Cushendall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Coordinates: 55°03′N 6°02′W / 55.05°N 6.03°W
| Cushendall | |
| Irish: Cois Abhann Dalla/Bun Abhann Dalla | |
 |
|
  Cushendall
Cushendall shown within Northern Ireland |
|
| Population | 1,241 (2001 Census) |
|---|---|
| District | Moyle |
| County | County Antrim |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BALLYMENA |
| Postcode district | BT44 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| Police | Northern Ireland |
| Fire | Northern Ireland |
| Ambulance | Northern Ireland |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament | North Antrim |
| List of places: UK • Northern Ireland • Antrim | |
Cushendall (from the Irish: Cois Abhann Dalla / Bun Abhann Dalla meaning "foot of the River Dall") is a popular resort village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is situated on the A2 coast road between Larne and Portrush, in the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It lies at the meeting point of three of the Glens of Antrim: Glenaan, Glenballyemon and Glencorp. This part of the Irish coastline is separated from Scotland by the North Channel, the Mull of Kintyre is 16 miles away. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 1,241 people, of whom 98% were Catholic.
Much of the historic character of the 19th century settlement on the north bank of the River Dall remains. Consequently, in 1973 it was designated as only the second Conservation Area in Northern Ireland, and includes the largely intact Irish Georgian buildings of the town’s four original streets. Cushendall lies in the shadow of the table topped Lurigethan Mountain. It is known for its traditional Irish music sessions and friendly pubs. Each August, Cushendall hosts the Heart Of The Glens festival. The festival has been running since 1990.
Contents |
[edit] 2001 Census
Cushendall is classified as a village, and the population of Cushendall on Census day (29th April 2001) was 1241 people. The demographic characteristics of the people living in Cushendall was as follows:
- 26.1% were aged under 16 years;
- 16.8% were aged 60 and over;
- the average age was 34.8 years (NI average age 35.8 years);
- 47.9% of the population were male and 52.1% were female;
- 96.9% were from a Catholic Community Background;
- 3.1% were from a 'Protestant and Other Christian (including Christian related)' Community Background;
- 9.3% were born outside Northern Ireland; and
- 1.1% were from an ethnic group other than white.
[edit] Places of interest
The Curfew Tower in the centre of the village was built by then landlord of the town, Francis Turnley, in 1817, to confine riotous prisoners. Dan McBride, an army pensioner, was given the job of permanent garrison and was armed with one musket, a bayonet, a brace of pistols and a thirteen-feet-long pike. The tower is now owned by artist Bill Drummond.
Oisín's Grave, off the main Cushendall to Ballymoney road, is a megalithic court cairn on a hillside in Lubitavish, near the Glenann River. It is believed to be the burial place of Oísín - the Celtic Warrior Poet. A stone cairn was erected here in 1989 in memory of John Hewitt, the poet of the Glens.
The ruins of Layde Church, one of the oldest and most important historical sites in the Glens are situated on the coast road between Cushendall and Cushendun. The exact origins of the site are unknown but it probably began life as a holy place in the Iron Age or before. It was in ruins in 1622 but rebuilt about 1696 and remained the site of Protestant worship until the 1800s.
Red Bay Castle, situated between the villages of Cushendall and Waterfoot. Built by the Bisset family in the 14th century and later occupied by the MacDonnells, one of the outposts of the Kingdom of Dál Riata.
Glenariff Forest Park, 5 miles inland from Cushendall, covers an area of 1185 hectares. In the park are two small rivers containing spectacular waterfalls, tranquil pools and stretches of fast flowing water tumbling through rocky gorges. There is a café, toilets and an exhibition centre. Four way-marked trails of varying length (1-9 km) wind through the forest leading you into some of the park’s wooded areas. One follows the Glenariff River with its famous waterfalls and passes through the National Nature Reserve.
[edit] Sport
[edit] Hurling
Founded in 1906, the club plays its home matches at Páirc Mhuire in Cushendall. Senior success has been mirrored in under-age competitions as well. In 2007 Cushendall became one of the most successful hurling clubs in Co. Antrim, equaling Dunloy's record of Antrim Championships, but surpassing them in Feis Cups. The club have won 10 County Championships in their history, the third most overall - Behind McQuillans, Shamrocks, and O'Donovan Rossa. They have also won numerous underage tournaments including the North Antrim Feile na Gael beating Ballycastle in the 2007 final.
[edit] Golf
Cushendall Golf Club is a tricky little course presenting many challenges for those wanting to improve their short game. The course is a great place to develop for young players and has produced numerous successful amateurs over the years. Located in a superb wooded valley and the Abhainn Dala (River Dall) running through its centre.
[edit] Sailing
Cushendall Sailing & Boating Club is an excellent place to learn and advance the skills of Sailing. The club is situated in Red Bay and the views of the surrounding Glens of Antrim make a stunning backdrop for those on the waves !
[edit] The Troubles in Cushendall
- Sergeant Joe Campbell a Catholic Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officer was shot dead on 25 February 1977 as he locked up the local RUC station by the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).[1] The circumstances regarding the murder were suspicious and the case was referred to the police ombudsman amid rumours of security force collusion with loyalists.[2]
- RUC officer Alexander Bell died as a result of his injuries on 25 July 1989 from a previous Provisional Irish Republican Army land mine attack on his patrol car.[3]
[edit] Tourism
Holiday accommodation in the area ranges from Self Catering to Bed & Breakfast and caravan and camping. Cushendall has three caravan and camping sites, located at the Coast Road, Glenville and Gortaclee. These are seasonal and are normally open from mid-March until the end of September.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ CAIN List of deaths 1977
- ^ Widows Appeal Over Killing-BBC News
- ^ CAIN List of deaths 1989
- ^ Camping & Caravans
[edit] External links
- North Antrim Community Network - Cushendall
- Culture Northern Ireland
- BBC News
- Cushendall website
- Cushendall Sailing and Boating Club
- Ulster Architectural Heritage Society - Cushendall
