Omagh Probus Clubs Outing, Tuesday 3rd June 2025
On Tuesday 3rd June 2025 the Ladies and Men’s Probus Clubs participated in a joint outing to Killymoon Castle and Lissan House, Cookstown. To save on the cost of coach hire, transport was provided by members in private cars. The first port of call was Killymoon Castle, which dates from the 17th century and the early days of the Plantation of Ulster. One notable period in its history occurred during the Second World War when it was used to billet American Troops. Today one wing is a private residence, the remainder having been lovingly restored to show off its former grandeur.
Having enjoyed delicious homemade scones served with tea and coffee on Royal Dolton China in the ball room the party moved on to Lissan House, another plantation settlement but with a very different history and ambience. Until recently it was the private residence of the Staples family the last of whom bequeathed it a local trust, the members of which maintain it on a voluntary basis. The house featured prominently in the recent BBC Series “Chronicles of the Sperrins”, and is reputedly haunted by family members of previous owners.
A full history of both properties can be found on Google
