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Local government district · Northern Ireland

Mid Ulster

Discover the heritage and literary connections across the Mid Ulster local government district.

Quick facts

Type of place
Local government district
Nation
Northern Ireland
Official identifier
gss:N09000009

Overview

Mid Ulster brings together a diverse range of heritage sites, connecting archaeological remains with the village of Bellaghy and its deep association with the poet Seamus Heaney.

Mid Ulster is a local government district in Northern Ireland.

Population and demographics

Population
152,292 people

Figures for . NISRA MYE25 Northern Ireland and LGD2014 administrative areas.

Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency · nisra-mid-2025 · Flat!F536. Released 24 September 2026.

Open Government Licence v3.0 · Source: NISRA. Website: https://www.nisra.gov.uk. Crown copyright; Open Government Licence v3.0.

Ancient Landscapes and Built Heritage

The district preserves various examples of surviving heritage across different periods. Among these are the stone circles, cairns and alignments at Beaghmore. Other notable landmarks span different traditions and locations, including Ardboe's cross, Bellaghy Bawn, the Hill of The O'Neill at Dungannon, and Springhill House.

Literary Connections in Bellaghy

Alongside its archaeological and built heritage, the area is tied to the literary world through Bellaghy. This village is associated with the childhood and writing of the poet Seamus Heaney. Today, Bellaghy is home to Seamus Heaney HomePlace, a dedicated arts and literary centre that presents his life and work through personal stories, photographs, and audio recordings of his voice.

Sources

  1. Tourism Development Plan to 2021 — Mid Ulster District Council. Mid Ulster's council strategy identifies heritage across many periods: Beaghmore's stone circles, cairns and alignments; Ardboe's cross; Bellaghy Bawn; the Hill of The O'Neill at Dungannon; and Springhill House. (2017 strategy, page 13: Archaeology, History and Heritage). Accessed 2026-09-28.
  2. Seamus Heaney HomePlace — The Estate of Seamus Heaney. Seamus Heaney HomePlace is an arts and literary centre in Bellaghy devoted to the poet's life and work. (HomePlace description). Accessed 2026-09-28.

  3. ONS local authority districts December 2025

    Office for National Statistics · lad-december-2025 · Open Government Licence v3.0 · Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v.3.0 Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2025.