VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at county Tyrone’s Solar Walk

The Solar Walk is a unique outdoor trail within the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest, Co. Tyrone (BT79 8JH), approximately 6 miles northwest of Cookstown. This 3.4 km trail connects the modern observatory to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, linking the observed solar system in the sky with the site’s astronomical solar and lunar alignments. It’s a family-friendly, educational experience that combines astronomy, archaeology, and the natural beauty of the Sperrin Mountains.

The Solar Walk offers an immersive journey through the solar system, set against the backdrop of Davagh Forest’s second International Dark Sky Park, opened in 2020. Starting at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, the trail guides visitors along a path dotted with markers representing planets, culminating at the Beaghmore Stone Circles, a Bronze Age site with astronomical significance.

Trail and Features:

3.4 km Route: The Solar Walk is a 3.4 km (2.1 mile) trail, approximately 6.8 km round trip, starting at the OM Observatory in Davagh Forest and ending at Beaghmore Stone Circles. The path is mostly flat and suitable for walking, though it’s noted to feel longer than expected due to its immersive nature. It’s not fully paved, so sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wet conditions.
Solar System Markers: Along the trail, markers represent planets in our solar system, scaled to reflect their relative distances from the Sun. Each marker includes a QR code that, when scanned with the OM Solar Search app, triggers augmented reality (AR) experiences on your smartphone. These provide fascinating facts, such as Earth’s age or the composition of Saturn’s rings, making the walk both educational and interactive.
Beaghmore Stone Circles: The trail’s endpoint is a mysterious complex of seven Bronze Age stone circles, 10 rows of stones, and 12 cairns, believed to be one of the earliest observatories in the region. The stones’ alignments correspond to solar and lunar events, connecting ancient astronomy with the modern observatory. Interpretation panels explain their archaeological and cultural significance.
Scenic Beauty: The trail winds through Davagh Forest, an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains. Visitors enjoy beautiful scenery, with viewpoints offering glimpses of the surrounding countryside. Reviewers describe it as a “hidden gem” with “gorgeous views” of standing stones and Forest

Augmented Reality Experience:

The OM Solar Search app (available for iOS and Android) enhances the walk with AR content. By scanning QR codes at planet markers, visitors can explore digital representations of planets, learn about their characteristics, and visualise the solar system in real time. The app links the sky above to the archaeological landscape, creating a bridge between ancient and modern stargazing.
The AR experience is praised for engaging all ages, with children particularly enjoying the interactive elements. One reviewer noted their 3- and 6-year-olds “loved the Solar Walk” for its fun facts and digital features.

Visitor Amenities:

Free Admission: The Solar Walk is free to access, though donations may support the OM Dark Sky Park’s operations. The trail is open year-round during daylight hours, as it’s an outdoor experience without fixed closing times.
Parking: Free car parking is available at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest, where the trail begins. The What3Words location for the observatory is “encode.messy.thankless” for precise navigation.
The trail is not fully wheelchair accessible due to its forest path, which includes uneven terrain. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the observatory for advice. The trail is suitable for families with pushchairs, though some sections will be challenging in wet weather.
Facilities: The OM Observatory offers toilets, a gift shop with hot chocolate and souvenirs, and a visitor centre with holographic displays, VR headsets, and telescopes (separate admission may apply for observatory tours). There’s no café, so bring snacks or a picnic.
The walk takes 1–2 hours round trip, depending on pace and time spent at markers or Beaghmore. Allow extra time to explore the observatory or forest trails.
Educational and Fun: Reviewers highlight the Solar Walk as an “interesting and beautiful” experience, blending astronomy with archaeology. The AR app and planet facts engage both children and adults, while the stone circles add a sense of wonder. One visitor called it a “brilliant find” for its educational value and scenic appeal.
Family-Friendly: The trail is a hit with families, with children enjoying the interactive QR codes and the adventure of reaching the stone circles. However, some note the walk is “longer than you think,” so prepare young children for the 6.8 km round trip.
TripAdvisor Recognition: The OM Dark Sky Park, including the Solar Walk, holds a Travellers’ Choice award, ranking in the top 10% of attractions on TripAdvisor. Visitors praise its “fascinating insight into the universe” and the “hidden gem” status of Beaghmore.
A common critique is inaccurate signage about the walk’s length, which can mislead visitors. Checking the weather is advised, as the trail can be muddy, and the AR app requires a charged smartphone with data.

