Cookstown, County Tyrone - Definition and Overview

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.

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.

See also: List of towns in Northern Ireland