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Coordinates: 54°33′50″N 6°53′31″W / 54.564°N 6.892°W / 54.564; -6.892

Shanmaghery or Shanmaghry (from Irish: Sean-mhachaire, meaning "old plain")^[1] 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.

Local Interests [link]

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.

Gallery [link]

• McGaheys Crossroads, August 2006-1.jpg

  Shanmaghery at McGaheys Crossroads

• Back of Shanmaghery 28th August 2006-2.jpg

  Shanmaghery looking at the Mountains of Pomeroy

Gortavoy Bridge [link]

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.

References [link]

1. ^ Placenames NI

• NI Neighbourhood Information System

See also [link]

• Altmore
• Pomeroy
• List of villages in Northern Ireland