Step into Omagh town and immerse yourself in a town truly together. Venture along to visit Trinity Presbyterian Church, James Street, Omagh, St Columba’s Church of Ireland, onwards to Sacred Heart Church and finished at Omagh Methodist Church. A truly inter-faith walk.
Churches Street Omagh
Explore Omagh and The Sperrins Region
Archive for the ‘Attractions’ Category
Grange Park, Omagh
Grange Park, Omagh is a family friendly facility just a few minutes from the town centre with parking, picnic facilities and an eco-trail. Due to redevelopment works, the Play Park and toilet facilities are currently closed.
This flagship open space in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area has Green Flag Award status which is an international benchmark standard for the management of parks and open spaces.
Grange Park, Omagh is currently being redeveloped to include the transformation of the existing play park into a state-of-the-art ‘destination play park’ as part of the Council’s ambitious Play Park Strategy for the District.
The new play park will be constructed on the theme of bridges and spires to reflect the landscape and heritage of Omagh and will provide specialised inclusive play equipment and will also include a sensory garden. It will be situated against the backdrop of mature trees, a wildflower meadow and a tree trail which will offer enhanced play value and ensure the natural environment is maintained.
Further enhancement works which are planned for the future as part of the wider development of the park include the provision of new toilet facilities, additional car parking and a link to the Riverside Walk.
The Sperrin Sculpture Trail – a Giant Adventure
Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, the Sperrin Mountains offer nature lovers and adventure seekers an unforgettable experience. And deep within this beautiful landscape, lie three gentle and majestic giants.
Together, the trio form the Sperrin Sculpture Trail, a new art installation created by world acclaimed artist, Thomas Dambo, to showcase the geology, archaeology and heritage of the Sperrins. The giants represents the past, present and future.
Visitors will use the stunning walking trails and dramatic driving and cycle routes to travel between the sculptures enabling them to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the Sperrins.
The Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail is a hugely exciting and innovative tourism project created to showcase the epic stories associated with the Sperrins, the inspirational nature of the landscape and the giant spirit of its people. The trail consists of three distinct, innovative, and unique yet linked artworks by the internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo.
Installed at three different locations all within the Sperrins region The Giants of the Sperrins are born from the geology, archaeology and heritage of the Sperrins. They evoke the mystical, and celebrate the ancient, intriguing and atmospheric natural beauty and history of the region. They embody past, present and future and speak specifically of their location:
- Nowanois, the Seanchaí or storyteller recalls times and generations gone by;
- Darach, the Guardian watches over the present;
- Ceoldán The Stargazer looks to the future, and the unknown.
They call us to explore the story of the many generations that have helped shaped this magical landscape and to appreciate their rich and enduring culture; they call us into the landscape – to notice, reflect, embrace and cherish this place…the Sperrins.
Where to find the Giants in the Sperrins?
Location 1: Nowanois: The Storytellers – Glenelly Valley near Cranagh
Address: 274 Glenelly Road, Omagh, BT79 8LS
Location 2: Darach: The Guardian – Mullaghcarn Mountain
Address: Gortin Glen Forest Park, Glen Park Road, Gortin, County Tyrone, BT79 7SU
Location 3: Ceoldán: The Stargazer – Davagh Forest
Address: OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Davagh Forest, 155 Davagh Road, Omagh BT79 8JQ
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The imposing figures stand proudly in their kindred locations, celebrating their ancient past connections to the Sperrin landscape, and evoking thought and imagination in those who visit.
Find out more – https://sperrinspartnershipproject.com/sperrins-trail/
https://www.derrystrabane.com/services/tourism/rural-tourism/the-giants-of-the-sperrins
Thomas Dambo is one of the world’s leading recycle artists. In recent years he has become best known for his work on The Trail of a Thousand Trolls. It is a project that consists of more than 100 large, recycled wood sculptures featuring trolls of all shapes and sizes. The sculptures have been installed in 17 countries, from the USA and France to Chile and China. Find out more –> https://trollmap.com/
Gortin Lakes
This short off-road walk leads around Gortin Lakes with superb views of the Sperrins landscape. The path has recently been upgraded – the firm surface is of a good and consistent standard throughout the walk.
