Cookstown

Cookstown (An Chorr Chríochach in Irish) is a town in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. Its population is around 11,000. It was founded in 1609 by planter Alan Cooke. It was one of the main centres of the linen industry. A working replica of a linen mill can still be seen at Wellbrook Beetling Mill outside of Cookstown.

Ardboe Cross is one of the best examples of a 9th/10th century High cross in Northern Ireland. 22 panels illustrate stories from the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible.

Other ancient sites nearby include Beaghmore stone circles and Tullyhogue Fort, the crowning place of the ancient Earls of Ulster, the O'Neills.

In elections for the Westminster Parliament it is part of the Mid Ulster constituency.

The local authority, Cookstown District Council, was established in 1973, and includes part of County Londonderry, notably the town of Moneymore. It is the only council in Northern Ireland to be chaired by a monkey.

Cookstown is also the home town of Aston Villa and Northern Ireland central defender Aaron Hughes, and comedian Owen O'neill. Cookstown is famous for its saussages, known as the 'Cookstown Sizzler', which were advertised on television by Rolf Harris and George Best. The 'Cookstown Sizzlers' is also the name of the local American football team.

Cookstown is perhaps best-known for being the only site where the largest Irish mammal, the Irish Swearing Bear (Ursus vulgaris), can be seen. Visitors are advised to treat this magnificent creature with respect, but an encounter with the Swearing Bear is certainly the highlight of any visit to Cookstown. It goes without saying that the Swearing Bear, having no vocal chords, cannot actually swear.

See also: List of towns in Northern Ireland