Altmore facts for kids
Altmore is a small village, also known as a hamlet, and a townland in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The name "Altmore" comes from an old Irish phrase, Allt Mór, which means "great glen" or "big valley". It's located about five miles from Carrickmore and four miles from Pomeroy. The official name for the townland is Altmore (also called Barracktown). It covers an area of about 1117 acres.
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Life in Altmore
Most people in Altmore are farmers. They mainly raise cattle and pigs to make a living.
The number of people living in Altmore changed a lot in the 1800s. For example, in 1841, there were 222 people living there. By 1891, the population had gone down to 160 people.
Exploring Altmore's History and Nature
Altmore is full of interesting places to visit. You can find ancient sites and beautiful natural spots.
Ancient Discoveries in Altmore
Altmore has two very old historical sites. These are protected monuments.
- One is a Megalith, which is a huge stone structure.
- The other is a court tomb, an ancient burial place with a special open area or "court" at the entrance.
The Mountains of Pomeroy
The Mountains of Pomeroy are a big part of the landscape around Altmore. You can see very old stone structures on country lanes. No one knows exactly where they came from. Some people think they might be ancient burial grounds from as far back as three thousand years ago. Even though modern farming has changed some of them, you can still spot a few.
Altmore Fisheries: A Fun Getaway
Altmore Fisheries is a small holiday spot. It has places for static caravans and tents. You can also rent cozy log cabins. There's even a small shop on site for visitors.
Altmore House: A Home with a Story
Altmore House was built a long time ago, after 1734, by a man named Patrick Shields. His family lived there for many years. A famous person, James Shields, was born in this house. He became a very important politician in North America. He was the only person ever to serve as a United States Senator for three different states!
Shane Bernagh’s Chair: A Highwayman's Legend
Shane Bernagh’s Chair is a rocky spot near Altmore. It's famous because of a local highwayman named Shane Bernagh. He used this mountain area to watch for carriages traveling on the main road nearby. Legend says he was like a local Robin Hood. He would rob from wealthy travelers and help poor local people with what he took.
A special building called a barracks was built in Altmore to try and stop him, but it didn't work very well. Shane Bernagh became a local hero. He was eventually caught and executed. His body was thrown into a lake at the top of Slieve Beagh mountain. A local writer, Dr. George Sigerson, even wrote a popular song about him called "The Mountains of Pomeroy." The rocky area itself looks like a chair, which is how it got its name, Shane Bernagh’s Chair.
Famous People from Altmore
- Shane Bernagh: A famous highwayman from the 1600s, known for helping the poor.
- James Shields (1806–1879): A unique politician who served as a Senator for three different states in the United States.
