Portglenone


Portglenone is a village and civil parish in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It lies 8.5 miles west of Ballymena. It had a population of 1,174 people in the 2011 Census. Portglenone is beside the smaller village of Glenone, from which it is separated by the River Bann.

History

In 1197, a castle was built there for Norman invader John de Courcy.

Places of interest

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 World War II. The foundations of their Nissen huts can still be seen throughout the wood.

Portglenone Abbey

, Our Lady Of Bethlehem Cistercian Monastery, occupies a Georgian mansion in the village. In the 1960s a new monastery was built, designed by Padraig Ó Muireadhaigh, which 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 as well as former members of Déanta.

The Orange Hall

The Orange Hall is on Main Street.

Demography

2001 Census

Portglenone is classified as a village by the . On Census day there were 1,219 people living in Portglenone. Of these:
For more details see:

2011 Census

On Census day in 2011:
It had a population of 1,174 people in the 2011 Census.
Portglenone camogie club won the Ulster senior club championship in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982 and 1992. Leading players include Mairead McAtamney.

Notable people