Carnmoney

Carnmoney
County Antrim
Carnmoney
Location
Grid reference:	J322836
Location:	54°40’59"N, 54°40’59"E
Data
Population:	2,775  (2001)
Post town:	Newtownabbey
Postcode:	BT36
Dialling code:	028
Local Government
Council:	Antrim and Newtownabbey

Carnmoney is a village and a townland of 456 acres in County Antrim, all within the new town urban area that has become Newtownabbey. It is seven miles from Belfast city centre and within the Barony of Belfast Lower.

The name of the townland is from Carn Monaidh, meaning "Cairn of the bog"

Carnmoney is known throughout Belfast for its large graveyard. Carnmoney Cemetery lies on the slopes of Carnmoney Hill, a major landmark in the area, which also contains a woodland nature reserve. The poet Derek Mahon mentions Carnmoney Cemetery in his poem "My Wicked Uncle".

Carnmoney Presbyterian Church

Carnmoney Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in Ireland as it dates from 1657. The plot where it stands was previously home to a meeting house, from 1622.

History

Carnmoney, as a settlement, grew up around a holy well (still visible in the current Church of Ireland grounds), Glas-na-bradan river and Carnmoney Hill. The area became a Norman borough known as 'Coole' or 'Le Coule' but the borough was wrecked several times during subsequent battles fought variously by English, Irish or Scottish armies and nothing is left of it. Le Coule was on the site of the present Rathfern/Rathcoole housing estates. Bits of the Old Irish Highway, an old route from Carrick to Antrim passing through the Norman borough, are still visible running alongside the current O'Neill Road.

The village was originally known as 'Ballyduff' but later took on the name of its townland, Carnmoney.

Mary Butters

Mary Butters (1807–1839), also referred to as the "Carnmoney Witch", was put on trial for murder in March 1818. She was called a "Wise-woman" in the area and had been hired by a local farmer to lift a "curse" he believed had possessed one of his cows.

The day after she had supposedly lifted the spell, the farmer, his wife and his son were found dead in their home. Butters was accused of murdering them with a "herbal potion" she had created to use on the cow. Her story was that a man appeared before them with a huge bludgeon and killed the three only stunning her. The affair was the topic of much talk in Belfast and its surrounding villages, however Butters was discharged from the Spring Assizes in Carrickfergus by proclamation.

Outside links

• Carnmoney Church