Omagh Probus Wednesday 20th May 2026
On Wednesday 20th May the club was treated to a conducted tour of the Governor’s House, Omagh Gaol, by Mr Rodney Hamill. This former residence sits in the middle of what was the gaol and was built in 1831 on the same plan as Lifford Gaol. The only visible difference is that the Governor’s House in Omagh has a first-floor balcony which runs right around the hexagonal building. This design afforded the governor a clear view of all the cell blocks and other buildings. Apart from the residence little remains of the old gaol apart from the archway that led into the site and the punishment block which housed a tread wheel; this device operated a pump which drew water from the river to serve the prison.
When Mr Hamill acquired the building, it had been unoccupied for several years and was close to being derelict. The previous owner had filled its rooms and surrounds with junk and debris all of which needed to be cleared away before restoration could begin. At some point water got into the building and did considerable damage to the joints supporting the first floor. This apart, the four floors of the building are accessible with care, and the central staircase remains strong and stable.
The building is full of reminders that the house was used for many years after the gaol closed as a private residence. It was occupied within living memory, and some club members could recall families who had their home in it – one being a local GP. At some stage it was wired for electricity and plumbed to provide running water and a bathroom with flush toilet.
Rodney looks at its restoration to a habitable building as a project that will occupy him for years to come. It would be nice if Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was to come alongside him in his efforts to save a historic building an iconic feature of the town.
