Dan Winter's Cottage

Dan Winter's Cottage is a historic thatched cottage in the orchards of rural County Armagh, a short way from the village of Loughgall. Visits are guided tours led by a member of the family who grew up in the house, so the history comes as personal stories rather than a display panel. The talk covers the 1795 Battle of the Diamond, and the guide points out scorch marks on the ceiling beams that date from the fire that day. Visitors go through the living quarters with their open fires and sleeping lofts, the old spirit grocer's shop and the weaving room, where a working loom from around three centuries ago is shown. A short walk takes you to a spring well across the road that is tied to the founding of the Orange Order. Tours suit older children with an interest in history, school groups and families who want something beyond a standard attraction. Tours must be booked in advance, and the cottage has uneven stone floors inside.