Donegore
Donegore is the name of a hill, a townland, a small cluster of residences, and a parish in the barony of Antrim Upper, County Antrim. Historically spelled Dunogcurra, the name is from the Gaelic Dún Ó gCorra, meaning "stronghold of the O'Corra".[1] Donegore lies approximately five miles east of the county town, Antrim. 154 acres of the townland lie in the parish of Grange of Nilteen (also in Antrim Upper).[2]
The largest settlement in the parish is the village of Parkgate. Donegore Hill stands prominently above the Six Mile Water valley, enjoying panoramic views to the east, south, and most notably the west, where it overlooks Lough Neagh and the Sperrins beyond.
History
The area was the site of main camp of the United Irishmen prior to the Battle of Antrim [1], in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Weaver poet, James Orr wrote a poem entitled Donegore Hill on the subject. The parish contains fortified earthworks and other archaeological remains, both ancient (including a neolithic causewayed enclosure) and mediæval.
The Church of Ireland (Anglican) parish church, St John's [2], dates back at least to the 14th century. The churchyard is the burial site of (among others) poet and artist Sir Samuel Ferguson.
Townlands in the Parish of Donegore
References
- ↑ Placenames NI
- ↑ "Donegore". http://www.thecore.com/seanruad/. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
Outside links
- Location map: 54°44’6"N, 6°8’10"W
- Corpse House, Donegore Parish Church
