, and good shoes are worth it for the climb.

Top Tips

• ⭐Tell the story before you climb — it turns a hill into a place
• ⭐Take the uphill path steady and give little legs time
• ⭐Pair it with a play park in Cookstown so the day gives everyone something
• ⭐Check access before travelling; the Department for Communities sometimes restricts the site during works