Route:
From the car park, the walk around the two lakes is laid out in the formation of the figure eight and people can choose to walk in either direction. The gravel path around the lakes undulates gently offering the tranquillity of the still, deep water on one side and the natural habitat and vegetation on the other. The path is easily followed with a number of seating benches placed so walkers can take a rest and take in the majestic views.
Distance:
0.6 miles
Terrain:
Gravel paths with some inclines
Point of interest:
The lakes and the landscape
Facilities:
Parking, picnic tables and toilets
Dukes Ultra Premium Ice Cream
Dukes Ultra Premium Ice Cream is brought to you by a husband and wife duo, Jonny and Natasha who are true ice cream enthusiasts. When covid hit and the ice cream shops shut, to fulfil his ice cream cravings Jonny bought an ice cream maker and we started making ice cream. Many lockdown evenings and weekends where spent trying out different recipes and enjoying the ice cream we made. As the world and we emerged from lockdown, we shared our ice cream with some friends and family who to our surprise loved it as much as we did and as we returned to some of our much loved ice cream shops their ice cream just wasn’t the same as the ice cream we could make at home. After doing a bit of research, Jonny discovered we had in fact been making ultra premium ice cream, something to our knowledge not available in Northern Ireland. With this golden nugget of knowledge and with some help we created what we believe to be the highest quality ice cream possible, that we can not wait for you to try. Dukes Ice Cream Honesty Shop is open Daily from 10am to 10pm
Sperrin Sculpture at Mullaghcarn
The Sperrin Sculpture Trail will consist of three innovative, unique yet linked artworks commissioned by an internationally renowned artist which will be installed at key locations within the Sperrins region. Visitors will use the stunning walking trails and dramatic driving and cycle routes to travel between the sculptures enabling them to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the Sperrins.
Although the sculptures will be considered tourist attractions individually, they are linked by one story so that when tourists visit one sculpture, they will be enticed to travel to the other sculptures to appreciate the complete story told by the sculptures. This will provide a structured trail which allows visitors to appreciate the stunning location of the Sperrins resulting in tourists extending their stay in the Sperrins region.
The locations are: Sperrin Heritage Centre in Cranagh, Mullaghcarn Mountain which is located on the edge of Gortin Glen Forest Park and Davagh Forest.
International Appalachian Trail
The Irish section of the International Appalachian Trail is a coast to coast walk that follows some of the beautiful landscapes this island has to offer. From the epic cliffs of Slieve League, to the rugged wilderness of the Sperrin mountains; from the world famous Causeway Coast to the breathtaking Glens of Antrim. Take the next step in the world’s largest international trail network; find your nearest section of trail by visiting iatulsterireland.com #IATUlsterIreland
Glenpark Estate
Glenpark Estate is located at the foot of the Gortin Glens Forest Park just outside Omagh, Co. Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The site of the former Ulster History Park now offers hotel rooms, a caravan park & campsite, a licensed restaurant & bar, children’s soft play, a farm shop, access to the beautiful grounds, an open farm featuring rare breed animals and is also a venue for weddings and events.
Caravan Pitches
24 freshly landscaped pitches set in beautiful woodland on the edge of the Gortin Glen Forest Park.
All pitches have electricity, water and access to a communal bathroom block (toilets and showers). There is a games/common room open daily until 11pm.
Please note that campsite bookings do not include access to the grounds.
Camping
Pitch your tent with us and enjoy the wonders of nature with the bonus comfort of access to our on site bathroom facilities and campsite common room.
Please note that campsite bookings do not include access to the grounds.
Beaghmore Stone Circles
Discovered during peat cutting in the 1940s the site at Beaghmore consists of 7 stone circles. All of the rings are associated with cairns and a stone row runs towards these cairns.
It is possible that Neolithic occupation and cultivation preceded the erection of burial cairns and ceremonial circles and alignments: some irregular lines and heaps of boulders resembling field-fences or field-clearance may predate the ritual structures. At some stage peat started to form over the site, and it may conceivably be that the cairns and rows were erected in a futile propitiatory attempt to restore fertility to the soil by attracting back the fading sun.
