Favour Royal: A Storied Tudor-Gothic Estate in County Tyrone
Explore Favour Royal, a historic Tudor-Gothic estate near Augher, steeped in royal heritage and surrounded by scenic Northern Irish countryside.
Favour Royal is a historic Tudor-Gothic manor and estate located near Augher in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Originally granted by King James I in 1613, the estate has a rich history tied to prominent families such as the Ridgeways, Erskines, and Moutrays. The current mansion, built in 1825 after a fire destroyed the original 1670 house, stands beside the River Blackwater amid 740 acres of cultivated land. Though now derelict, it remains a striking symbol of Ulster's plantation heritage and architectural elegance.
A brief summary to Favour Royal
- Augher, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear as the estate grounds are extensive and the house is in a derelict state.
- Bring a camera to capture the striking Tudor revival architecture and scenic river views.
- Visit nearby St Mary’s Church, Portclare, originally the estate’s private chapel.
- Check local weather conditions before visiting, as the site is outdoors and partially exposed.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take a regional bus service from Omagh to Augher, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Bus services run several times daily but check schedules in advance as frequency can be limited. From Augher, a taxi or local transport is needed to reach the estate about 5 km east.
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Car
Driving from Omagh or nearby towns takes about 20-30 minutes via local roads. Parking is available near the estate entrance, but note the site is partly derelict and lacks formal visitor facilities.
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Taxi
Taxis from Augher or Omagh offer a convenient option, with a 10-15 minute ride from Augher to Favour Royal. Prices typically range from £10-£20 depending on distance and time of day.
Favour Royal location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Favour Royal
Origins and Royal Grants
The land now known as Favour Royal was originally called Portclare and was granted in 1613 by King James I to Sir Thomas Ridgeway, a key figure in the Ulster Plantation. Ridgeway’s grant covered approximately 3,000 acres including the areas around Augher and Aughnacloy. In 1622, Ridgeway sold the estate to Sir James Erskine, whose family received official confirmation of ownership from King Charles II in 1665 under the name Favour Royal, acknowledging the royal favor bestowed upon the estate. The estate was subsequently divided between Erskine’s granddaughters, with one part retaining the Favour Royal name and the other becoming Spur Royal or Augher Castle.The Moutray Family and Architectural Legacy
The Moutray family became the owners of Favour Royal when John Moutray married the Erskine heiress. They built the first house on the estate in 1670, establishing the demesne that would be home to generations. This original house was tragically destroyed by an accidental fire in 1823. Captain John Corry Moutray then commissioned architect John Hargrave to design a new, larger mansion in the Tudor revival style, completed in 1825. This austere yet elegant two-storey mansion with an attic features a noble portico and fine architectural details, constructed from locally quarried freestone. The Moutrays also built a private chapel on the estate, consecrated in 1835, which remains today as St Mary’s Church, Portclare.Estate Grounds and Natural Setting
The estate’s demesne spans roughly 740 acres of fertile, well-cultivated land rich in diverse flora and mature woodland. The manor sits on the banks of the River Blackwater, enhancing its scenic charm. Historically, the grounds included sundials and a rockery with medieval carved stones, reflecting the estate’s cultivated character and the aesthetic tastes of its owners. The estate’s natural beauty and historic features make it a significant cultural landscape within County Tyrone.Decline and Present State
The Moutray family maintained residence at Favour Royal until 1976, when the house, demesne, and contents were sold. Subsequently, much of the land was acquired by the Forest Service. Though the house was occupied into the 1990s, it has since fallen into dereliction, suffering from neglect and further fires. Despite this, the mansion’s Tudor-Gothic architecture and the estate’s historical significance continue to draw interest from heritage enthusiasts and visitors intrigued by Northern Ireland’s plantation history.Historical Connections and Local Legacy
Favour Royal is linked to notable historical figures, including John Hughes, who worked briefly as a gardener's helper in 1816 before becoming the Catholic Archbishop of New York. The estate’s layered history reflects the complex social and political changes in Ulster over centuries, from royal land grants to plantation settlements, and the evolution of landed estates. Its proximity to Augher and the Irish border situates it within a rich tapestry of Northern Irish heritage.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The mansion’s Tudor revival style is a distinctive example of early 19th-century architecture in Northern Ireland, blending historicism with local materials. The estate’s chapel, now St Mary’s Church, remains a sacred site for the community. Favour Royal’s combination of architectural elegance, historical depth, and natural beauty encapsulates the story of Ulster’s landed gentry and their estates, making it a unique cultural landmark despite its current abandoned state.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Governor's House Omagh Gaol
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Armagh Windmill
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Clones Round Tower
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Portal Tombs of Ballyrenan
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Tours of Derry
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Ballykeel Dolmen (State Care Monument)
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Monaghans cross
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Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Todds Leap Activity Centre
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Knockmany Passage Tomb
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Bragan Mountain
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Dunmisk Fort
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Monaghan Town Greenway
19.2 km
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Monaghan County Museum
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Benburb Castle
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Peter's Lake
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Ulster Canal Greenway
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Dungannon Park
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Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House.
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Rossmore Forest Park (Main Entrance)
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Roddy-Den-Drum Giant
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Walled Garden
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Essential places to dine
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Canavan's
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The Copper Kitchen at Quinns Corner
13.5 km
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Snaffles Restaurant
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McAtee's Bar & Restaurant
19.2 km
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The Brewer's House
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Digby's Bar & Restaurant
19.6 km
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Deli on the Green
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Local artisan bistro celebrating County Tyrone's finest produce with simple, quality-focused cuisine.
Neighbourhood
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The Batch Loaf
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The Squealing Pig Bar & Restaurant
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Andy's Bar & Restaurant
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Taste of Tuscany
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The Claret Jug
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Dungannon Golf Club Restaurant
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Modern grill and breakfast dining with scenic golf course views at Dungannon Golf Club’s welcoming Claret Jug Restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pretty Robin
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Discover Near & Far
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Grahams of Monaghan
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Upstairs Downstairs Monaghan
19.6 km
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MrPRICE Monaghan
19.6 km
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DEA of Italy
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Dirty Fabulous
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Enzo
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Fleming's Department Store
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Utopia Ladies Fashion
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Lituanica Monaghan
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Jono's House & Home
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Sound Quality Gifts
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The Locket Shop
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Inka
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Jacks' Bar
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Conor's Bar at The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate
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The Coachhouse & Olde Bar
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The Whistlers Inn
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McCague's Bar
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Moyna's
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McKenna's Bar
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Terry's Bar
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McAleers Bar & Ivory Club
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Tir na nOg
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McCaugheys Pub
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Dalys Bar - Live Music Venue
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Mickey Micks
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Shambles Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mexx Nitelife
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Spy
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The Vault Nightclub
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Tiger Lillys
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Attitude Disco
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Clubland
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Wildes Lounge
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The Gasworks Club
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Switch Nightclub
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Devenish Bar
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Lee's
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The Orchard Bar
50.8 km
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Blessings Bar & Off Licence
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The Elk Complex
52.0 km
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The Imperial Bar & Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
