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Opening Times
Opening Times
We’re open 7 days a week.
Monday – Thursday
11am – 7pmFriday and Saturday
11am – 9pmSunday
11am – 7pmPublic Holidays
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is open throughout the year, however opening times may vary over public holidays.
Please contact us to find out about our holiday arrangements.
Weather Warnings
In the event of severe weather we may have reschedule planned events or prohibit access to Davagh Forest for the safety of our visitors and staff.
When weather warnings are in place please visit Mid Ulster District Council’s Weather Wise page for up to date closures of our parks and forest sites.
Please check our social media channels before travelling any distance, call the Parks Service on 03000 132 132 or email parks@midulstercouncil.org for more information.
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Admission Prices
OM Exhibition Guided Tours
To avoid disappointment pre-booking is essential.
Adult: £5.30
Concessions:
Child (under 16): £3.70
Over 60’s: £3.70
Children under 2 years: Free
Find out more about our OM Exhibition Guided Tours.
OM Odyssey Outdoor Film Experience
To avoid disappointment pre-booking is essential. Available October to March only.
Price : £3.00
Find out more about our OM Odyssey Outdoor Film
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Group Bookings
Group Bookings
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory offers an unforgettable experience and great facilities for groups. Group tours are only available on request and must be booked in advance
Group tours can be customised to suit individual needs.
Get in touch about group bookings to find out more.
Group Information
All group visits must be booked in advance.
Coach parking
Bus and coach parking available.Special requirements
Please let us know if your group requires assistance or has any special requirements during their visit. -
How To Get Here
By Car
Located approximately 50 miles from Belfast and 15 miles from Cookstown, OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is signposted off the main A505 Cookstown to Omagh Road.
Our Address:
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory
155 Davagh Road, Omagh
BT79 8JHAre you travelling from the UK or Ireland?
Northern Ireland:
Served by flights from Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, City of Derry Airport and Dublin International Airport.P&O and Stena Line Ferry Services operate from:
- Cairnryan – Scotland to Larne
- Stranraer – Scotland to Belfast
- Liverpool – England to Belfast
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Facilities
Our facilities
- Interactive visitor centre
- 14″ LX600 Meade telescope
- OM exhibition
- Grab and go cafe
- Seating area
- External viewing terrace
- Male and female toilets
- Baby changing
- Changing Places facilities
Grab and go cafe
- Tea and coffee
- Cold beverages (bottled water, carbonated drinks, energy drinks)
- Individually wrapped biscuits/cookies/tray bakes
- Crisps
- Energy bars
- Sweets
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Parking
Parking charges
Parking is free for up to one hour and is charged at 40 pence (per hour) thereafter. Visitors to the OM exhibition are entitled to free car parking for the duration of their visit. Please present your tickets at OM reception.
Payment: There is a pay station in the car park which accepts both card and cash payments. Visitors can also pay for parking at OM reception.
Parking bays
- 42 car parking bays
- 4 disabled parking bays
- 1 coach parking bay (lower car park)
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Places to stay
Nearby Accommodation
Find a place to stay and gaze nearby. There are a number of places to stay close to OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory.
Mid Ulster Accommodation
Mid Ulster has a wealth of accommodation across the district. Choose from family run hotels, welcoming bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodation or enjoy the great outdoors at our caravan and campsites.
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Accessibility
If you require any special support during your visit please contact us to ask about any adjustments you may need to make sure you have an enjoyable experience.
Visual Story
Download our Visual Story to help you plan your visit and to show you what you will experience throughout our building. The story includes photographs and descriptions which talk you through what to expect when visiting us.
Car Parking
There are 4 designated spaces for people who hold a Blue Badge in the main car park next to the entrance. Patrons are advised not to use these spaces unless entitled to do so, with their Blue Badge displayed.
Reception Area
The reception desk has a lowered level on the right-hand side.
Toilet Facilities
There is an accessible changing places toilet located to the right before the reception area of the main visitor centre.
Lift Access
Lift access is available to take visitors from the ground floor exhibition area to the upstairs observatory.
OM Guided Tours
The OM Exhibition guided tour is approximately 45 minutes in duration and is fully accessible.
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Useful Information
Covid 19 Customer Safety
The safety of our staff and visitors is our main priority. You can read a full list of Covid 19 FAQs to help you during your visit.
Clothing and footwear
If you’re stargazing, you’ll be outside most of the time so dress appropriately and wrap up warm. Dress in layers, bring a hat (one that covers your ears) and gloves with removable mittens to help you use equipment.
Lighting
Don’t forget to bring a torch for night time events. A red torch is one of the most beneficial accessories you can own as an amateur astronomer.
Equipment
The simplest of stargazing sessions in dark sky parks needs no equipment at all, but if you have binoculars or telescopes, you will be able to see more.
Apps and Websites
There lots of stargazing websites to visit and great apps that you can load on to your phones. Here’s a few you might find useful.
