Planning a family trip to this 17th-century fortified house is one of the best things to do with kids in Bellaghy. This historic bawn and museum category landmark introduces families to the fascinating plantation history of Ulster. It provides an educational space where children can step inside defensive stone towers and explore local literature and history displays.

Entry to the grounds and internal exhibitions is completely free of charge. This makes it an easy, low-cost destination to add to your day out itinerary in County Londonderry.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that balances historic architecture with local literary heritage, this site is a brilliant choice. Children can see genuine defensive turf-cutter tools, learn about old bawn structures, and enjoy the open green spaces. It serves as a relaxed and highly scannable educational stop perfect for school-aged learners.

Key Features

• Educational Day Out: Explores the history of the Ulster Plantation, 17th-century defense, and local literary traditions.
• Historic Architecture: Features a beautifully restored fortified house, a circular flanker tower, and original stone bawn walls.
• Interactive Exhibits: Offers engaging informational panels, historical artifacts, and models detailing the region's past.

Detailed Inventory

• The Circular Flanker Tower: The main structural stone defensive tower dating back to the early 1600s. Kids will enjoy looking through the high defensive windows and imagining what it was like to guard the fortified bawn house.
• The Seamus Heaney Literary Exhibition: A dedicated internal display celebrating the Nobel Prize-winning poet who was born locally. This section features original poetry manuscripts and voice recordings, making it a great educational resource for older children.
• The 17th-Century Bawn Model: A detailed miniature layout showing the original fortification structure and surrounding settlement. This exhibit helps school-aged children easily visualize how the fortified courtyard protected families during historic conflicts.
• The Historic Turf-Cutting Tool Collection: An authentic display of traditional spades and tools used by local workers over the centuries. This exhibit gives children a clear, practical look at how rural families historically worked the land.
• The Plantation History Storyboards: A collection of illustrative educational text panels mapping out the movement of settlers and the building of the bawn.
• Beyond the Main Attraction: Info The bawn is located just a short distance from Seamus Heaney HomePlace, a major interactive arts venue dedicated entirely to local literature. Families can also visit nearby Lough Beg National Nature Reserve, featuring flat outdoor walking trails, wetlands, and excellent birdwatching spots for kids.