Shanmaghery facts for kids
Shanmaghery or Shanmaghry is a small village area, also known as a townland, located in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Its name comes from the Irish words Sean-mhachaire, which means "old plain." Shanmaghery is about three miles from both Pomeroy and Galbally.
This area is part of the barony of Dungannon Middle and the civil parish of Pomeroy. It covers an area of 426 acres. Long ago, in 1841, about 193 people lived here in 33 houses. By 1851, the population was 161 people living in 27 houses. A well-known spot in Shanmaghery is "Paul's Planting," which sits on top of a hill.
Ancient History: The Wedge Tomb
Shanmaghery is home to a very old and important historical site: a wedge tomb. This type of tomb is a special kind of ancient burial place, often shaped like a wedge, wider at the front and narrower at the back. It was built a very long time ago, usually during the Bronze Age.
The tomb in Shanmaghery is a Scheduled Historic Monument, meaning it's protected because of its historical value. You can still see the stones that formed the entrance area and the main burial room. However, the large stones that once covered the roof are no longer there. The tomb is surrounded by a lot of stone material, called a cairn, and the burial chamber itself is filled with rubble. This site gives us a peek into how people lived and buried their dead thousands of years ago.
Gortavoy Bridge: A Local Landmark
Gortavoy Bridge is a modern living area found along the B43 road. This road connects Pomeroy to Donaghmore. Nearby, you'll find other small communities like Corrycroar and Coolmaghry. The area gets its name from the bridge itself.
Behind Gortavoy Bridge, there used to be a railway line that went to Pomeroy, but it's not used anymore. Even though the railway is gone, several bridges in the area are still used today. They help people get around and connect different parts of the local community.
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