Omagh area recommendations

Started by macdanger2, April 28, 2019, 10:22:39 PM

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Delegater

Quote from: Fionntamhnach on April 30, 2019, 03:43:08 PM
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2019, 08:50:28 AM
Dungannon which also has it's problems is at least surrounded by nice villages, Edendork where the vast majority of white / local parents send their primary school children*, Donaghmore, Moy, Benburb, Killyman. Omagh has Dromore, Trillick and Fintona. Not inspiring to say the least.
*The local primary school in Dungannon is 80% - 90% foreign national.

However, the people are lovely and It does have some excellent schools.

Firstly, don't talk shit about Fintona. Anyone still using it as a punching bag  metaphor must still be living in 2003.

Secondly, Trillick is a fair bit closer to Enniskillen than to Omagh, and most of its residents socialise, shop and go to school there (at least those not going to Dromore) - this years MacRory Cup squads being an unusual exception. Trillick folk are sort of Fermanagh men in Tyrone clothing, but there's never been any doubt to their cause for the red hands.

Thirdly, from the list of placed mentioned near Dungannon, yeah Donaghmore is nice but the rest? Edendork consists of one school, one church, one football and camogie club and nothing much else. The Moy has the Ryandale going for it but not much else either, plus they and Benburb are half in A***gh anyway and closer to the city are they not? - at least Trillick's all Tyrone. Killyman? Never been there bar the GAA grounds.

Fourthly, I noticed from that same list the absence of Moygashel and Coalisland. Any reason why? (P.S. I know the 'island is a bit big to describe as a village, but it is still within Dungannon's sphere of influence).

Finally, leaving aside the holy city, there are a few picturesque places surrounding Omagh worth mentioning. Gortin is a nice spot on its own, Seskinore is a tidy wee place, Killyclogher is a clean spot even if it's really now just a suburb of Omagh. Forget about Newtownstewart though, besides it lies closer to Strabanistan anyway.

Gortin is a great place to go see if people with six fingers is what you are into. Its like taking a walk through the 1960s.

Fintona is the definition of the word drab. The shop does reasonable coffee and they should be proud of that.


Owen Brannigan

Quote from: marty34 on April 29, 2019, 11:04:13 PM
I remember Enterprise Ulster. 

I always thought about the government starting a new acheme like this for lads to work in GAA grounds etc - cutting grass, tidying up and painting etc. Part of the scheme could include upskilling etc. and tie in with people who are unemployed for a certain period of time.  Employ them on a years contract possibly.

It would give some local employment, keep the grounds tidy (not that they're bad) through daily work and help in club planning in the longer term.

There has never been a more important time for the return of Enterprise Ulster as a training ground for young people in the trades. A bit of imagination could provide projects that would allow young people a chance to experience real work experience alongside learning in a formal setting.  Enterprise Ulster project gave those employed a sense of being contributors and a sense of achievement when projects were finished.

Owen Brannigan

Quote from: redcard on April 29, 2019, 08:24:52 PM

Really have to dispute this especially the restaurants.
Grants as pointed out earlier is good as also is Barbonis a few yards away down Castle Street.
The village Inn in Killyclogher has proved a popular attraction in more recent months  and is frequented by many people of your parents age availing of the carvery during the day.
The Millstone is also a popular attraction with many and I include the restaurant and the bar food in that. The bar food is reasonably priced. Sally's in John Street is also a popular spot.
The Ulster American Folk Park is a must as it will delight your parents with houses from the past just like your grandparents houses. The history of emigration from Ireland is also very interesting.
The Coach Inn on the Dromore Road is good also.
Also the Old Charm Inn in Carrickmore is reasonable and worth a visit.

You really need to get and about more.

GetOverTheBar

Quote from: Fionntamhnach on April 30, 2019, 03:43:08 PM
Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2019, 08:50:28 AM
Dungannon which also has it's problems is at least surrounded by nice villages, Edendork where the vast majority of white / local parents send their primary school children*, Donaghmore, Moy, Benburb, Killyman. Omagh has Dromore, Trillick and Fintona. Not inspiring to say the least.
*The local primary school in Dungannon is 80% - 90% foreign national.

However, the people are lovely and It does have some excellent schools.

