Discover Newtownstewart

Newtownstewart can be explored through three distinct themes: the town’s built heritage, historic sites in the surrounding area, and activities on the River Strule or along a signposted cycle route. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, first consider which focus best suits your travel plans. The places and visiting conditions below offer some specific points to consider.

Architectural history in the town

Newtownstewart Castle was built around 1619 by Sir Robert Newcomen. Its three street-facing gables define its exterior appearance. Inside, the arcades date from the building’s use as the town’s marketplace in the 19th century. An intact Bronze Age double cist grave with a capstone was also discovered at the castle. Its architecture, former civic use and archaeological find therefore point to different periods in history.

An agreement on key management, announced on 30 September 2025, was intended to improve public access to Newtownstewart Castle. Before your visit, check which arrangements are currently in place. In April 1993, Newtownstewart Conservation Area was designated an area of special architectural or historic interest. Another distinctive structure is the six-arched Old Bridge: it stands on the site of the former ford in Newtownstewart and was built in 1727.

Castles in the surrounding area

In the area around Newtownstewart, Harry Avery's Castle is believed to have been built around 1320 by a local chieftain of the O’Neill clan. The site is considered unusual because Irish chieftains of that period rarely built stone castles. Also in the surrounding area, Barons Court was built between 1779 and 1782. The presumed origins of Harry Avery's Castle and the construction period of Barons Court offer distinct historical perspectives.

Tours of Barons Court are available by prior appointment and last around 90 minutes. If you’re planning a tour, check before travelling whether an appointment is available. This makes it easy to plan this visit separately from the historic sites in the town.

River Strule, paths and landscape

Vaughan's Holm is an open green space on a bend of the River Strule in Newtownstewart. As the site is surrounded by the river on three sides, it offers a circular walk; please take local conditions into account. Here, the river shapes both the location of the green space and the route of the walk.

The Omagh Anglers Association’s fishing access extends to below Newtownstewart and includes the River Strule. Sea trout can usually be caught around the town from June onwards. Before fishing, check current permits and regulations, as well as local conditions.

The Newtownstewart to Strabane Cycle starts in Newtownstewart and follows the NCN Route 92 signs. Signage and conditions may change, so check both before setting off. Newtownstewart Golf Club is at the foot of Bessy Bell, in the parkland of Baronscourt. Nearby, Bessy Bell rises to 420 metres and is part of the Sperrin Mountain Range.

Discover local heritage

The built heritage and the wider historic surroundings provide a distinctive setting and source of inspiration for the local arts and culture sector. Derry City and Strabane provides a comprehensive guide to the heritage sites of Newtownstewart and Sion Mills. It helps visitors discover the historical significance of local heritage sites.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Omagh, Castlederg, Strabane.

Return to the main travel overview: Tyrone.