Portglenone (from, meaning 'landing place of Eoghan's meadow') is a village and civil parish in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It lies 8.5 miles (14 km) west of Ballymena. It had a population of 1,174 people in the 2011 Census. Portglenone is beside the smaller village of Glenone (in County Londonderry), from which it is separated by the River Bann.

History

In 1197, a castle was built in the area for Norman invader John de Courcy. Much of Portglenone village was laid-out in the 17th century. A number of the area's churches, including Portglenone's Church of Ireland parish church, date to the 18th century. Portglenone House, a former Georgian mansion in the village, was built c. 1808. Now known as Portglenone Abbey, or Our Lady of Bethlehem Cistercian Monastery, the house was purchased by the Cistercian order in the 20th century for use as a monastery. In the 1960s, a new monastery building was built. Designed by Padraig Ó Muireadhaigh, the new building has won several architectural awards.

Places of interest

Portglenone Forest

Portglenone Forest Park, just outside the village, is classified as an 'ancient woodland'. It contains several marked nature trails and the River Bann flows through the forest. There is also a memorial to the United States servicemen stationed in the area during World War II. The foundations of several Nissen huts can still be seen throughout the wood.

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 at previous festivals have included Paul McSherry and former members of Déanta.

Demography

2011 census

On census day in 2011, Portglenone had a population of 1,174 people (498 households) in the 2011 census. 46.8% were from a Catholic background and 50.6% were from a Protestant background.

2001 census

Portglenone is classified as a village by the NISRA. On census day in 2001, there were 1,219 people living in Portglenone. Of these:

Climate

Sport

Portglenone's camogie club won the Ulster senior club championship in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982 and 1992. Notable players include Mairead McAtamney.

Notable people