Firstly, don't talk shit about Fintona. Anyone still using it as a punching bag  metaphor must still be living in 2003.

Secondly, Trillick is a fair bit closer to Enniskillen than to Omagh, and most of its residents socialise, shop and go to school there (at least those not going to Dromore) - this years MacRory Cup squads being an unusual exception. Trillick folk are sort of Fermanagh men in Tyrone clothing, but there's never been any doubt to their cause for the red hands.

Thirdly, from the list of placed mentioned near Dungannon, yeah Donaghmore is nice but the rest? Edendork consists of one school, one church, one football and camogie club and nothing much else. The Moy has the Ryandale going for it but not much else either, plus they and Benburb are half in A***gh anyway and closer to the city are they not? - at least Trillick's all Tyrone. Killyman? Never been there bar the GAA grounds.

Fourthly, I noticed from that same list the absence of Moygashel and Coalisland. Any reason why? (P.S. I know the 'island is a bit big to describe as a village, but it is still within Dungannon's sphere of influence).

Finally, leaving aside the holy city, there are a few picturesque places surrounding Omagh worth mentioning. Gortin is a nice spot on its own, Seskinore is a tidy wee place, Killyclogher is a clean spot even if it's really now just a suburb of Omagh. Forget about Newtownstewart though, besides it lies closer to Strabanistan anyway.

;D ;D ;D ;D

armaghniac

Quote from: ziggysego on April 30, 2019, 02:46:29 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 29, 2019, 04:40:20 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 28, 2019, 10:22:39 PM
My parents are going to a wedding up around Omagh in a couple of weeks. They're heading from Mayo on the day (Thurs) before the wedding, staying in Carrickmore - anywhere around that general area that people would recommend for food?

Also, if they were to go up early in the day, is there anything in particular worth seeing?

Thanks

Restaurants in Omagh area are fairly bleak, a good number can't even manage a 5 rating for hygiene.  Grants is the best in the town and there are no others I would take anyone to outside the town unless you just wanted a basic good feed of the same old stuff, about as good as a carry out of which Omagh has a huge number.

When you stop to think about what is worth seeing in Omagh, there is little or nothing worthwhile for the tourist. The Folk Park is great on a dry day otherwise bring a good coat and boots, remember Omagh has one of the highest rainfalls for towns in Ireland, on a par with Derry.  The Omagh bomb memorial must be one of the worst of its type anywhere in the world.  Town centre is grim with too much traffic, too little parking, too many charity shops and too many closed premises. 

The more I think about it the worse it gets from a visitor point of view.  Apart from that it is a good place to live, great schools, plenty of sporting clubs of all types, good leisure facilities and a very good place to bring up children. Just a pity we have to export them out of the area to get worthwhile, reasonably paid jobs.

Owen's from Armagh ;)

You need Armagh people to ensure those decent schools.
If at first you don't succeed, then goto Plan B

trailer

Moygashel and Fintona should be twinned.  And that's being kind to Fintona.

armaghniac

Quote from: trailer on April 30, 2019, 05:21:11 PM
Moygashel and Fintona should be twinned.  And that's being kind to Fintona.

Fintona should be twinned with Ballymagash.
If at first you don't succeed, then goto Plan B

omaghjoe

#37
Stayin in Carrickmore the old Nally Stand would be worth a look down at their pitch which is as an impressive bit of reclaiming bog as you'll ever see if your into that kind of thing
On the other hand if they are into bogs an Creagan out the road is good for a walk around and lunch

Omagh itself has plenty of walks, there is the Riverside and Lovers between Cookstwon and Hospital Roads. Only problem is you'll have o double back on yourself on the riverside portion. You can also gander in at McGuigans French Renaissance style Mansion, which incidentally has an incorporated oratory.....!

