2022-2032 Vistitor Experience Development Plan

2.5 What has been done and what works? 21 Fermanagh Lakelands & Omagh and The Sperrins Omagh and The Sperrins Developing Omagh as a Destination Town Hub for The Sperrins Omagh is currently not widely recognised as a place to service the wider Sperrins area, due to its limited visitor provision and accommodation. It offers a limited night time economy, however further work is commencing through the Place Shaping Plan for the Town to strengthen the town centre offering. Omagh, whilst less developed in terms of tourism infrastructure than Enniskillen, has the potential to act as a Destination Town Hub for The Sperrins, helping connect to the hero product of the Ulster American Folk Park. Continued development of cultural activities here in the town centre, combined with the regeneration of key sites could unlock further enabling visitor infrastructure and offer more off season, and later in the day activities for visitors coming to explore The Sperrins. Infrastructure and Connectivity There is wide acknowledgement of the less mature visitor products and experience that exists in The Sperrins and therefore the focus here should be on enabling infrastructure to grow the existing hero product and complementary infrastructure around it. The main hero product is the Ulster American Folk Park which is a major anchor for the area, however the proposition is currently lacking other things to do once the visitor has completed the attraction. The area also has connectivity issues and links could be strengthened between Omagh Town, Gortin and the wider South Sperrins. Other complementary experiences around this area include, Gortin Glen Forest Park, Gortin Lakes and Boorin Nature Reserve. There is significant opportunity for the Ulster American Folk Park to play a role in attracting future visitors seeking out ancestral history, connecting to the Irish/Ulster Scots and Appalachian trail connections that exist. QuickWins for Omagh and The Sperrins ● Support mixed use regeneration including accommodation in Omagh; ● Leverage opportunities presented in Gortin Glens; ● Work with the Dark Skies Brand to promote rural retreats that offer stargazing, off the beaten track, and wilding experiences; ● Promote the South Sperrins Driving Route and the spectacular Owenkillew Valley including sustainable options such as ebikes and electric tours; ● Connect to the immigration story being developed through Derry City and Strabane District Council to include The Sperrins ‘pilgrimage’ to the new world and the diaspora of the area (globally connected); ● Explore a megalithic and archaeological sites trail.