Overview
St Macartan’s, widely known locally as The Forth Chapel, stands on Springtown Road in Augher, County Tyrone. Overlooking the gentle slopes of the Clogher Valley, the sandstone building operates as both an active place of worship and a community-managed heritage site. Recent volunteer-led restoration work has returned the chapel to its former condition, earning it the UK Church of the Year award in 2023 and a Heritage Angel Award for craftsmanship. Visitors come for the quiet atmosphere, the historic graveyard, and the striking stained-glass windows that dominate the interior.
History & Local Connections
The chapel was constructed between 1838 and 1846 on the site of an ancient ring-fort. Local tradition holds that this elevated location was used for secret Masses during the Penal era, when Catholic worship was restricted. The building is dedicated to St Macartan, a 6th-century figure traditionally credited with establishing an early monastery in nearby Clogher.
The interior’s most notable features are four stained-glass windows installed in 1922 by Clarke Studio. They carry a strong local narrative. Three of the windows commemorate members of the Kavanagh family, prominent parishioners in the area. The St Macartan window honours Rose Kavanagh (c. 1859–1891), a writer and editor whose poetry caught the attention of W.B. Yeats. Another window depicts St Patrick and memorialises her sister, Katharine Campbell. The Revd Hughes window pays tribute to Archbishop John Joseph Hughes (1797–1864), born in the parish and later the first Archbishop of New York. His transatlantic career and the Kavanagh family ties give the windows a distinctive personal history.
What to See Inside & Out
- Clarke Studio Windows: Step inside to examine the 1922 glasswork. The vibrant colour palette and detailed iconography reflect early 20th-century craftsmanship. Volunteer guides can explain the symbolism in each panel and trace the connections between the local families and the Archbishop of New York.
- Historic Graveyard: The surrounding cemetery is a quiet space to explore. Among the older headstones is the grave of Rose Kavanagh. A large bush near the perimeter is linked to local folklore, said to have concealed lanterns used by Catholics attending secret services.
- Handcrafted Crucifix: Behind the altar hangs a unique brass crucifix designed by Geraldine McKenna, a former volunteer guide. The piece adds a contemporary artistic element to the traditional sanctuary.
- Valley Views: The chapel’s position on Springtown Road offers clear sightlines across the Clogher Valley. It is a practical stopping point for walkers and photographers looking for a quiet spot with open countryside views.
Guided Tours & Community Events
The chapel is managed by a local committee that relies on trained volunteers to maintain the building and share its history.
- Volunteer-Led Tours: Visitors can join guided walks through the interior and graveyard. Guides cover the restoration process, the Clarke windows, and the chapel’s role in the parish. Tours are free, though donations directly support ongoing building maintenance.
- Group & School Visits: The committee regularly hosts primary school groups and heritage organisations. Visits include talks on local history, stained-glass design, and the wider cultural landscape of the Clogher Valley.
- Community Projects: Recent initiatives have included the restoration of a century-old bell, which was rung again at Christmas 2023, and a stained-glass art competition for local pupils. Winning designs were displayed in the chapel, creating a direct link between heritage preservation and the next generation.
Practical Information
Opening Hours The chapel is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Access is unrestricted during these times, and the doors are typically unlocked for visitors.
Admission Entry is free. Donations are welcomed and go directly toward the restoration and maintenance programme. Pre-booked group tours are also free of charge.
Contact & Booking
- Phone: 078 1818 6979
- Email: forthchapel@gmail.com
- Facebook: St Macartan’s The Forth
Sunday Mass is held at 11:15. Visitors attending services or touring during Mass hours are asked to observe standard church etiquette.
Getting There & Accessibility
The chapel is located on Springtown Road, Augher (BT77 0EA). It is easily reached from the A5, with free on-site parking available a short walk from the entrance. Dedicated disabled parking spaces are provided near the car park.
Public transport options are limited but viable. The nearest bus stop is in Augher village, roughly 1 km away, with services connecting to Dungannon and Omagh. Local taxis can also be arranged from nearby towns.
Accessibility Features
- Level access throughout the building
- Disabled parking and accessible toilets nearby
- Guide dogs permitted
- Volunteer assistance available on request
Nearby Attractions
The Forth Chapel sits within a network of walking routes and heritage sites. The Carleton Trail passes through the wider area, tracing the footsteps of 19th-century novelist William Carleton. Cyclists and walkers can also link the chapel visit to the Ulster Way or explore the Knockmany Passage Grave, a Neolithic monument located a short drive away. Combining the chapel with a morning walk along the valley trails makes for a straightforward day trip through County Tyrone’s cultural landscape.