Glens Of Antrim Historical Society
Formed in 1965 & recognised as one of the foremost Historical Societies in Ireland
GOAHS This article is taken from a lecture given to the Glens of Antrim Historical Society on Friday, 3rd April, 1981. The man I commemorate tonight was one of yourselves – a man of these parts. He entered life here on the Antrim coast where, reputedly, the first man entered Ireland; he lived as a child … Read more
THE HEARTH MONEY TAX IN IRELAND (1662-1793) The records of the Hearth Money Tax (known as the Hearth Money Rolls) are amongst the most valuable genealogical records of the 17th century, giving us some insight into the inhabitants of the district, their location and distribution, and even a little of their social status. Indeed they … Read more
A Royal Commission in 1622 reported that, “in the diocese of Down and Connor, only 16 churches were fit for the celebration of Divine ordnance, while 150 churches and chapels were decayed or in ruins”. In this short article, I am confining my survey to the modern Catholic parishes of Glenariffe, Cushendall, Cushendun and Glenravel. … Read more
INTRODUCTION In June 1968, the Glens of Antrim Historical Society published the Ordnance Survey Memoirs for the Parish of Layd and the Granges of Layd and Inispollan under the title, Life in the Glens of Antrim in the 1830’s. Now, in this first number of its annual journal, the Society continues to publish the Memoirs … Read more
“I remember, as vividly as if it were not ten years ago, taking a night ride from Belfast to Cushendall with my father seventy-five years since. We left home about midnight, and arrived at Garron Point at dawn of a summer’s morning. We tied our horses to bushes, and scrambled up to the extremity of … Read more
RamoanRamoan – the fort of Modhan (the chieftain who ruled the northern portion).Ballycastle – the town of the castle (called after the castle of the Earl of Antrim which stood near the centre of the town).Knocklayde – the broad mountain. Portcalliagh – the port of the old hag or witch. Port Brittas – the speckled … Read more
The focus of Presbyterianism in the Glens from the early years of the Scottish Plantation was Glenarm.(1) That congregation consisted of people from a wide area, but many found it a difficult journey to the meeting-house there. It was particularly difficult for the handful of Presbyterians from Layde and Cushendall, and various attempts were made … Read more
The road from Altmore Street in Glenarm Village, up the Town Brae and the Feystown Road to the Headless Cross – the area where the road reaches a gap in the mountains, beside Linford Ancient Earth works, leading to Cairncastle and Larne is approximately 5 miles. It is part of an ancient route between two … Read more
The death took place on the 8th December 2001 of Denis McKillop of Glendun. Born almost 80 years ago, he spent all his life in his native Glen and was steeped in the history, folklore and traditions of the Glen. In an age of computers, faxes and e-mails his knowledge was self-acquired. It came from … Read more
This poem was written by Dan Campbell who spent much of his life as a shoemaker in Cushendall. His house and workshop were in the Mill Yard off Mill Street. The photo shows the ruins of the house at the foot of Tievebulliagh where he was reared. Those who knew him still remember his kindness … Read more