Omagh
Two rivers meet in the town to form the Strule, and the emigration story leaves from here: the Ulster American Folk Park stands just north of it. Omagh is the county town of County Tyrone.
Best sites to see in Omagh
Ulster American Folk Park
A short drive north of Omagh, this open-air museum tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America, with original and recreated buildings from both sides of the Atlantic. It is the major visitor attraction of the Omagh area.
Sacred Heart Church
The tall spire of the Sacred Heart Catholic church dominates Omagh's skyline and is the town's best-known landmark. The church stands prominently above the town centre.
Strule Arts Centre and the Riverfront
On the banks of the River Strule in the town centre, the arts centre hosts exhibitions and performances. The riverside around it is the focus of Omagh's modern town centre.
Gortin Glen Forest Park
North of Omagh in the foothills of the Sperrins, Gortin Glen offers forest walks, a scenic drive and viewpoints over the glen. It is the natural day out from the town.
Where to stand, and when
- Sacred Heart Church spire above Omagh: Late afternoon light shows the spire at its best against the town; shoot from across the river for context.
- The historic buildings of the Ulster American Folk Park: Morning visits are quieter and give soft light on the thatched cottages and log cabins.
- Gortin Glen's forest drive and viewpoints: Autumn colour and clear mornings make the glen most photogenic; allow time for the viewpoints above the trees.
Omagh through history
Omagh is the county town of County Tyrone, set where the Drumragh and Camowen rivers meet to form the River Strule.
The Ulster American Folk Park was developed near the birthplace cottage of Thomas Mellon, the Omagh-area emigrant who founded a banking dynasty in Pittsburgh, reflecting the area's strong emigration story.
Omagh is remembered for the bomb attack of August 1998, in which 29 people were killed; a memorial garden in the town commemorates the victims.
The surrounding Sperrin Mountains and glens shaped Omagh as a market town serving a wide rural hinterland.
Practical tips
- The Folk Park is outside the town and needs its own half-day; check its opening hours, as it runs seasonal schedules.
- Omagh town centre is walkable, but the cathedral-like Sacred Heart church sits above the streets, so expect a short uphill walk.
- If visiting the memorial garden, allow a quiet moment there and treat it as a place of remembrance rather than a photo stop.
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar