County Tyrone

County Tyrone
source
Name	County Tyrone
Native name	Contae Thír Eoghain
Settlement type	County
Coordinates	54, 36, N, 7...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United Kingdom
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Northern Ireland
Subdivision type2	Province
Subdivision name2	Ulster
Seat type	County town
Seat	Omagh
Area total km2	3263
Area rank	1st
Population total	177,986
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Greenwich Mean Time
Utc offset	±0
Timezone DST	British Summer Time
Utc offset DST	+1
Blank name sec1	Vehicle index mark code
Blank info sec1	GZ, OZ

County Tyrone. It is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland and the largest of the nine counties of the historic Ulster province. The county town is Omagh, with other significant settlements including Cookstown, Strabane, and Dungannon. The landscape is dominated by the Sperrin Mountains and is bordered by Lough Neagh and the River Blackwater.

Geography

The terrain is largely hilly, with the Sperrin Mountains forming a significant range in the north, home to peaks like Sawel Mountain. Major waterways include the River Mourne, which converges with the River Finn at Strabane to form the River Foyle, and the River Blackwater which flows into Lough Neagh. The county shares borders with County Londonderry, County Armagh, County Fermanagh, County Monaghan, and County Donegal, with a small frontier with County Cavan. Notable natural features are the Gortin Glen Forest Park and the Drum Manor Forest Park.

History

Historically part of the Tír Eoghain kingdom of the O'Neill dynasty, the area was heavily contested during the Tudor conquest of Ireland. The Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century saw significant settlement by Scottish and English colonists, altering the demographic and political landscape. It was a focal point during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the Williamite War in Ireland, including the Battle of the Boyne. In the 20th century, the county was central to the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Partition of Ireland, becoming part of Northern Ireland upon its creation in 1921. The latter half of the century was marked by The Troubles, with events such as the Omagh bombing occurring in 1998.

Demographics

According to the 2011 United Kingdom census, the population was approximately 177,986. A majority of the population identifies as Catholic, with a significant Protestant minority, reflecting the broader religious demographics of Northern Ireland. The Irish language maintains a presence, particularly in areas like Carrickmore and through institutions such as Gaelscoil na gCrann. Key urban centres, including Omagh, Cookstown, and Dungannon, have seen population growth, while the Good Friday Agreement era has influenced community relations and demographic patterns.

Economy

Traditionally reliant on agriculture and linen production, the economy has diversified into manufacturing, services, and retail. Major employers include the Moy Park poultry processing plant in Dungannon and the Brett Martin manufacturing company. The public sector is a significant employer, with offices for the Western Health and Social Care Trust and Omagh District Council. The tourism sector is growing, centred on attractions like the Ulster American Folk Park and the Beaghmore stone circles.

Culture and landmarks

The county has a rich cultural heritage in Gaelic games, with strong traditions in Gaelic football and hurling; the Tyrone GAA team has won multiple All-Ireland Senior Football Championship titles. Musical traditions are upheld by bands like The Priests and the annual Stendhal Festival. Historical landmarks include the Hill of The O'Neill in Dungannon, the well-preserved Tullyhogue Fort, and the Grey Abbey in Omagh. The Sperrin Mountains are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and contain archaeological sites such as the Beaghmore stone circles.

Governance

For local administration, the county is divided between several districts of Northern Ireland, including Mid-Ulster District, Derry City and Strabane District, and Fermanagh and Omagh District. It is part of several Westminster constituencies such as Fermanagh and South Tyrone (UK Parliament constituency) and Mid Ulster (UK Parliament constituency). In the Northern Ireland Assembly, it is represented within constituencies like West Tyrone (Assembly constituency) and Fermanagh and South Tyrone (Assembly constituency). The county is part of the European Union's Northern Ireland (European Parliament constituency).

Category:County Tyrone Category:Counties of Northern Ireland Category:Counties of Ulster