TYRONE SO DULL - THEY LEFT OUT STRABANE
Tyrone so dull - they left out Strabane
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
THE "sprinkling" of County Tyrone towns between the Sperrin Mountains, prehistoric sites, and forest parks are 'less than interesting' according to the Lonely Plant Ireland.
In fact, the towns are so uninteresting that the world's leading travel guidebook - an essential reference for most young travellers coming here - neglects to note the existence of Strabane with a population of 20,000.
While noting that Tyrone was the largest county in Northern Ireland it added that Fermanagh attracts more visitors with its lakes, rivers, and medieval sites.
The 5th edition of the book acknowledges that, for a long time to come, Omagh will be remembered for the bomb and as the site of the single worst atrocity of the 'Troubles'.
On the positive side it highlights the Ulster American Folk Park as 'one of the best museums in Ireland' and talks of the 'lonely' Sperrin Mountains.
Other features not singled out as "highlights" include Beaghmore Stone Circles, An Creagan Visitor Centre, The Ulster History Park and Gortin Glen Forest Park.
Priced �12.99 in paperback, the Lonely Planet - Ireland guide works hard to promote Ireland in general stating, "There is an incredible energy and excitement to be experienced this new, positive forward-thinking, multi cultural Ireland has never looked better', but in respect of Tyrone, the book fails miserably.
Whilst concentrating on the obvious features in and around Omagh, it fails to note the many wonderful walks in and around the town; it makes no mention of the people, nor of the energy expended by ordinary residents in recovering from a tragedy of huge proportions.
It doesn't mention the impressive and historic churches and doesn't even give a passing mention to the villages and towns around Omagh. Though the Courthouse does warrant a mention, other sites of huge historic interest like old Drumragh graveyard, and the Jail Square lose out.
Omagh District Council chairman Barry McElduff said he regards the comments about County Tyrone made in the Lonely Planet guidebook as both "provocative and offensive".
"We can spend time cursing the book or be motivated by it I chose the latter. I Think County Tyrone should establish its own brand in the future. If you are living in Philadelphia or Toronto, Tyrone will mean a great deal to you. This is a flawed analysis of this area."I believe very strongly that England doesn't understand Tyrone and think it's rich that they should try to interpret the cultural wealth of County Tyrone. I will be contacting the authors and inviting them to come to Tyrone on a guided tour with me, starting off in the county town, Omagh.
"I will show them the riches of our county. I will also be seeking a retraction and an apology," he said. "It's obvious that the authors inhabit a lonely planet not in any way connected to reality."
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
THE "sprinkling" of County Tyrone towns between the Sperrin Mountains, prehistoric sites, and forest parks are 'less than interesting' according to the Lonely Plant Ireland.
In fact, the towns are so uninteresting that the world's leading travel guidebook - an essential reference for most young travellers coming here - neglects to note the existence of Strabane with a population of 20,000.
While noting that Tyrone was the largest county in Northern Ireland it added that Fermanagh attracts more visitors with its lakes, rivers, and medieval sites.
The 5th edition of the book acknowledges that, for a long time to come, Omagh will be remembered for the bomb and as the site of the single worst atrocity of the 'Troubles'.
On the positive side it highlights the Ulster American Folk Park as 'one of the best museums in Ireland' and talks of the 'lonely' Sperrin Mountains.
Other features not singled out as "highlights" include Beaghmore Stone Circles, An Creagan Visitor Centre, The Ulster History Park and Gortin Glen Forest Park.
Priced �12.99 in paperback, the Lonely Planet - Ireland guide works hard to promote Ireland in general stating, "There is an incredible energy and excitement to be experienced this new, positive forward-thinking, multi cultural Ireland has never looked better', but in respect of Tyrone, the book fails miserably.
Whilst concentrating on the obvious features in and around Omagh, it fails to note the many wonderful walks in and around the town; it makes no mention of the people, nor of the energy expended by ordinary residents in recovering from a tragedy of huge proportions.
It doesn't mention the impressive and historic churches and doesn't even give a passing mention to the villages and towns around Omagh. Though the Courthouse does warrant a mention, other sites of huge historic interest like old Drumragh graveyard, and the Jail Square lose out.
Omagh District Council chairman Barry McElduff said he regards the comments about County Tyrone made in the Lonely Planet guidebook as both "provocative and offensive".
"We can spend time cursing the book or be motivated by it I chose the latter. I Think County Tyrone should establish its own brand in the future. If you are living in Philadelphia or Toronto, Tyrone will mean a great deal to you. This is a flawed analysis of this area."I believe very strongly that England doesn't understand Tyrone and think it's rich that they should try to interpret the cultural wealth of County Tyrone. I will be contacting the authors and inviting them to come to Tyrone on a guided tour with me, starting off in the county town, Omagh.
"I will show them the riches of our county. I will also be seeking a retraction and an apology," he said. "It's obvious that the authors inhabit a lonely planet not in any way connected to reality."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0999
Published Date: 11-Apr-02
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