About
Harry Avery's Castle stands on Castle Hill, just outside Newtownstewart in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The ruins date from the 14th century and were built by Henry Aimhreidh O'Neill, whose name is the origin of the castle's more familiar local title.
What you will see
The most striking feature is the gatehouse, whose twin towers still rise above the hilltop. Walking up to it gives a clear sense of how the defences were arranged, and the stonework that remains shows the castle's scale. Because it is a ruin, the visit is best approached as an outdoor walk among old walls rather than a building you can enter and explore room by room.
The setting
The site is valued as much for its position as for its stonework. From the hilltop the surrounding countryside opens out, and the castle makes a good stop for anyone who enjoys views over rural Tyrone. It suits a relaxed visit, with time to sit, look around and take photographs.
Planning your visit
- Location: Castle Hill, Newtownstewart BT78 4EZ, Northern Ireland.
- Type of visit: an outdoor historic ruin on a hillside, best suited to walking and viewing.
- Also known as: Castle Ruins, which you may see used on signs and maps.
- Nearby: Newtownstewart is the nearest town, so it works well as a base for a short half-day trip combined with other sights in the area.
If you enjoy medieval ruins and open landscapes, Harry Avery's Castle is a quiet and rewarding stop in the Tyrone countryside. Wear footwear suited to a grassy hill, as the approach is uneven.