There is a good walk around the back of the Leisure centre which can be accessed from the back of the Memorial garden. This would be the pick of walks as you can loop back on yourself ie go in the Memorial garden and out Campsie and walk back up to the town Center or the back down the Cookstown Road if you go the whole way to the Arleston Road

Lough Muck is a short drive out of the Town is pretty, from memory there is toe path but haven't been in a while apart from driving past

Town Center itself is reasonably nice IMO, worth a walk around at least but perhaps lacks something stand out, but it is somewhat dramatic with the churches atop the hill and imposing courthouse...all  keeping an eye on us all. Not sure on the riverside walk status ATM but you can at least walk to the Abbey Bridge past the Arts Centre where you can pop into for tourist info also

Folk Park is excellent as good a cultural/historic museum as you'll get in the whole country

The History Park is in a shameful state and disgraceful what went on within ODC around it... tho it still had a long way to go before being as good as the Folk Park

Long overdue that St Lucia Barrack was opened up as a museum if only on the weekends

Golf Course could be transformed into a very scenic Park instead of going to waste there

Ignore the words of grippey ole apple munchers and concentrate on their actions...... came to the town for opportunity, did pretty well out of it.... and are still there!

omaghjoe

#38
On another note I dont how our resident Fintonian always manages to turn these threads about Fintona I reckon he misses Jerusalem ;)

But Ill say this..... Fintona could be compared to nowhere in East Tyrone as sectarianism is as non existent there as anywhere... perhaps the only comparison is amount of people from up the country who were rehoused in Fintona as is was a safe place to put them!

redcard

Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 30, 2019, 03:52:09 PM
Quote from: redcard on April 29, 2019, 08:24:52 PM

Really have to dispute this especially the restaurants.
Grants as pointed out earlier is good as also is Barbonis a few yards away down Castle Street.
The village Inn in Killyclogher has proved a popular attraction in more recent months  and is frequented by many people of your parents age availing of the carvery during the day.
The Millstone is also a popular attraction with many and I include the restaurant and the bar food in that. The bar food is reasonably priced. Sally's in John Street is also a popular spot.
The Ulster American Folk Park is a must as it will delight your parents with houses from the past just like your grandparents houses. The history of emigration from Ireland is also very interesting.
The Coach Inn on the Dromore Road is good also.
Also the Old Charm Inn in Carrickmore is reasonable and worth a visit.

You really need to get and about more.
:)

trailer

Quote from: omaghjoe on April 30, 2019, 10:14:37 PM
Stayin in Carrickmore the old Nally Stand would be worth a look down at their pitch which is as an impressive bit of reclaiming bog as you'll ever see if your into that kind of thing
On the other hand if they are into bogs an Creagan out the road is good for a walk around and lunch

Omagh itself has plenty of walks, there is the Riverside and Lovers between Cookstwon and Hospital Roads. Only problem is you'll have o double back on yourself on the riverside portion. You can also gander in at McGuigans French Renaissance style Mansion, which incidentally has an incorporated oratory.....!

There is a good walk around the back of the Leisure centre which can be accessed from the back of the Memorial garden. This would be the pick of walks as you can loop back on yourself ie go in the Memorial garden and out Campsie and walk back up to the town Center or the back down the Cookstown Road if you go the whole way to the Arleston Road

Lough Muck is a short drive out of the Town is pretty, from memory there is toe path but haven't been in a while apart from driving past

Town Center itself is reasonably nice IMO, worth a walk around at least but perhaps lacks something stand out, but it is somewhat dramatic with the churches atop the hill and imposing courthouse...all  keeping an eye on us all. Not sure on the riverside walk status ATM but you can at least walk to the Abbey Bridge past the Arts Centre where you can pop into for tourist info also

Folk Park is excellent as good a cultural/historic museum as you'll get in the whole country

The History Park is in a shameful state and disgraceful what went on within ODC around it... tho it still had a long way to go before being as good as the Folk Park

Long overdue that St Lucia Barrack was opened up as a museum if only on the weekends

Golf Course could be transformed into a very scenic Park instead of going to waste there

Ignore the words of grippey ole apple munchers and concentrate on their actions...... came to the town for opportunity, did pretty well out of it.... and are still there!

So, to sum up, get your elderly parents to go for a good long walk.

Puckoon

Quote from: omaghjoe on April 30, 2019, 10:14:37 PM

Omagh itself has plenty of walks, there is the Riverside and Lovers between Cookstwon and Hospital Roads. Only problem is you'll have o double back on yourself on the riverside portion. You can also gander in at McGuigans French Renaissance style Mansion, which incidentally has an incorporated oratory.....!



And it was here that you cemented your status as a poor demented cratur.  ;D