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
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
Old Charm Inn in Carrickmore?
What are their interests? What do they normally go to see when they visit areas?
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
Ulster American Folk Park is decent. They could spend 3 hours there. Just on the outskirts of Omagh.
Sperrin restaurant is good.
Call in and see Garvaghey, the Tyrone GAA Centre, just off the main road about 10 miles from Omagh. There's some interesting articles and pieces on the history of Tyrone and even taking the walking track around it gives a feeling of being in rural Tyrone.
Dungannon isn't far and has Ranfurly House at the Hill of the O'Neill, which has a great guided tour focussing on the Flight of the Earls.
It's got it's haters but I love Grants in Omagh for a feed. Boston steak is great feed.
If their into walking, the Gortin Glens are good, depending on weather. Ulster American Folkpark as mentioned is interesting. Other than that, er the Pigeon top.....
Quote from: redcard on April 28, 2019, 11:39:01 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
Old Charm Inn in Carrickmore?
What are their interests? What do they normally go to see when they visit areas?
They're in their mid 70s so nothing too strenuous, maybe a museum or a fairly flat walk, something to pass the time as much as anything else
Thanks for all the recommendations, will check them out
This place is very popular with the natives, they just keep on returning to it.
(http://www.highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/omagh-courthouse.jpg)
How far is Tullyhogue from Omagh ?
Quote from: seafoid on April 29, 2019, 11:15:06 AM
How far is Tullyhogue from Omagh ?
About 40 mins. They now have a hurling club.
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 29, 2019, 10:04:06 AM
Quote from: redcard on April 28, 2019, 11:39:01 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
Old Charm Inn in Carrickmore?
What are their interests? What do they normally go to see when they visit areas?
They're in their mid 70s so nothing too strenuous, maybe a museum or a fairly flat walk, something to pass the time as much as anything else
Thanks for all the recommendations, will check them out
Ulster American the best option. It's interesting and not too taxing but if the weather is poor it might be best avoided.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 29, 2019, 01:19:57 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 29, 2019, 10:04:06 AM
Quote from: redcard on April 28, 2019, 11:39:01 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
Old Charm Inn in Carrickmore?
What are their interests? What do they normally go to see when they visit areas?
They're in their mid 70s so nothing too strenuous, maybe a museum or a fairly flat walk, something to pass the time as much as anything else
Thanks for all the recommendations, will check them out
Ulster American the best option. It's interesting and not too taxing but if the weather is poor it might be best avoided.
There's a fair old bit of walking around it to be honest.
Quote from: trailer on April 29, 2019, 01:40:17 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 29, 2019, 01:19:57 PM
Quote from: macdanger2 on April 29, 2019, 10:04:06 AM
Quote from: redcard on April 28, 2019, 11:39:01 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
Old Charm Inn in Carrickmore?
What are their interests? What do they normally go to see when they visit areas?
They're in their mid 70s so nothing too strenuous, maybe a museum or a fairly flat walk, something to pass the time as much as anything else
Thanks for all the recommendations, will check them out
Ulster American the best option. It's interesting and not too taxing but if the weather is poor it might be best avoided.
There's a fair old bit of walking around it to be honest.
True there is a good bit to it. Fair point!
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.
What happened the Gortin Historical park?
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.
Tremendous assassination of the town. Actually feel a bit depressed after reading that.
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.
That's a fairly accurate analysis of Omagh. It's a bit of a kip to be fair. There's not a restaurant I'd ever been recommended either.
But lots of towns in NI are suffering, high streets are full of vaping, charity and coffee shops.
Dungannon has the Hill of the O'Neill and it's worthwhile. It's also blowing a shit load of money, so please come and support it.
Quote from: armaghniac on April 29, 2019, 05:15:54 PM
What happened the Gortin Historical park?
Gone a long time (funding).
Quote from: Rois on April 29, 2019, 05:57:24 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on April 29, 2019, 05:15:54 PM
What happened the Gortin Historical park?
Gone a long time (funding).
