A new outdoor film experience has opened at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory at Davagh Forest, where visitors can have a unique night time guide through the solar system.
The ‘OM Odyssey’ film transports audiences away from urban lights into the dark sky, where they will come across satellites and stars as well as natural wonders on land.
Created using the latest high powered projection technology, the new film experience had its premiere on Wednesday.
A new 3.4km solar walk has also opened at the popular Co Tyrone attraction, connecting it to the Beaghmore Stone Circles.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Paul McLean, was joined by Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, for the official premiere and to sample the new Solar Walk.
“To stand under the darkest of dark skies and see films screened like this is a truly amazing experience,” Cllr MCLean said.
“We have always said that the uniqueness of this place lay in its skyscape and its landscape and these new additions to OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory are testament to that.
“Davagh Forest is rapidly becoming one of Mid Ulster’s most enticing visitor destinations, while being true to an ancient landscape, a history and heritage which spans millennia and a community which is passionate about the place where they live”.
The observatory in Davagh Forest has been recognised as the only designated Dark Sky Park in Northern Ireland, with only one other designated park on the island of Ireland.
The park first opened in June 2021 and so far more than £1m has been invested in the facilities there.
DAERA Minister Poots said the addition of new facilities at the park will boost the local economy further.
“Tourism is one of the key economic sectors for Northern Ireland, providing jobs and livelihoods and supporting many local businesses, including many in rural areas," Poots said.
“These further developments at Davagh Forest will attract additional visitors to this rural part of Northern Ireland and provide a much needed boost to the local economy.”
