Shanmaghery
Encyclopedia
Shanmaghery or Shanmaghry is a small hamlet and townland
in County Tyrone
, Northern Ireland
, situated six miles from Pomeroy
and three miles from Galbally
. Shanmaghery still remains partially an isolated area spanning one small road and several country lanes that straddle hilly countryside with excellent views of Tyrone and beyond.
The main road from Pomeroy to Dungannon
which passes Shanmaghery has a classic view of Shanmaghery on a hillside. On a clear night the lights from far as Belfast can be seen. Other spectacled would be the mountains of Pomeroy
, Lough Neagh
, and the Sperrin Mountains, where six counties can be seen on a clear day.
The area consists of farming land as it may have through the centuries, mainly cattle farming. Most of the people living in the area have ancestral links going back many generations. Through the last twenty five years many changes have taken place such as the building of new homes the abandoning of old dwellings and modern farming techniques. These have changed in some forms the character of the area but culturally very little has changed. Long since dies former inhabitants are fondly remembered such as Peter McGaheys whose families lived in and around Shanmaghery probably for many generations. The crossroads below his homestead is called McGaheys Crossroads. Further up on Shanmaghery hill is another well known area called Paul’s planting. Paul's Planting was harvested by local quarry men as it was disrupting their plans for rock removal with the assistance of Charlie Donnelly. When questioned by conservationists they claimed the site was of no historical significance.
Lord Quinn of the 6th generation is a well known local resident.
It is widely speculated by locals that shanmaghery was a filming location for a brief opening scene to the movie "Planet of the Apes".
This is not very widely known because the makers wanted filming locations for certain scenes to remain anonymous, thinking this would aid the movies popularity.
At the rear of Gortavoy Bridge the now dismantled railway line to Pomeroy is situated. A number of bridges in the area are still in use to provide access to local areas.
Townland
A townland or bally is a small geographical division of land used in Ireland. The townland system is of Gaelic origin—most townlands are believed to pre-date the Norman invasion and most have names derived from the Irish language...
in County Tyrone
County Tyrone
Historically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, situated six miles from Pomeroy
Pomeroy, County Tyrone
Pomeroy is a small village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is in the townland of Cavanakeeran, about from Cookstown, from Dungannon and from Omagh. The 2001 Census recorded a population of 604 people....
and three miles from Galbally
Galbally
Galbally may refer to:*Galbally, County Limerick, Republic of Ireland*Galbally, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland...
. Shanmaghery still remains partially an isolated area spanning one small road and several country lanes that straddle hilly countryside with excellent views of Tyrone and beyond.
The main road from Pomeroy to Dungannon
Dungannon
Dungannon is a medium-sized town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is the third-largest town in the county and a population of 11,139 people was recorded in the 2001 Census. In August 2006, Dungannon won Ulster In Bloom's Best Kept Town Award for the fifth time...
which passes Shanmaghery has a classic view of Shanmaghery on a hillside. On a clear night the lights from far as Belfast can be seen. Other spectacled would be the mountains of Pomeroy
Mountains of Pomeroy
Mountains of Pomeroy are a small range of hills that run west of the town of Pomeroy in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The area around the mountain range is scenic, with a variety of moorland, forestry and rural farming. The mountain range is recalled in the ballad The Mountains of Pomeroy by Dr....
, Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh, sometimes Loch Neagh, is a large freshwater lake in Northern Ireland. Its name comes .-Geography:With an area of , it is the largest lake in the British Isles and ranks among the forty largest lakes of Europe. Located twenty miles to the west of Belfast, it is approximately twenty...
, and the Sperrin Mountains, where six counties can be seen on a clear day.
The area consists of farming land as it may have through the centuries, mainly cattle farming. Most of the people living in the area have ancestral links going back many generations. Through the last twenty five years many changes have taken place such as the building of new homes the abandoning of old dwellings and modern farming techniques. These have changed in some forms the character of the area but culturally very little has changed. Long since dies former inhabitants are fondly remembered such as Peter McGaheys whose families lived in and around Shanmaghery probably for many generations. The crossroads below his homestead is called McGaheys Crossroads. Further up on Shanmaghery hill is another well known area called Paul’s planting. Paul's Planting was harvested by local quarry men as it was disrupting their plans for rock removal with the assistance of Charlie Donnelly. When questioned by conservationists they claimed the site was of no historical significance.
Local Interests
An ancient monument (grave) is situated in a field on Shanmaghery Hill near McGaheys Crossroads. Through the generations there has been much speculation as to what it was. It has through time fallen into poor condition, but can still be seen situated about fifty meters from the road side.Lord Quinn of the 6th generation is a well known local resident.
It is widely speculated by locals that shanmaghery was a filming location for a brief opening scene to the movie "Planet of the Apes".
This is not very widely known because the makers wanted filming locations for certain scenes to remain anonymous, thinking this would aid the movies popularity.
Gortavoy Bridge
Gortavoy Bridge is a modern residential area located on the main (B43) road linking Pomeroy to Donaghmore. The local homesteads of Corrycroar and Coolmaghry are nearby. It takes its name from the local bridge.At the rear of Gortavoy Bridge the now dismantled railway line to Pomeroy is situated. A number of bridges in the area are still in use to provide access to local areas.
See also
- AltmoreAltmoreAltmore is a hamlet and townland in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is five miles from Carrickmore and four miles from Pomeroy. Most of the community consists of farmers who make their livelihood in cattle and pig farming...
- PomeroyPomeroy, County TyronePomeroy is a small village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is in the townland of Cavanakeeran, about from Cookstown, from Dungannon and from Omagh. The 2001 Census recorded a population of 604 people....
- List of villages in Northern Ireland