Nearby Attractions:

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory: Combine the walk with a guided tour (Monday–Thursday: 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM) featuring telescopes, VR headsets, and evening stargazing shows, showcasing the Milky Way in one of Ireland’s darkest skies.
Davagh Forest Trails: Offers gentle walking and mountain biking trails, including a 16 km red trail with rock slab drops for adventure seekers.
Beaghmore Stone Circles: Included in the Solar Walk, but additional time can be spent exploring the site’s 1,500 stones and cairns.
Ulster American Folk Park (15 miles): An open-air museum on emigration history.
Wellbrook Beetling Mill (10 miles): An 18th-century linen mill in a wooded valley.
The trail’s location in Mid Ulster makes it a gateway to the Sperrin Mountains, ideal for hiking or visiting Cookstown’s dining options.
What’s New: Improved app functionality will address user feedback about signage inaccuracies, perhaps integrating a GPS-based trail guide to clarify the walk’s length and duration.
Mid Ulster District Council’s 2025 tourism initiatives, including a Dublin showcase and events like the Wake the Giant Festival, aim to boost visitor numbers to Davagh Forest The Solar Walk, as a key feature of the OM Dark Sky Park, will see enhanced promotion through new brochures, social media campaigns, or inclusion in regional heritage trails, emphasizing its unique blend of astronomy and archaeology.
The Visit Mid Ulster website (www.visitmidulster.com) now highlights the Solar Walk prominently, suggesting potential new interpretive panels or guided group tours to attract more visitors.

Potential Guided Walks:

Building on the observatory’s guided exhibition tours, 2025 may introduce guided Solar Walks led by staff like Ciara, who is praised for her engaging presentations. These could focus on the astronomical significance of Beaghmore Stone Circles or the science behind the solar system, catering to schools or astronomy enthusiasts.
Group rates for observatory tours suggest group-focused Solar Walk events, bookable via www.visitmidulster.com.
Conservation and Trail Maintenance: As part of the OM Dark Sky Park’s commitment to preserving its pristine environment, 2025 will see trail maintenance to improve accessibility or address muddy sections, responding to visitor feedback about uneven terrain. This could include better signage to clarify the 3.4 km distance and ensure a smoother experience.
Connection to Broader Stargazing Events: The OM Dark Sky Park’s recognition as a top stargazing destination (ranked 11th globally by Belfast Live) may inspire 2025 events tied to celestial phenomena, such as meteor showers or planetary alignments. The Solar Walk could be featured in night-time events, with guided walks under the stars or AR app updates to highlight visible planets.
The observatory’s evening audio-visual shows may integrate the Solar Walk’s themes, encouraging visitors to explore the trail by day and stargaze by night.

Recommendations for Visitors

Download the App: Install the OM Solar Search app before your visit (available on iOS/Android) and ensure your phone is charged with data for AR experiences. Scan QR codes at planet markers for interactive content.
Prepare for the Walk: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the 6.8 km round trip can take 1–2 hours. Check the weather, as the trail can be muddy, and note that signage may underestimate the distance.
Start at the Observatory: Begin at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory (BT79 8JH) for parking and facilities. Consider a guided observatory tour (£8–£12, book via www.visitmidulster.com) to complement the walk with stargazing or VR experiences.
Visit Beaghmore: Spend time at the stone circles, using interpretation panels to understand their astronomical alignments. Bring a camera for the scenic views and ancient stones.
Combine with Stargazing: Plan a late afternoon walk to reach Beaghmore by dusk, then return for an evening stargazing session at the observatory, especially on clear nights for Milky Way views.
Allow Time: Budget 2–3 hours for the walk and observatory visit, longer if exploring additional Davagh Forest trails or nearby attractions like the Ulster American Folk Park.

The Solar Walk at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest is a blend of astronomy, archaeology, and outdoor adventure, offering a free 3.4 km trail through a scaled solar system to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles. With its AR app, scenic forest setting, and educational markers, it’s a family-friendly highlight of N Ireland’s second International Dark Sky Park., expect potential app updates, increased tourism promotion through Mid Ulster’s initiatives, guided walks, and trail maintenance to enhance the experience. Its connection to the Sperrin Mountains and Beaghmore’s mystical stones makes it a unique stop for nature and history lovers. For updates, visitwww.visitmidulster.com or www.discovernorthernireland.com,