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Donaghmore is a rural village located in the South Eastern region of Co. Tyrone
in Northern Ireland. The village is situated adjacent to the River Torrent,
formerly known as the Torrent Flow on the outskirts of the nearest town
Dungannon (approximately 2 miles away), which has a population of 47,758 (2001)
and in close proximity to the border County of Monaghan in the Republic of
Ireland.
Donaghmore is a typical village on the island of Ireland which is undergoing
transformation in line with social and economic changes at present. Since the
1950’s the community, lifestyle and industry is changing with the local trades
disappearing such as Blacksmiths, Bakers, Mail Merchants, Creameries and Farmers
Marts. This has been coupled with increasing trade and services locating in the
village which make today’s consumer choices much more accessible. Many of these
businesses have impacted on the lives of the population with new array of
services such as a Post Office, Estate Agent, Off-Licence, Hairdresser, Theatre
& Media Company and Childcare providers reflecting changing society.
During the 1940-1950’s the Donaghmore area was linked to the rest of Ireland by
the railway network. This was to be replaced by a network of roads including the
premier M1 motorway, which passes within 5 miles of the village linking Mid
Ulster to the city of Belfast.
Donaghmore has a long association with heritage, culture and entrepreneurship
renowned for its High Cross dating back to the 8th Century and in more recent
times the local Brewery, Brown’s Soap Works and St. Patrick’s Pipe Band and
Burgess Estate. Historically, conventional agriculture has been the main source
of employment in the area.
During the early Christian and Medieval periods the area was part of the ancient
Parish of Donaghmore and through its association with the O’Neill family
associated with Co. Tyrone and the Flight of the Earls and its inextricable
links for many centuries. In the Churchyard a stone pillar stands to the great
Hugh O’Neill, erected by one of his descendants.
From the seventh to the 12th century, crosses and High Crosses went up all over
Christian Ireland and there is a superb example of this at the top of the main
street in Donaghmore village. Donaghmore is where St. Patrick is said to have
founded a religious establishment in the 5th Century.
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