Omagh

County town of County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, on the River Strule, 48 km/30 mi south of Londonderry; population (2001) 19,900. Industries include dairy produce, food processing, footwear, shirt manufacturing, and engineering. Omagh was planned in the early 17th century; its chief buildings are the Catholic church, with its irregular twin spires, the courthouse, built in Classical style, and the County Hall. It is now a tourist centre, and there is salmon fishing.

Omagh was the scene of a terrorist attack when a republican car bomb exploded on 15 August 1998 in a busy shopping area, killing 29 people and injuring scores of others. The breakaway republican group, the Real IRA, claimed responsibility for the bombing. This tragic incident appeared to have a bonding and strengthening effect which spurred the Northern Ireland peace process forward. Over 50,000 people gathered in Omagh for the remembrance ceremony, and in September 1998 the Real IRA announced a permanent ceasefire.

Omagh

Administrative region in the west of Northern Ireland, bordering the Republic of Ireland, and serving an area in the south of County Tyrone; area 1,130 sq km/436 sq mi; population (2001) 47,950. The towns under the council's remit include Omagh, Fintona, Dromore, Trillick, and Gortin. The principal sources of employment include agriculture, engineering, and the public sector.