Things to do

For the family

For the cyclist

The countryside boasts a variety of terrains suitable for differing classes of cyclist, from mountain biking to forest tracks and road routes, each passing through many of the areas scenic beauty spots. Gortin is also incorporated as part of the National Cycle Network and plays host to the annual Sperrins Cycling Festival. Bicycle hire is available locally.

For the angler

The quiet rivers and streams in the Gortin area are an angler’s paradise. The Owenkillew River is renowned locally for its abundance of Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout. Spend your days exploring the rivers and your evenings unwinding in the company of local folk enjoying the good food and hospitality. Visitor fishing licences are available.

For the Canoeist

For the more adventurous canoeing on the Glenelly and Owenkillew rivers and Gortin Lakes provides a challenge. The rivers incorporate 6 miles of easy-to-medium white water (grade 2-3 white water).

Conference / Team Building

Generate new ideas for business development and get the most from your staff team in the stimulating ambience of Gortin Conference Suite where full conference facilities and office services are available. Your business can also benefit from some of the more challenging team building programmes and organisational effectiveness assessments at this superb venue.

Youth / Sports Outings

Gortin Accommodation Suite and Activity Centre have played host to many successful sports teams where accommodation and indoor and outdoor sports facilities combine to make this the perfect training venue. The teams find the change in training regime, challenging terrain and variety of activities greatly assist in building a renewed sense of team spirit.

For the Nature Enthusiast

The lover of nature and the searcher of scenic beauty will find enchantment roaming this countryside. The village is overlooked by the Boorin Wood Nature Reserve with its varied animal life abundant with the Fox, Badger, Squirrel and with Otters, Feral Mink, Irish Hare and the Stoat. Among the bird life you can find the Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrow-hawk, Kestrel, Owls, Grey Heron, Mallard, Moor-hens, Red Grouse, Pheasant and Goldcrest.

Families can relax in Gortin Accommodation Suite in the knowledge that the kids will be entertained in the on-site play park or playing in either the outdoor or indoor sports facilities. You can also explore the forest tracks, view the waterfalls and variety of wildlife in the Gortin Glen Forest Park or take the short trip to Aladdin’s Kingdom Fun House, Mr Tumbles Fun House or Barrontop Fun Farm. Swimming Pool and Tennis Courts are available a short distance away in Omagh. Local restaurants and entertainment venues welcome families.

For the walker

The variety of landscape, panoramic views and peace and solitude of this unspoilt countryside make it a must for those who enjoy walking. The Ulster Way passes close to the village offering walks from 1.5 to 10 miles. The Gortin and Bessybell trails are ideal for hill walkers. 5 of the Sperrin Mountains rise to over 2000ft. Packed lunches and guides can be arranged for groups if pre-booked.

For the Culture / Heritage Seeker

Soak up some of the culture of the area, which is rich in natural and archaeological heritage and folklore. The landscape contains a wealth of information about the way of life of our ancestors with the remains of settlements, ritual sites and tombs dating as far back as 4000BC. Their story is told in the Ulster American Folk Park which is well worth a visit. The people of the Sperrins are still celebrating their culture through local festivals and events and always extend a warm welcome to visitors who come to enjoy the heart and soul of rural Ireland. Join in with the music and ‘craic’ at any one of the many Ceile houses. From May to September there is a full programme of Irish music festivals featuring top Irish Folk bands, as well as regular music sessions, dancing and storytelling evenings.