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Strabane
Strabane and its Environs
Strabane (An Srath Ban - The Fair Holm) the civic and economic heart of the district, is a town which compares favourably with any other in Northern Ireland. Its principal streets contain many imposing buildings and business premises, combining familiar high street names with the intimacy of the family run businesses. Commerce and industry are important components of the town's infrastructure, however developments have endeavoured to enhance the local environment and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens. The Strabane 2000 Initiative continues in this strong tradition aiming to regenerate the town's centre, providing important facilities for community use as well as encouraging the development of important retail, office and accommodation space.
In terms of leisure and recreation provision, Strabane is able to facilitate a wide spectrum of interests and pastimes. Immediate attractions and facilities include the ancestral home of President Woodrow Wilson (open July and August) located conveniently outside the town, Gray Printers Museum and Gallery, an excellent leisure centre with swimming pool provision as well as the Alley Arts & Conference Centre.Moreover, with respect to modern art, there is the most recent addition to the landscape, the magnificent sculpture 'Let The Dance Begin'- A striking celebration of the diversity of local heritage and culture. equestrian, golf ,and walking opportunities are also easily accessed while for the angling enthusiast there is the rich waters of the River Mourne which winds its way through the town.
Approximately 4 miles from Strabane, and situated on the border is the village of Clady which derives its name from the Gaelic 'claddagh' meaning 'the muddy bank of the river.' The village is among one of the oldest in the district and was at one time an important bridging point across the Finn when access further down river across the great expanse of the Foyle was largely dependent on ferry travel. Clady was also an important ecclesiastical centre, being the location for the first Roman Catholic seminary to be established in the Diocese of Derry. The village has been pivotal in more recent times in giving profile to the district by acquiring fame in the All Ireland Top of the Town's variety entertainment competition.
Also convenient to the town of Strabane is the village of Sion Mills. A pleasant tree-lined industrial village and designated conservation area, Sion Mills is particularly rich in architectural heritage. Significant features among others include the Church of the Good Shepherd (based on the design of a church at Pistoia, near Florence), the contemporary St. Theresa's Church, the old flax mill and collectively the simple single and two storey cottages built originally to house the mill workers. The village's plentiful water resource which once sustained a still thriving linen industry now hosts an idyllic riverside haven as well as excellent angling facilities while equestrian and golfing opportunities both exist within a small distance from the village. Sion Mills also has a strong cricket tradition and was the venue for a celebrated moment in cricket history when the Irish team beat a West Indian touring team in July 1969.
