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Churches Street Omagh

Explore Omagh and The Sperrins Region

Explore Omagh & the Sperrins Region

Archive for the ‘Attractions’ Category

Churches Street Omagh

A truly inter-faith walk.

 

Omagh boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and denominations, reflected in its beautiful historic churches. Here’s a glimpse of four notable houses of worship:

  • St Columba’s Church of Ireland: Standing tall on Church Street, this Anglican church features stunning stained-glass windows and is known for its distinctive three-spired façade. Church Street, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 1DG

 

  • Trinity Presbyterian Church: This impressive building on James Street welcomes visitors with its warm atmosphere and commitment to community. James Street, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 1DL

 

  • Omagh Methodist Church: A welcoming space on Market Street, the Omagh Methodist Church is known for its friendly congregation and active role in the local community. 33 Church Street, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 1DH

 

  • Sacred Heart Church: Located in its glory on Church Street, this architecturally beautiful building is a haven for worship and connection. 48 Brook Street, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5HE

These are just a few of the many churches that contribute to Omagh’s spiritual landscape. Each offers a unique architectural style, rich history, and a warm welcome to all. So, embark on a self-guided tour and discover the spiritual heart of Omagh.

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/

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 – Darach

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, County Tyrone. The site of the former Ulster History Park now offers visitors luxurious accommodation, exquisite dining and a number of attractions including an open farm and estate walk, farm shop onsite (seasonal opening hours) and seasonal events throughout the year including Easter, Halloween and Christmas. 

  • Den in the Glen indoor softplay
  • Open farm and estate walk
  • Farm shop with local craft and produce (seasonal opening hours)
  • Alpaca Walks
  • Tractor ride and marshmallow toasting
  • Orienteering courses
  • Wild camping experience
  • Dinosaur trail
  • School, playgroup and youth group visits

Come and take a walk through history as you explore the site of the former Ulster History Park, with many surviving structures including tombs, a stone circle and an early monastery with round tower.  With 43 acres to explore and a host of animals to meet in the summer months, enjoy a spectacular walk and immerse yourself in nature.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.  Please note that our open farm animals are housed indoors over the winter months (November-April).

Events

With one-off and seasonal events taking place throughout the year, check out our websites www.glenparkestate.com  and www.beattiesevents.com to find out more.  From music festivals to our famous Santa Experience, Glenpark Estate has something for everyone to enjoy.

Live Entertainment

Glenpark Estate offers a variety of complimentary live music every Saturday night in the hotel foyer. Call the hotel or go online at www.glenparkestate.com to see who’s performing each week. Why not book in for a meal and make a night of it! We also hold regular live music events in one of our larger entertainment spaces. Full details and booking options can be found www.beattiesevents.com

Restaurants

Let our experienced chefs treat you to a delightful dining experience. Whether it’s a full Irish fry, catering for an event or a full Sunday roast at our famous carvery, let us do the cooking and relax. Visit www.glenparkestate.com to check out our menus and just get in touch to book.

Cafes

For home made traybakes and freshly brewed coffee, visit our farm shop and relax.  Stocking delicious ice cream and a range of treats, take a rest and refuel before heading off on an estate walk.  

Pubs & Bars

Enjoy a lively atmosphere in Glenpark Estate’s Stag Bar, serving a full range of wine, spirits, beer and cocktails. 

 Hotels

Come stay with us to explore the breath-taking grounds and surrounding areas. Stroll around our beautiful estate grounds, dine on fresh, local food in our restaurant and enjoy a drink in our bar; we have everything you need for a wonderfully relaxing break away from it all. Glenpark Estate offers 7 luxurious rooms in the main hotel building, two of which have private access to a hot tub with tranquil views over the estate: perfect for a staycation, romantic short break or family escape. All hotel rooms include a full breakfast in the morning and complimentary access to the grounds.

