Portglenone
| Portglenone | |
| County Antrim | |
|---|---|
 Portglenone | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | C978039 |
| Location: | 54°52’24"N, 6°28’37"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 1,174 (2011) |
| Post town: | Ballymena |
| Postcode: | BT44 |
| Dialling code: | 028 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Mid & East Antrim |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
North Antrim |
Portglenone is a village in County Antrim, on the east bank of the River Bann almost nine miles west of Ballymena. It had a population of 1,174 recorded at the 2011 Census, with a near-even community balance.
To the west across the Bann, which marks the county border with County Londonderry, is the smaller village of Glenone in the latter county.
The place-name is from the Irish Port Chluain Eoghain, meaning "The Port of Eoghan's meadow"[1]
History
In 1197, a castle was built here for Norman conqueror of Ulster, John de Courcy.
Churches
- Church of Ireland: Portglenone Parish Church
- Presbyterian: 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church
About the village
Portglenone Forest
Portglenone Forest Park, just outside the village, is classified as an 'Ancient Woodland', and has well marked nature trails, with the River Bann flowing through the forest. There is also a memorial to the United States servicemen stationed there during Second World War. The foundations of their Nissen huts can still be seen throughout the wood.[2]
Portglenone Abbey
Portglenone Abbey Church, a Cistercian Monastery, occupies a Georgian mansion (Portglenone House) in the village. It was founded as a new monastery in the 1960s, designed by Padraig Ó Muireadhaigh, and the work has won several architectural awards.
Gig 'n The Bann Festival
The Gig 'n the Bann is a local cross-community music and dance festival in Portglenone. It takes its name from the River Bann and has been held every year since 1999. Performers have included Paul McSherry and the junior members of Portglenone CCE Branch as well as former members of Déanta.[3]
Sport
- Portglenone Camogie Club
- Roger Casements Gaelic Athletic Club
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Portglenone) |
- Portglenone CCE Branch - Portglenone CCE Branch
- River Bann - Portglenone visitor information
- Gig 'n the Bann
References
- ↑ Portglenone - Placenames NI
- ↑ Portglenone Forest: Forest Service NI
- ↑ Belfast Telegraph, Invitation too good to refuse, 8 September 2007