Gortin Glen Forest MTB Trails
With a healthy blend of red and blue trails, Gortin’s natural inclination towards hills means riders will earn those epic views, and more importantly, over 14km of smooth flowy sections ideal for those looking to shred at speed or just get an epic introduction to the world of mountain biking.
With views from the top of Mullaghcarn and Ladies Viewpoint, you can be assured of the best seat in the house to enjoy the Sperrins.
BLUE TRAIL DESCRIPTION
A more gradual climb from the car park on a shared fire road brings you to a junction where you can choose from one of two blue trails.
You’ll either turn left and join The Roller Coaster – a section you can pick up some real speed on through the forest until some small turns and features near the bottom.
Or you can opt for Kelan’s Chase, where you’ll encounter another climb toward’s Ladies View Point before a long descent filled with fast flowy fun, tight corners and some short pedalling sections.
CONDITIONS
The trails are now open and riding well.
RED TRAIL DESCRIPTION
The main red section is where you earn those views – climb out of the bottom car park through the Glen until you reach the Mullaghcarn ascent.
From here it’s another short, sharp climb that rewards you for your efforts in incredible views of the Sperrins. Take a moment to enjoy them before dropping onto “The Mountain” – a flowy cascade of berms and switchbacks the lead into a super fast and open run.
After some tight corners, you’ll rejoin the forest in Sika’s Run in a series of moderate rock drops and steep descents, before reemering at the car park.
The River Run trail involves following the fire road for the blue trail from the car park, before turning left and joining the blue trail for a short period. You then break off right and enjoy another scenic descent through the forest, this time with the river on your right.
CONDITIONS
The trails are now open and riding well.
These trails are located in the Gortin Glen Forest Park which boasts fantastic walks and trails for all ages. On site is a fantastic destination playpark accommodating children of all ages and abilities.
Also on site is the fantastic Brie’s Barista Bar which offer fantastic food and delicious coffee on site! From breakfast and lunch , pizza , burgers , breakfast baps , wraps , baked potatoes – the selection is huge! Parking available for free in the Gortin Glen car park.
Omagh Historical Trail
Learn about Omagh’s exciting and varied history as well as some famous people with the Omagh Historical Trail map.
Historic Sites in Tyrone
Discover historic sites through-out Tyrone including Harry Avery’s Castle, Beaghmore Stone Circle, Cappagh Old Church, Creggandevesky Court Tomb and Knockmany Passage Tomb.
ReelDeal Fly Fishing
Gortin Glen Forest Park
Gortin Glen Forest Park is located six miles north of Omagh off the B48 road towards Gortin village at the western gateway to the Sperrin mountains.
The Forest is owned by Forest Service NI with the play park and trails maintained by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
The International Appalachian Trail / Ulster Way pass through part of the forest. A major recreational feature of the forest is the Destination Play Park. In addition to the walking trails there is also a five mile long scenic drive which offers some magnificent views of County Tyrone. A number of vista lay-bys have been created where the motorist can pull in to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
A range of trails give the visitor a chance to enjoy the Park at its best. All the trails are colour coded and return to the car park.
Other facilities onsite include, toilets, Picnic Tables and a BBQ area.
Also on site is the delicious Brie’s Barista Bar which offer fantastic food and delicious coffee on site! From a full blown delicious breakfast to pizzas, wraps and burgers – there’s something for all the family!
Furth north of the Forest Park are the Gortin Lakes offering a short walk around these kettle hole lakes with superb vistas of the Sperrin Mountains to the north.
Opening times: 24 hours
Check out the new Gortin Glen Forest Park Flyer – Gortin Glens DL – Flyer Sept 23
Nally Stand & Heritage Centre
The Nally Heritage Centre was officially opened on March 22nd 2009.
The centre encompasses aspects of social, economic, political, sporting and geographical history relating to the local area.This is enhanced with artefacts, which span from historic times to the modern day. The exhibitions will be changed on a regular basis with opening exhibitions and themes being expanded to highlight in detail a particular aspectvor person from that era.
