Castlederg; Weaved with history and spirited shops

“That captivating scenery In the valley down below Is a prize that nature gave the world Where the Derg waters flow.”

Bobby Burke Betwixt its ancient castle, tombs and mysterious river which sparkles with leaping salmon and silver sea trout, Castlederg is a vibrant market town bustling with friendly local shops, chattering pubs, familiar faces – and heart.

Proudly claimed by Tyrone, the village of exquisite scenery rests neatly on the River Derg close to the border of Donegal, and is home to a smorgasbord of successful local businesses; rolling farmlands; modern sculptures; venerable ruins that have bravely stood the test of time; and families that have settled there for generations.

Hugged by hillsides of emerald green, even the meandering journey into the heart of Castlederg stirs the imagination – especially when, at vantage points, misty mountains veiled in wispy shades of lilac and decorated with windmills make themselves visible. It is a place where war-torn tales of history, as denoted by the rubbled ruins of Castlederg’s Castle, collide with contemporary architecture and timeless businesses.

SUMPTUOUS SHOPS

Shops and cafés of all kinds, the lifeblood of the rural economy, sumptuously line every corner of the Main Street; while homely pubs and lively bars in close proximity promise nights you’ll never forget – but ones which you won’t remember.

Second-hand stores are laden with hidden treasures, the action packed Derg Valley Leisure is sure fire to get the blood flowing; pharmacies are stocked to your every need; nearby forests are preparing to coat themselves in the colours of autumn while they lie in patient wait for your hiking adventures; and the resplendent Townhouse music venue now boasts an intimate outdoor area, decadently lit with fairy lights, to ensure the safety of all who attend its music extravaganzas.

What’s more, the Townhouse skyrocketed Castlederg to the maps of surreal stardom when it welcomed none other than American rap idol, Coolio through its antique doors in 2019.

BREATHING HISTORY

Then there’s the Castlederg Library, which has re-opened to the public once more. Breathing history and knowledge, it has laid claim to many a poet and dreamer, with new worlds and perspectives discovered in every book.

Visitors to Castlederg would also be remiss not to spy the impressive copper-coloured and curvaceous sculpture, which rises impressively above The Diamond. Crafted in earnest by artist Naomi Jobson, it is aptly titled ‘The Bridging Sculpture’ and incorporates a causeway of local writings which threads together the town’s past and identity – while also creating a vision for the future.

This weekend, the banks of the River Derg will once again provide a magical setting for the town’s famous ‘Derg Fest’, with stars – in – cluding Lee Matthews, The Logues, the Davy K Project and Judge Jules – performing to a half-capacity audience of 1,000 people from across Castlederg and beyond.

It is hoped that next year a full capacity crowd will be loud, proud and in attendance, so please watch this musical space!

GLORIOUS TRADITION

Castlederg’s enchanting history, too, runs through each blade of grass that cosies the green metropolis; with legend saying that St Patrick himself rested in the village on returning from a nearby island on the cold, bleak Lough Derg in 450AD.

St Patrick’s Well, where the saint is believed to have quenched his thirst with cool, fresh water, is a place of glorious tradition for locals, who gather every year on St Patrick’s Day to say the Rosary and sing ‘Hail, Glorious St Patrick’.

Less-utopian, but fascinating still, is that Castlederg is etched into the history books for being the ‘most bombed small town’ in the North.

Perhaps what also makes Castlederg unique is its rebellious climate: At present, it holds the unique record of holding both the North’s highest temperature, a burning 31.3 degrees Celsius, and its lowest – a chill-inducing minus 18.5 degrees Celsius, measured during the famous ‘Big Freeze’ of 2010.

SPOILS OF CASTLEDERG

And while the ‘Department for the Economy’ is yet to confirm a date for when the High Street Scheme – an initiative which will see everyone over the age of 18 in the North eligible for a £100 voucher to spend – will begin, why not consider spending yours in Castlederg?

The locals would be pleased to welcome you – and by sharing the spoils of this charming village, you’ll be helping to cultivate and craft flourishing business for many years to come.