the experience
The home house is the perfect place for a getaway in the north-west. The idyllic location, secluded on a hillside overlooking the Sperrins, as the Glenelly river winds its way into Plumbridge, will leave you enchanted and inspired.
If you fancy an adventure, you are in the optimal place to explore the entire northwest, with mountains, forests, cultural attractions and the stunning beaches of the north coast all within range of a day trip.
experience the silence
Sperrin Mountains
experience the silence of the Sperrins…
Distance: You are right here!
The silence of the Sperrins is its own unique heartbeat. Rolling hills and small holdings dotted across the landscape, painted on a backdrop of bogland, are emblematic of the place and speak to a mystical and majestic history. Experience a snapshot of this mystique by visiting the Giants of the Sperrins, located in Glenelly (Nowanois, the storystellers), the Gortin Glen Forest Park (Darach, the guardian) and at the OM Dark Sky Observatory (Ceoldán, the stargazer).
The Sperrins is a lesser explored paradise for hikers, walkers, cyclists and e-bikers. We highly recommend to explore the routes of the Glenelly Valley, visting Barnes Gap, Sawel and Dart mountains, and recovering afterwards in the pubs of Plumbridge, where you might be lucky enough to stumble upon a traditional Irish folk music seisiún.
…and the night sky
Distance: 35 minute drive
There are only 78 places around the world with official “International Dark Sky” accreditation. The OM Dark Sky Observatory and Park located in Davagh forest is one of them, and it is only a 35 minute drive from The Home House. The visitor centre and astronomy tour is extremely engaging and educational for children and adults alike. The observatory is located in Davagh forest which offers walking and biking opportunities in an extremely remote and unique landscape. Adjacent to the OM Dark Sky Observatory you can visit the Beaghmore Stone Circles, a brilliantly excavated formation of standing stones, and stone circles from the neolithic period (about 4000 – 6000 years ago).
experience the North Coast
Dunluce Castle | Giants’ Causeway | White Rocks Strand
experience the North Coast
Distance: 1 hr drive
With its abundance of beaches and cultural highlights, the North Coast is the perfect day trip destination to mix up your experience at The Home House. Dunluce Castle, dating from the 13th century sits stunningly on an outreach between White Rocks Strand and the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giants’ Causeway. For golf enthusiasts, you can plan a day on the course which hosted The Open Championship three times, most recently in 2025, and is widely considered one of the best golf courses in the world; Royal Portrush. Alternatively, spend a day surfing on our favourite beach, White Rocks Strand, and get a wonderful dinner afterwards at The Tides Restaurant, The Harbour Bar or Coast Bar & Restaurant. If you are interested in the history of Irish Whiskey, call in to the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world; Bushmills Distillery.
Located only approximately 1 hour drive from The Home House, the North Coast is definitely worth exploring.
experience Seamus Heaney
Homeplace
experience Seamus Heaney
Distance: 50 minute drive
Born in Bellaghy, Co. Derry, in 1939, Seamus Heaney grew up in modest, humble surroundings, in a community similar to what exists around you here in The Home House. This upbringing and connection to land, people and place formed a common theme in much of his written work. Seamus Heaney is a giant amongst a long list of influential Irish writers, poets and playwrights, and a gift to local people seeking solitude, inspiration and meditation in his work. In 1995 Seamus was recognised for his unique contribution to his profession with the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Other great local writers you may want to research include Flann O’Brien (Strabane) and Brian Friel (Knockmoyle, Omagh).
Seamus Heaney HomePlace is a visitor centre located in Bellaghy dedicated to his life and work. Check out their website for upcoming events, as they host regular intimate concerts, literacy readings, workshops and “an evening with…” events. Seamus Heaney Homeplace is a must see.
experience EuroVelo 1
Cycling
experience EuroVelo 1
Distance: We are on the route!
Cyclists searching for tranquillity and paradise will find it on EuroVelo 1. Following Europe’s mighty western border, reaching from Scandinavia to Portugal and Galicia, the Atlantic Coast Route, EuroVelo 1, visits the majestic fjords of Norway, the wild Irish coastline, the rough cliffs of Brittany and the sun-kissed beaches of Portugal. The route passes through the lesser-known village of Plumbridge where the home house is waiting for you to rest up and relax. Along the EuroVelo 1 route you will not only be seduced by bustling port cities and cosy fishing villages, but you will be impressed by dramatic landscapes, historic monuments and quaint villages including the Sperrins, An Grainan of Aileach fort which you will pass on your route, and the village of Plumbridge.
experience our people, and their place
Ulster American Folk Park
experience our people, their place, and their story
Distance: 20 minute drive
No experience quite compares to a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park, when it comes to understanding and respecting the lives that shaped this very valley. Much like the glaciers that crept through and formed its’ physical appearance, the social, economic, political and cultural events of the 18th and 19th centuries left a profound impact on the families, people, land and place.
The Ulster American Folk Park is a living museum which tells the story of the emigration of people who lived in houses and places exactly like the home house during this period. It is an essential visit to learn more about lives left behind, the hardships endured on the journey and the pioneering spirit of building new lives in a new land. Personally, we love the unique immersive experience of visiting the Ulster American Folk Park and highly recommend it!
In July and August, do not miss the Bluegrass festival or Bluegrass BBQ days hosted there too!
15 McCullaghstown Rd. Plumbridge. Omagh. Co. Tyrone. BT79 8AL, Email: team@thehomehouse.co.uk
