Overview
Pomeroy is a small village and civil parish perched on a hill that dominates the surrounding countryside of County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. With a population of just under 800 (2011 Census), the settlement is the closest community to the geographical centre of Ulster. The village is framed by the Pomeroy Hills, a patchwork of moorland, bog and ancient cairns that whisper of Stone Age and Bronze Age activity. Just beyond the village edge lies the 176‑hectare Pomeroy Forest and Magic Trails – a purpose‑built woodland adventure that blends natural beauty with imaginative sculpture.
History
The area that is now Pomeroy was once a dense forest in the late 17th century. Following the Ulster Plantation, James I granted eight townlands to Sir William Parsons, and the Lowry family later shaped the settlement’s development. In 1750 Rev. James Lowry secured a weekly market and a bi‑annual hiring fair, cementing Pomeroy’s role as a local hub. The village square, known locally as The Diamond, grew around the Church of Ireland building erected in the early 1840s, its tower funded by the Lowrys as a token of gratitude. The surrounding woodlands were largely cleared by the 18th century, but remnants of the original forest survive in the form of historic pine avenues and the famed King James’s Well on the Royal Road, the route James II used in 1689 on his way to Derry.
What to See & Do
Village Highlights
- St Mary’s Catholic Church – a striking landmark in the heart of the village.
- The Diamond – the central square where market days once thrummed with activity.
- Bronze Age cairns – scattered across the surrounding hills, offering quiet spots for reflection and panoramic views of the Sperrin range.
- Pomeroy Plunketts GAA Club – catch a Gaelic football match to experience local sport culture.
Pomeroy Forest and Magic Trails
The forest is a family‑friendly wonderland featuring 18 nature‑based sculptures, from a towering unicorn to a whimsical witch’s hut. Trails are colour‑coded and way‑marked:
- Renardine Nursery Trail (Blue – 1 km) – flat, smooth, suitable for strollers; passes six nursery‑themed sculptures and returns via the inclusive play park.
- Renardine Fairytale Trail (Red – 2.2 km) – mostly flat with a gentle incline near the Last Unicorn; showcases 18 fairytale sculptures, the Castle of Pomeroy and a panoramic viewing point.
- Grace Drennan Eco Trail (Yellow – 2.4 km) – a coarser gravel route for walkers and runners, offering interpretive signs about local flora, fauna and ecology.
The new visitor centre, located at 56 Tanderagee Road, provides a spacious multi‑use hall (retractable seating for ~150), two meeting rooms, a coffee dock, picnic courtyard, accessible toilets and changing facilities. A café – Woodies Café – operates during the summer months.
Getting there
Pomeroy Forest is accessed via the A5 road, about 15 km north‑west of Dungannon. Free on‑site car parking with disabled bays is available at the visitor centre. Public transport is limited; the nearest railway station closed in 1965, so driving or arranging a local taxi is the most reliable way to reach the site.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Facility | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Centre (building) | 9 am – 6 pm | 9 am – 6 pm | 9 am – 6 pm | 9 am – 6 pm | 9 am – 6 pm | 9 am – 6 pm | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Woodies Café (July‑August) | 9 am – 5 pm | 9 am – 5 pm | 9 am – 5 pm | 9 am – 5 pm | 9 am – 5 pm | 9 am – 5 pm | 9 am – 5 pm |
Admission: Free entry to the forest and trails; café purchases are separate.
Contact: +44 (0) 3000 132 132 (general enquiries) • 028 8772 8640 (Mid Ulster Council reception) – email: pomeroyforest.admin@midulstercouncil.org
Accessibility: The Nursery and Fairytale trails are wheelchair‑accessible, though the surface may become soft in wet weather. The Grace Drennan Eco Trail is a coarser gravel path suitable for confident walkers. Accessible toilets, baby‑changing facilities and pram‑friendly routes are available at the visitor centre.
Visitor tips
- Footwear: Sturdy shoes or trainers are advisable for the Eco Trail; the Nursery and Fairytale routes are suitable for walking shoes or even sturdy sandals in dry weather.
- Weather: The forest can be windy and damp; bring a waterproof jacket and check the forecast before heading out.
- Facilities: Pack a water bottle and a snack; the visitor centre has picnic tables and a café, but the café only operates in July and August.
- Family friendly: The inclusive play park and the colour‑coded trails make it easy to plan a route that matches the ages and abilities of your group.
- Photography: Early morning or late afternoon light highlights the sculptures and the surrounding landscape.
Nearby attractions
Beaghmore Stone Circles, Drum Manor Forest Park, Wellbrook Beetling Mill, and the Sperrin Mountains are all within a 10‑km radius, making Pomeroy an ideal base for exploring County Tyrone’s rich heritage.
Seasonal highlights
The forest remains open year‑round, with the most vibrant colours in late spring and early autumn. Summer brings the Woodies Café and occasional community events in the visitor centre.
Enjoy the blend of historic charm and woodland magic that makes Pomeroy a memorable stop on any Northern Ireland itinerary.