Discover Newtownstewart: Castles, River Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Newtownstewart combines distinctive architectural history with the river landscape of the River Strule. If you are planning a trip to Northern Ireland and looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, you can choose between historical discoveries, waterside walks, fishing experiences and a signposted cycle route here.

Castles and Historical Traces

Newtownstewart Castle was built around 1619 by Sir Robert Newcomen. Its three gables facing the road are particularly striking. The interior arcades recall a later use of the building: in the 19th century, the castle served as the town’s marketplace. An intact Bronze Age double cist tomb with a capstone was also discovered at Newtownstewart Castle. This means that the history of the area extends far beyond the construction period of the castle.

The Newtownstewart Conservation Area is also important for understanding the town’s history. It was designated in April 1993 as an area of special architectural or historic interest. The six-arched Old Bridge, built in 1727, stands on the site of the former ford. Anyone who would like to get an overview before visiting can use the comprehensive guide by Derry City and Strabane to the heritage sites of Newtownstewart and Sion Mills.

Barons Court was built between 1779 and 1782 in the area around Newtownstewart. Tours of Barons Court are available by prior appointment and last approximately 90 minutes. Harry Avery’s Castle is also nearby and is believed to have been built around 1320 by a local chief of the O’Neill clan. The site is considered unusual because Irish chiefs of that period rarely built stone castles. An agreement on key management was reached to improve public access to Newtownstewart Castle.

The River Strule, Green Spaces and Active Excursions

Vaughan’s Holm is an open green space on a bend of the River Strule in Newtownstewart. The site is surrounded by the river on three sides, creating a circular route. For a quieter part of your day’s itinerary, this place offers a clear connection between green space and water without requiring a longer route.

Fishing is also one of the documented activities around Newtownstewart. The Omagh Anglers Association’s fishing access extends downstream of the town and includes the River Strule. Sea trout can generally be caught around Newtownstewart from June onwards. Anyone interested in cycling can include the Newtownstewart to Strabane Cycle Route in their plans. It begins in Newtownstewart and follows the signposting for NCN Route 92.

The landscape also includes Bessy Bell, which reaches an elevation of 420 metres in the area around Newtownstewart and forms part of the Sperrin Mountain Range. Newtownstewart Golf Club lies at the foot of Bessy Bell in the parkland of Baronscourt. Thus, the wider area brings together the river, open green spaces, historic sites and a distinctive hilly landscape. The built heritage and historic surroundings also provide both a setting and a source of inspiration for a lively local arts and culture sector.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Newtownstewart, it is worth deciding first what you would most like to focus on. For culture-oriented trips, Newtownstewart Castle, Old Bridge, the Conservation Area and the castles in the surrounding area are the main attractions. If you would rather spend time by the water, Vaughan’s Holm, the River Strule and seasonal sea trout fishing can shape your plans. For an active trip, the signposted cycle route or the landscape around Bessy Bell can serve as points of reference.

If you are planning a tour of Barons Court, you should take the necessary appointment into account before travelling. You can then choose accommodation according to your personal rhythm and planned excursions without limiting your stay to just one type of experience.

More Destinations for Your Travel Plans

If you would like to combine Newtownstewart with other places in the surrounding area, here are the nearest points of interest: Strabane, Castlederg, Omagh.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tyrone.