It was highlighed by top travel guide Time Out
A Northern Irish town has been named one of the places to go in the UK for 2026, according to Time Out.
Time Out Magazine is a guide to the best art and entertainment, food and drink, attractions, hotels and things to do in the world’s greatest cities.
Last week, it released its list of the top 14 best places to visit in the UK this year, and a Co Tyrone town is the only spot in Northern Ireland to feature.
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Omagh has been highlighted as a ‘must-visit’ destination, ranked among the likes of cities such as Edinburgh and Birmingham.
To create the list, Time Out scoured the listings of all that’s happening in the UK in 2026 and consulted its nationwide network of writers and editors to put together a guide to the places that should be on your radar over the next 12 months.
Coming in at number 13, Omagh made the list this year due to the Ulster American Folk Park and its celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA.
It was also remarked for its live music scene, stunning walks and the 184th Omagh Show.
Here is what Time Out has to say:
13. Omagh, Co Tyrone
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA – and while that’s obviously a big time for That Lot Across the Pond, there are also plenty of events taking place on this side of the Atlantic which will highlight connections with America.
In Omagh, America250 will combine with the 50th anniversary of open-air museum Ulster American Folk Park, which will be adding to its stories of migration from Ulster to North America with a host of events throughout the year.
Semiquincentennial celebrations aside, Omagh also thrives as a base for enjoying County Tyrone’s mighty natural landscapes.
The walking and biking trails of Gortin Glen Forest, the slightly-further-afield mountains of the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Davagh Forest Dark Sky Park (with 2026’s northern lights opps) are all ripe for exploring.
Rest and recuperate by soaking up the town’s music scene; the beloved McCanns may have shut just over a year ago, but you can still get your fill at the likes of The Cat and Fiddle, Sallys, Bogans and many more. Find top traditional food at Grant’s and more laid-back options at Serendipity Arts Café.
Why visit Omagh in 2026?
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.
Don’t miss:
The Omagh Show, held every year in July, sees the local community in top form with an agricultural show boasting show-jumping, funfair rides, food stalls and more. It’ll return on July 3-4 for its 184th edition.
Stay in Omagh
Omagh has plenty of hotels in the surrounding countryside, but if you’re after location there are few accommodation options better than Rooms At Rue. Comfortable, friendly and bang in the centre of town.
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