Self Catering

As well as hotel rooms, Glenpark has two cabins in the grounds which can be reached by car or on foot. The Woodland Lodge sleeps up to six and boasts private hot tub access. The Shepherd’s Hut sleeps up to four; both have tranquil views and offer the perfect getaway from it all. Ideal for those who love the outdoors, the neighbouring Gortin Glens Forest Park makes us the perfect rest stop for hikers, mountain bikers and walkers.

Caravans and Campervans

Glenpark Estate offers 24 freshly landscaped caravan and campervan 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 with toilets and showers. There is also a games/common room for you to enjoy. 

Camping

Pitch your tent with us and enjoy the wonders of nature with the bonus comfort of access to our onsite bathroom facilities and common room.

Beaghmore Stone Circles

Nestled amongst the green grass and heather clad moorland sit 7 mystical circles, 10 rows of stones and 12 cairns, carefully arranged.

Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’ was once a dense woodland before being cleared by Neolithic farmers. The circles and alignments were discovered in the late 1930s during peat cutting when 1,269 stones were uncovered. The site and the surrounding bog indicate that the area was occupied from Neolithic times through the Bronze Age.  Hearths and deposits of flint tools have been carbon dated to 2900-2600BC. Several of the stone rows run over the tumbled walls of field structures which also date from Neolithic times.

Look closely at some of the stones and what may seem as ancient chisel marks bear a resemblance to our oldest known Celtic writing. Ogham, a secret and sacred writing, was a system of symbols used for magic and divination. The circles and alignments, however, remain a mystery.  No-one really knows why this intriguing cluster of stones was created.

Some archaeologists believe that the circles have been constructed in relation to the midsummer sunrise, or to record the movements of the sun and moon acting as markers in a calendar to identify certain lunar, solar or stellar events. Three of the stone rows point to sunrise at the solstice and another appears to be aligned towards a lunar maximum.

The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy.  When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.

 

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.

http://bit.ly/HistoricSitesTyrone

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!

Further 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 and learn the story of Ulster people’s emigration to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Wander the well-trodden pathways and visit traditional farmhouses, as you learn just 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*. 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.

Visit the Ulster American Folk Park website to browse the fantastic range of exhibitions and events currently on!

*Please note, we cannot guarantee which demonstrations will be on any given day.

Journey back in time | Ulster American Folk Park

Opening times

  • Summer (March to October) 10:00 to 17:00
  • Winter (October to March) 10:00 to 16:00.
  • Closed Mondays (except for NI Bank Holidays).

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 +44 (0)2882243373 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

Dún Uladh is Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann’s Regional Resource Centre for the Meitheal Uladh Region. This region incorporates Counties Antrim, Derry, Donegal, Down & Tyrone. Dún Uladh, along with the 6 other Meitheal Regional Centres across Ireland, makes the Comhaltas vision to “give people genuine access to the traditional arts” a reality. This is a unique centre for authentic Irish traditions, promoting Irish music, song, dance, drama and other native art forms, situated in the heart of Ulster.
We host Music workshops, Set dancing, monthly sessions & concerts at our centre, for full list of events visit www.dunuladh.ie

 

Bespoke Culture packages for groups:
Here at Dún Uladh we can work with visitors, tour groups or organisations to create a bespoke half-day or full-day workshop designed by professional teachers to bring your group further into the Irish tradition in a fun and engaging way.

We can offer the following:
Irish traditional music lessons, including instruction on tin whistle and bodhrán (drum). Play a tune by the end of the class! A quick introduction to common greetings and phrases in the Irish language. Try out your new language skills during your visit! Traditional set and céilí dancing. Everyone can learn a traditional set and feel at home at a céilí. Irish instrument demonstrations — try out button accordion, uilliann pipes, harp and other Irish instruments. We would be happy to create a custom day for you, including a combination of entertainment, song, dance and music instruction that you will be sure to enjoy. You can book a day with our without tea/coffee and lunch included, and if you like, we’ll arrange an evening performance just for you!
Just email us at info@dunuladh.ie or call +44 28 8224 2777 for 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?

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