Actually was a much better educational resource than Folk Park and was lost because the two were never joined. Eventually sold off with some controversy by Council. Built by the much underestimated resource called Enterprise Ulster. No sure what state it is now in.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 29, 2019, 05:19:00 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.
Tremendous assassination of the town. Actually feel a bit depressed after reading that.
Worst part is that all of it is true and could be even worse. Didn't mention the weekend night time entertainment on John Street or Main Street which make them no go areas most weekends if you are over 25. Or the multiple carryouts all along Campsie that make it a no go area when the pubs and nightclubs empty..
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 29, 2019, 07:13:36 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 29, 2019, 05:19:00 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.
Tremendous assassination of the town. Actually feel a bit depressed after reading that.
Worst part is that all of it is true and could be even worse. Didn't mention the weekend night time entertainment on John Street or Main Street which make them no go areas most weekends if you are over 25. Or the multiple carryouts all along Campsie that make it a no go area when the pubs and nightclubs empty..
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.
Having frequented a few of the above mentioned establishments I can concur with the previous poster in saying The Village Inn Killyclogher(en route to Carrickmore) has really been re-vitalised recently,also a visit to the Coach for lunch/dinner is worthy of a mention.
Regarding things to do ....you could always visit the Goldmines around Greencastle :P or stop off at Creggan
Find a pub and go on the rip !!!
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 29, 2019, 07:07:07 PM
Quote from: Rois on April 29, 2019, 05:57:24 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on April 29, 2019, 05:15:54 PM
What happened the Gortin Historical park?
Gone a long time (funding).
Actually was a much better educational resource than Folk Park and was lost because the two were never joined. Eventually sold off with some controversy by Council. Built by the much underestimated resource called Enterprise Ulster.
Enterprise Ulster did all sorts of useful work. The abandonment of the park illustrates what is wrong with public spending in the 6 counties.
QuoteNo sure what state it is now in.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4376/37130198130_67ab258e6e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Yz4YiQ)
"Hidden but never forgotten" (https://flic.kr/p/Yz4YiQ)
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.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on April 30, 2019, 02:47:42 AM
It's not a terribly remarkable place on its own, and for around the last 125 years or so its been a sort of garrison, market and services town, albeit with the garrison bit now gone. Other than this it struggles on having little in the way of notable history for it - Armagh has its cathedrals, Enniskillen has its own landscapes, Derry has its historical walls, but there's little of note in Omagh aside from being on the southern foothills of the Sperrins, where the Camowen & Drumragh rivers meet to form the Strule.
I always viewed this as being due to the fact that Dungannon is the town with the rich history in Tyrone, and that town effectively abdicated its title of county town due
to poor policy and poor planning, and also that it was a hotbed of sectarian tension and dangerous during the Troubles. Omagh just kind of assumed the role of primary town as a result.
Few additional points
Anyone who recommends a place for food based on its carvery, should immediately have their opinion dismissed. It's the worst type of food. The cheapest ingredients, boiled and roasted beyond recognition, haped up on plate then bastardised with gravy. A lazy feed for lazy people who don't want to cook nor wait on a properly cooked meal.
Omagh's infrastructure is awful. It's always jammed with traffic including the "bypass". God help you if you wish to turn right, out the Dromore road. Expect an hour wait as the filter light lets 1.5 cars through every 5 mins. There isn't a decent road into nor out of it. There's no train station so is only accessible by road. Narrow and dangerous high speed roads. There's no shopping in it worth talking about. Years and years of little and poor investment has left it and many, many other towns in the west of NI cut adrift. It's a perfect example of poor planning with no foresight can do.
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.
Some boy comes on lookin tips on where to eat and go for a relative and yis are now talkin about where the white kids go to school. Couldnt make this shit up 😃😃
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 ;)
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 ;)
Where history and visitor/tourist attractions are around every corner. Note that I'm still in Omagh and haven't returned to the city despite no ties to the town.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Moygashel and Fintona should be twinned. And that's being kind to Fintona.
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.
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!
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!
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.
:)
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.
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