Location
Hawthorn Cottage is a pretty, cosy cottage nestled in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, in a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. This old Blacksmith's cottage is situated close to the small village of Greencastle, a short 3-4 minute stroll from the local Costcutter Supermarket , Eddie's Pub and Mountain View Equestrian Riding School. It has recently been renovated and has every modern amenity you would hope for as well as an open turf fire! A haven 'away from it all', Hawthorn Cottage is still only a short drive from historic sites and places of interest, including Davagh Forest Mountainbiking Track(opening March 2013), The Gortin Glens Forest Park and The Ulster American Folk Park which is one of Northern Ireland's top tourist attractions. The local archaeological sites include the Aughascribba Ogham Standing Stone which is within walking distance and the ancient stone circles at Beaghmore which are only a 15 minute drive away as are a number of anciental wedge tombs. The surrounding rugged countryside provides plenty of opportunity for those who enjoy walking or cycling or simply want to take in the natural beauty of the area.
We are only a day trip from The Giants Causeway and North Antrim coast, the historic walled city of Derry(UK City of Culture 2013), The Lakes of Fernanagh, the vibrant city of Belfast with its newly opened Titanic Quarter and County Donegal with its unspoilt beaches, bays and headlands.
Facilities
Hawthorn Cottage is cosy and warm. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, living room, kitchen and utility room. The cottage sleeps 4-6 people.
The master bedroom has a king-size bed and wash stand. The second bedroom contains two single beds and an extra pull out bed. The sitting room has a double sofa-bed and an open turf fire, TV-DVD player and plenty of books and games.
The kitchen has a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, large cooker and family dining table. The utility room has a washing machine, dryer, microwave and ironing facilities. The bathroom is spacious and has a roll-top bath, heated towel rail and a separate power-shower.
There is a garden to the rear containing garden furniture and fruit trees.
If you like eggs for breakfast, our friendly hens are only too happy to provide – but watch out for the rooster!
We hope you can wind your way to our cottage door and spend a relaxing holiday or short break at our cottage – where a very warm welcome awaits you!
Various local attractions within a 20-30 minute drive include:
Award winning Ulster American Folk Park:
http://www.nmni.com/uafp#Titanic--Window-on-Emigration
Gortin Glens Forest Park: http://www.omagh.gov.uk/culture_leisure_and_tourism/things_to_do/activities/walking/item.php?id=107
Davagh Forest Park:
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/leisure-home-and-community/leisure-and-recreation/outdoor-recreation/forests/public-forests-in-northern-ireland/forests-in-county-tyrone-2/davagh-forest-park.htm
Beaghmore Stone Circle:
http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Beaghmore-Stone-Circles-Cookstown-P2949
Wellbrook Beetling Mill:
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wellbrook-beetling-mill/
Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone:
http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Aghascrebagh-Ogham-Stone-Sixmilecross-Omagh-P3175
If you fancy a show in the evening, why not check the listings in these nearby theatres:
Strule Arts Centre Omagh: http://www.struleartscentre.co.uk/
Burnavon Theatre Cookstown: http://www.burnavon.com/
Alley Theatre Strabane: http://www.alley-theatre.com/
Those who like outdoor activities will also have plenty to get up to:
Horse riding within walking distance, Mountain View Equestrian
Golf courses (Omagh http://www.omaghgolf.co.uk/, Newtownstewart http://www.newtownstewartgolfclub.com/)
Swimming pools and fitness facilities (Omagh http://www.omagh.gov.uk/culture_leisure_and_tourism/sport_and_leisure_in_omagh/omagh_leisure_complex/, Cookstown http://www.cookstown.gov.uk/sportandleisure/cookstownleisurecentre/#contentcolumn)
Rally driving: http://www.outdoorni.com/providers/783/rally-storm/
Slightly further afield, but still with 1/ 1.5 hours drive:
Giant's Causeway: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway/
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Carrick-a-Rede-Rope-Bridge-Antrim-Northern-Ireland-Ballintoy-Ballycastle-P2829
Bushmills Distillery (the world's oldest): http://www.bushmills.com/
Dunluce Castle: (http://www.northantrim.com/dunlucecastle.htm)
Glens of Antrim: http://www.causewaycoastandglens.com/Glens-of-Antrim.T438.aspx
Belfast City: http://www.gotobelfast.com/
Derry City (UK City of Culture 2013): http://www.cityofculture2013.com/Our-2013-Bid/Home.aspx
Fermanagh Lakes: http://www.fermanaghlakelands.com/
Rugged and unspoilt County Donegal: http://www.donegaldirect.com/
www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/