About
Sperrins Festival is a new three-day celebration of landscape, heritage, and community taking place across Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It aims to strengthen connections between people and place, support sustainable tourism, and provide new opportunities to learn, explore, and celebrate the area’s rich and diverse heritage and culture.
The 2026 festival hub will be based at Gortin Activity Centre, Gortin, Co.Tyrone with support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The festival itself features 5 guided walks designed for a wide range of abilities. For safety and comfort, transport will be available between the festival hub and selected event locations. Walks will be led by leading outdoor activity provider experts Far and Wild and will be complemented by a variety of talks, storytelling, music and crafts and a family fun day suitable for all ages and interests – again all delivered from the festival hub.
Please note most events will proceed in typical spring weather conditions, although severe weather may lead to adjustments or cancellations, with prebooked participants notified in advance. Dogs are not permitted on festival walks. Read more here
Fri 20th March:
‘Ancient Languages of Ireland’ is an 8km Moderate Walk from Greencastle Community Centre. It is suitable for all walkers and will visit historic sites such as Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone. Registration is at 1.30pm in Gortin Activity Centre. Walk on minor roads and tracks.
Transport is provided to and from the walk with food and C?il? afterwards at Gortin at 5.30pm.
Sat 21st March
‘Well You’re Here’ is a 4-5km Easy Walk on plant ecology in Learmount Forest suitable for everyone. The walk will include a forest-mindfulness session and visit to the Stonemason’s Cottage, hosted by local community members. Walk is on forest trails.
‘The Centre of it All’ is a Moderate Walk from Broughderg Community Centre to Davagh Forest, via the Beaghmore Stone alignments. The walk is suitable for people with good general fitness and will examine the significance of the area as the absolute middle of Ulster, and what this has meant down generations. Walk Length 8km on minor roads, open country and forest trails.
‘Giant Steps’ is a 13km Challenging Walk from Sperrins Heritage Centre to Gortin village via Barnes Gap. The walk will look at the effects of changes in climate to land use over generations. Walk is on minor roads, trails and open country. Suitable for walkers will prior walking experience on hillsides and open ground.
Registration of Saturday’s walks are in Gortin Activity Centre at 9am (Challenging Walk) and 10am (Easy & Moderate Walks). Transport is provided to and from walk locations.
Sun 22nd March:
‘The Weeping Glen’ is a 13km Challenging Walk from Dromboughil Community Centre to Moneyneeny, via Banagher Glen. The walk will focus on the human and ecological tales of this rare and special place. Walk is on forest trails and minor roads.
Registration is at 10am in Gortin Activity Centre at 9am. Refreshments are provided after the walk in the Rath D?bh Centre, Moneyneeny, and transport provided back to Gortin.
