VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Tyrone’s OM Dark Sky Park

The OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, located at 155 Davagh Road, Omagh, BT79 8JH, in Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, is a unique attraction and one of only two International Dark Sky Parks in Ireland. Opened in October 2020, it combines astronomy with archaeology, offering visitors a chance to explore the night sky and the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles in a pristine, light-pollution-free environment.

Located in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, certified by the International Dark Sky Association as the 78th Dark Sky Park globally and the second in Ireland after Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve which was designated on January 27, 2014. The park spans 1,500 hectares of untouched rural landscape, blending stargazing with cultural and natural heritage. Here’s what visitors can anticipate:

Stargazing and Astronomy Experiences:

Unrivalled Night Sky: Davagh Forest’s minimal light pollution (with sky quality measurements exceeding 21.75 magnitudes per square arcsecond) offers crystal-clear views of constellations, the Milky Way, and deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (visible in autumn). On clear nights, visitors may spot planets, meteor showers, or even the Northern Lights, a rare but phenomenon in Ireland.
Observatory Facilities: The observatory houses a 14-inch LX600 Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, used during special stargazing events and VIP tours for detailed observations. A solar telescope allows daytime viewing of the Sun, while mini-telescopes and binoculars are available for hands-on exploration.
Guided Tours: Fully guided exhibition tours, led by enthusiastic staff like Davy, run Monday to Thursday at 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM, and Friday to Saturday at 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. These tours cover the solar system, constellations, and the archaeological significance of the area, with interactive elements suitable for all ages. Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
New Moon Observing Sessions: Monthly sessions during the new moon, when the sky is darkest, allow visitors to observe galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and the Milky Way using various telescopes, including live astrophotography demonstrations with a ZWO ASI2600MC imaging system.
Interactive Indoor Exhibition:
State-of-the-Art Technology: The visitor centre, designed to blend with the forest, features holographic installations, touch screens, and virtual reality (VR) headsets. Visitors can explore the eight planets of the solar system, witness the birth of a star, or take virtual walks through space. The OM Odyssey Outdoor Film Experience projects films on the observatory’s exterior, augmenting the immersive experience.
Educational Content: The exhibition connects astronomy with the region’s history, highlighting potential links between the Beaghmore Stone Circles (Bronze Age, c. 2000–1200 BC) and ancient astronomical observations, such as solstice alignments.
Family-Friendly: Interactive activities, including VR headsets and hands-on mini-telescopes, engage children and adults alike. Reviewers praise the fun, accessible approach, with one noting it’s “suitable for all ages” and “a real learning curve.”

Outdoor Activities and Archaeological Connection:

Beaghmore Stone Circles: Located nearby, this complex of seven Bronze Age stone circles, 10 rows, and 12 cairns, unearthed in the 1930s, is a highlight. The Stars and Stones walk, guided by observatory staff, explores the stones’ potential astronomical alignments (e.g., three rows pointing to the midsummer sunrise) and their cultural significance, set against the backdrop of heathery moorland and Davagh Forest
Solar Walk: A 3.4km trail links the observatory to the stone circles, with signposts providing fun facts about the planets and viewpoints for photography. The walk is scenic but note that some signage about duration will be inaccurate, as reported by a TripAdvisor reviewer.
Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail: Three innovative sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo, including “The Stargazer,” enhance the visitor experience, connecting the park’s natural and astronomical themes.
Forest Trails: Davagh Forest offers walking and mountain biking trails, ideal for daytime exploration. The peaceful, uncrowded setting is recommended for nature lovers, with streams and extreme drops for thrill-seekers.

Visitor Amenities:

