The Omagh
Courthouse was built in 1820 at a cost of
£17,000 to an architectural plan by John Hargreaves. It is
situated on elevated site, at 300 feet above sea level, the
highest ground in the town. It was constructed on the site of
the old gaol and commands a fine view of the town. From the
front steps, one has a clear avenue of sight down High
Street, through Market Street and passed the bridge over the
Drumragh River on to the Campsie Road
This imposing building is yet another fine example of a
neo-classical edifice using the “Greek Revival” style which enjoyed
a period of great popularity in the late 18th and early 19th
century. The material used in the construction of the courthouse
was local sandstone quarried for Kirlish, eight miles outside of
the town and close to the town of Dromore. which links Omagh to
Cookstown.
There used to be a memorial in front of the
Courthouse. However this was moved due to
traffic collisions (as you couldn’t see through the
statue). The new site for the memorial is near
the new Omagh Bomb Memorial Garden Opposite the Bus Station.
Exterior
The entrance to the building has a portico of four “Doric” Greek
classical pillars, distinguishable from other Greek columns by its
plain capital at the top of the pillar.
On top of these pillars rests the pediment, a triangular structure
that rests on top of the pillars. Within the pediment a clock
resides a clock and surmounting the pediment is the Royal Coat of
Arms, with the two heraldic beasts of the lion and unicorn resting
either side with their heads proudly raised.
To the left of the front entrance one can see a slight difference
in the colour of the stonework, this is due to this part of the
building being added on as an administrative block at a later date,
although it still continues with the same architectural theme.
Looking at the courthouse from the High Street it becomes more
apparent that a new structure has been added to the original
building, as there is a distinctive seam running down the
roof.
And, of course, there is the usual story that it has its own
(friendly) ghost.
GPS coverage is a bit obscured by the buildings, but the clue
will help.
Visit the Geocaching Ireland discussion
forum HERE