A northern Ireland town has been named one fo the “best places to visit” in the whole of the UK this year, thanks to its mix of history, culture, nature, entertainment and much more
An Irish town has been named one of the best places to visit in the UK (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
One of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland has been named and it’s not the usual favourites like Belfast or Derry/Londonderry.
The UK is home to a plethora of stunning beauty spots, with a range of peaceful golden beaches, rugged and moody terrains, rolling green hills, quirky and colourful towns, dense and expansive woodlands, and plenty more besides.
Despite being a fairly small nation, there’s still an elaborate network of differing destinations well worth visiting, from the impressive heights of Eryri/Snowdonia in Wales, and the serene glacial and fells of the Lake District in England, to the seemingly endless dramatic coastlines of Scotland, and the history and intrigue of the Mourne Wall on home turf; the options feel rather limitless.
This is especially true of the diverse towns dotted throughout the UK, so if you’re keen to explore the nation, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide on a destination.
With that in mind, Time Out has issued a round-up of “the 14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026” – and a Northern Ireland town has made the cut.
Though there’s no shortage of spectacular sites on offer throughout our country, it’s Omagh which was spotlighted by Time Out.
The historic market town is found in County Tyrone and is approximately 68 miles west of Belfast.
It’s famously branded the gateway to the Sperrin Mountains, securing its popularity among nature lovers, but it’s also an ideal spot for history enthusiasts and those craving a bit of culture and interest.
Time Out praised “the walking and biking trails of Gortin Glen Forest, the slightly-further-afield mountains of the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” as well as Davagh Forest Dark Sky Park, which boasts skies that are around 30 to 40 times darker than major cities, allowing opportunities to see the majestic Northern Lights.
It’s accredited as an IDA International Dark Sky Park – one of just 85 places in the world to be awarded such.
In addition, Time Out was keen to draw attention to the beloved open-air museum Ulster American Folk Park, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
2026 is also the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA and the joint celebrations are being marked with a string of events to make the most of the occasion.
That’s not all, though. Omagh is also home to a vibrant traditional Irish music scene, with plenty of pubs showcasing live sessions.
Similarly, The Strule Arts Centre hosts musical performances and theatre shows, as well as comedy, music and dance workshops, exhibitions and much more.
Of why to visit Omagh specifically in 2026, Time Out said: “Ireland, and particularly Northern Ireland, has strong links to America.
“Even if you’re not Irish or American, however, you’ll want to make the most of Omagh’s historic sites during the big two-five-oh year and soak up the pride that the town has in those that left it for a new life across the ocean.”
