This includes Nobel prize winning poet Seamus Heaney who was born near Castledawson, and Olympic medal winning cyclist Wendy Houvenaghel (nee McLean) who hails from Upperlands.
Here is a selection of well known people who were born in or are closely connected to the area. Can you think of any other famous faces that hail from the district?
9. Jonathan Anderson
Fashion designer Jonathan Anderson was born in Magherafelt. His father Willie Anderson was an Irish International rugby player. Jonathan originally wanted to be an actor. Pic: Getty Images Photo: Victor VIRGILE
10. Darren Clarke
Born in Dungannon, golfer Darren Clarke plays on the PGA Tour Champions and has previously played the European Tour and PGA Tour. He won the 2011 Open Championship at St George's in England. Pic: Getty Images Photo: Raj Mehta
11. Nick Laird
Novelist and poet Nick Laird was born in Cookstown in 1975. He is married to fellow writer Zadie Smith at Cambridge University in 2004. Pic: Getty Images Photo: Roberto Ricciuti
12. Aaron Hughes
Cookstown born Aaron Hughes earned 112 caps for Northern Ireland and has played for several clubs including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Fulham, Queen's Park Rangers, and Heart of Midlothian. Pic: Getty Images Photo: Martin Rose