Shanmaghery

Shanmaghery is a small hamlet in rural 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. Part of the Parish of Pomeroy has on its borders such hamlets as Corrycroar, Lurganeden, Munderadoe and Aughafad. These themselves are small and isolated hamlets and accessed by one or so country lanes. 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. 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.

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.

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.

The bridge is known locally as the three eyed monster of GortavoyFact|date=August 2007 because the bridge has three arches.

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.

Gallery

References

* [http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/ NI Neighbourhood Information System]

See also

*Altmore
*Pomeroy
*List of villages in Northern Ireland
*List of towns in Northern Ireland