Ulster American Folk Park
Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, from Ulster to America. Wander the well-trodden pathways and traditional farmhouses, learning what life was like in rural Ulster. Step on-board the full-scale emigrant ship, experience what the cramped quarters were like on the dangerous journey to America, and find out how Ulster peoples emigration had a lasting impact through North America. Don’t miss the traditional craft demonstrations by the talented costumed guides, from wool spinning to willow weaving (demos change daily). To make the most of your visit we recommend you give yourself between 2 and 3 hours to explore all that the museum has to offer, including the ‘Bad Bridget’ exhibition shining a light on the heart-wrenching tales of women who emigrated from 1838 to 1918.
The Abingdon Collection
The Abingdon Collection represents over 50 years of passionate collecting and is divided into two very distinct areas of interest. The Collection is complemented by over 500 die cast model cars, photographs, enamel signs, jukeboxes, radios and automobilia.
If you lived through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s or just like big boy’s toys, then there is definitely something here for you.
The collection concentrates on World War Two and represents one of the largest collections in private ownership, with over 3000 items on permanent display.
Now 7O years after the war ended, many have forgotten the supreme sacrifice that so many had to make. This collection is in memory of them all. The collection also contains many rare exhibits from the First World War trenches and we provide a guided tour through the period. Groups and individuals are very welcome to take a ‘walk in the past’.
This collection attracts hundreds of visitors per year and raises considerable funds by donation to Cancer Research. There is no charge and every effort will be made to facilitate visiting groups.
For bookings ring 02882243373 Contributions to Cancer Research gratefully accepted.
Mellon Centre for Migration Studies
The Mellon Centre for Migration Studies is a research library which collects material relating to the history of the peoples of Ireland worldwide. Visitors will have access to a reference collection of over 17,000 volumes, journals, maps, newspapers, computers and the Centre’s Irish Emigration Database, which is now available online.
Part of Libraries NI, the library is located at the Ulster American Folk Park which is part of the National Museums of Northern Ireland. We work closely with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Queen’s University Belfast, the Ulster University and the Ulster Historical Foundation.
The Mellon Centre for Migration Studies is a project of the Scotch-Irish Trust of Ulster, which until the formation of the National Museums of Northern Ireland in 1998 owned and managed the Ulster-American Folk Park.
Dun Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre
Opened in October 1995, Dún Uladh serves as a centre for those who wish to develop a deeper awareness of Ireland’s ancient cultural heritage.
There are colourful evenings of traditional music, song, dance and storytelling with many Tyrone & Ulster Fleadh winners displaying their talents. Visitors are invited to come along and watch, listen (or maybe even participate) as some of the best local performers showcase their talents and enjoyable an intimate presentation of authentic Irish culture.
Many events and workshops (including crafts and Irish language classes) are organised at Dún Uladh and the centre is also available to hire for events, with full catering available. Visit their website for more details.
Garvaghey GAA Centre
Garvaghey (from the Irish, ‘Garbh Achaidh … The Rough Field’) was visioned, planned and built as a ‘Tyrone Gaelic Bauhaus’, a place to develop and celebrate in joined-up ways the people, games, culture, heritage and environment of Gaelic Tyrone. It’s about using our past and present to create a strong and robust future. It’s a place for building social capital, ‘the glue that holds society together’.
Our £7m project spread over 43-acres in the heart of upland rural Tyrone was developed between 2008 and 2013. We began by buying the ground and doing our planning and then moved in sequence through levelling the land, laying our pitches, constructing the building and completing our landscaping. Now we’re making it work to best effect for Tyrone and the people in it.
An Creagán
An Creagán Visitor Centre is a superb attraction with a range of facilities and activities for families, couples, individuals and groups. Located between the historic town of Omagh and the market town of Cookstown at the foothills of the majestic Sperrin Mountains.
An Creagán is the ideal location for walking, cycling and exploring, from casual walks to serious trails. The centre offers the perfect base to explore the wider Sperrins region and fascinating archaeology on our doorstep. Did you know about the nearby stone circles at Beaghmore?