Admission and Booking: Guided tours cost £5 per person, offering excellent value. Pre-booking is required via www.omdarksky.com.
The visitor centre is open year-round, with varying hours during public holidays. Summer hours end at 7:00 PM, but the forest and car park remain accessible for stargazing. Visitors are advised to stay near the observatory at night for safety, as the forest can be hard to navigate. An outdoor viewing platform with red ambient lighting supports stargazing.
Parking: Free for up to one hour, then 40p per hour, with free parking for exhibition ticket holders upon presenting tickets at reception. Payment is accepted via card or cash at the car park pay station or reception.
The centre is designed for accessibility, with details available on the website. The forest trails are navigable, though nighttime visits require caution. Approximately 6 miles northwest of Cookstown and 10 miles from Omagh, the park is served by Belfast International, Belfast City, City of Derry, and Dublin airports. The What3Words location is “stumpy.awaited.scorpions.”
Accommodation: Nearby options include Sperrinview Glamping Pods with glass ceilings for stargazing from bed, family-run hotels, B&Bs, and campsites.
Highly Rated: With 11 TripAdvisor reviews ranking it No. 6 of 25 attractions in Omagh, visitors praise the “super-informative” centre, “knowledgeable and enthusiastic” staff, and the “beautiful location.” One reviewer called it a “hidden gem” with more potential than the Giant’s Causeway, though underpromoted by tourism boards.
Tours last about 2 hours, with additional time for walks or stargazing. Evening visits are recommended for the full experience, especially during new moon phases.
Atmosphere: The serene, rural setting and passionate staff create a magical experience, blending science, nature, and history. Reviewers highlight the VR headsets, interactive exhibits, and the chance to see shooting stars or use stargazing apps.

What’s New:

International Dark Sky Week (April): The park is a key venue for International Dark Sky Week, a global event raising awareness about light pollution and celebrating natural night skies. Special events, such as guided stargazing sessions or workshops, are planned to mark the occasion, building on the success of similar events at Mayo Dark Sky Park.
The focus on Dark Sky Ireland’s mission to promote responsible lighting, highlighted by the International Artificial Light at Night Conference in Mayo (October 28–31, 2025).

New Moon Observing Sessions:

As part of Irish Astronomy Week 2025, OM is emphasizing its New Moon Observing Sessions, held monthly when the moon is not visible, offering optimal stargazing conditions. These sessions, using the 14-inch Meade telescope and ZWO imaging system, will continue with additions like new astrophotography workshops or expanded telescope access for advanced visitors.
The observatory may introduce themed sessions tied to specific celestial events, such as meteor showers or planetary alignments, based on its astronomical calendar.

Potential Exhibition Updates:

The visitor centre’s interactive exhibits will see updates, such as new holographic content or VR experiences, building on the existing technology. While specific new displays are not announced, the park’s commitment to using “state-of-the-art digital interventions” suggests ongoing enhancements to keep the experience fresh.
New interpretive content may focus on the Beaghmore Stone Circles’ astronomical significance, incorporating recent archaeological insights or discoveries.
The Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail, already a draw, will be complemented by new outdoor installations or interpretive signage to enhance the visitor arrival experience, as designed by The Paul Hogarth Company.
Community and Educational Engagement: Following the success of family-friendly activities and school visits, OM may expand its educational offerings, including new workshops for children or advanced astronomy sessions for enthusiasts, as suggested by TripAdvisor reviews mentioning “more advanced tours” announced via the website.

Recommendations for Visitors

Book in Advance: Reserve guided tours or New Moon Observing Sessions via www.omdarksky.com to secure your spot, as pre-booking is essential.
Plan for Evening Visits: Visit during new moon phases or check the astronomical calendar on the website for optimal stargazing (e.g., meteor showers or the Northern Lights). Autumn is ideal for seeing the Andromeda Galaxy.
Combine with Outdoor Activities: Explore the 3.4km Solar Walk to the Beaghmore Stone Circles or try mountain biking trails in Davagh Forest Bring binoculars or a stargazing app for enhanced viewing.
Stay Nearby: Book at Sperrinview Glamping Pods for a unique stargazing experience from bed, or choose nearby B&Bs or campsites.
Check Weather: Confirm conditions via the Mid Ulster District Council’s Weather Wise page or social media (@omdarksky
on Twitter/Facebook) to avoid cancellations due to severe weather.
Combine with Other Attractions: Visit nearby Ulster American Folk Park (10 miles away) or Gortin Glen Forest Park for a full day in County Tyrone.

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory offers a magical blend of stargazing, archaeology, and nature, with its pristine night skies, interactive visitor centre, and proximity to the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Visitors can expect guided tours, VR experiences, and hands-on astronomy, all in a serene, light-pollution-free setting., new highlights include special events for International Dark Sky Week (April 21–28), expanded New Moon Observing Sessions, and potential updates to exhibitions or community programmes, supported by regional tourism initiatives. With enthusiastic staff, affordable tickets, and a unique location, OM is a “hidden gem” that promises an unforgettable journey through time and space for visitors of all ages. For updates, visit www.omdarksky.com or follow @omdarksky on social media