Loughmacrory is a small village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is situated eight miles east of Omagh on the shores of Lough Macrory. It had a population of 237 in the 2001 Census, since then the population has been estimated to be around 400. The village has houses, shops, a church and a primary school grouped around a crossroads location. Also located in the village is an old mill from where its original name of "Milltown" came from. The original mill stone has been cleverly incorporated into the bus shelter at the crossroads and is an impressive way to preserve the history of the village.

As well as having spectacular views, Loughmacrory is also abundant in natural and man-made history. There are ancient cairns and standing stones dotted around the countryside. Also not to be missed are the fairy trees and giant's grave.

Loughmacrory has a good example of a wedge tomb. It is located 3km from An Creagan and is a burial chamber of six people with a front chamber and doorway marked by 3 stones, with double walls made of large upright stones, and a roof of flat stones called 'lintels'. It is known as a Wedge Tomb because of its unusual shape and is believed to have been constructed around 4000 years ago.

Loughmacrory has the seven sisters situated on the Cookstown line. These are small loughs situated close together. Loughmacrory is situated in the Omagh District Council area.

'The Lough', as it is referred to locally, is one of Tyrone's hidden gems. If you enjoy a walk in fresh countryside air, then you should come to Loughmacrory, and walk around the lough shore. The 1.3 mile gravel hiking path around the lough is a popular destination for walkers from throughout the county.

At the end of the tarred laneway walkers can either walk straight ahead or turn left. The path follows the shoreline of the lough and whichever direction you choose you will arrive back at this starting point. The walk is a gravel path which follows the shoreline of the lough. There are a few gentle inclines along the way. Five kissing gates, which are wheelchair and buggy accessible prevent bikes and quads from using the walk. There is only one path which follows the shoreline of the lough, so you'll not get lost.

Toilet facilities are provided to the left of the starting point close to the community building.
Walking around the shore of Loughmacrory Lough is a refreshing and relaxing way to unwind. Enjoy the flora and fauna of this beautiful, unspoilt freshwater environment and enjoy the changing views of the lough from around its shoreline. You might be lucky enough to glimpse the electric blue flash of a kingfisher or see the swans and wild geese that visit. The wild duck also hatch and rear their young at the north side of the lough.
Grid reference for the start and finish of the Loughmacrory Lough walk: H573759.

The lough is a haven for wildlife, and one can expect to see wild trout rising in the waters, while a host of insects, and birds are active during the warmer months. Newts, frogs, and all sorts of pond life can be found on the marshy borders to the walking path. At night you can spot bats, and moths.... there were 53 moths captured and released over a weekend in May 2010 at the Lough - 6 different types of moth: Hebrew Character, Early Thorn, Glaucous Shears, Water Carpet, Clouded Drab, and Early Toothed Stripe.The Glaucous Shears and Early Toothed Stripe are scarce. The rest are widespread. These are new records for this area as recording has never taken place before.

To find out more on the area visit their website here.