Glens Of Antrim Historical Society
Formed in 1965 & recognised as one of the foremost Historical Societies in Ireland
GOAHS The Civil Parish of Loughgiel, approximately ten miles South – South East of Ballymoney, near the storied Glens of Antrim, is situated in the Baronies of Upper Dunluce and Kilconway and is a completely rural Parish. It is bounded on the North by Armoy, on the West by Kilraughts, on the South-West by Killagan, on … Read more
After the defeat of the McDonnells of Antrim by Shane O’Neill in 1565, Sorley Boy McDonnell was taken to Dungannon where he was imprisoned for two years. By this time O’Neill had created many enemies including the Maguires of Fermanagh and his in-laws the O’Donnells of Donegal. Shane decided to visit Sorley in prison to … Read more
It is a “brave step” from the hill of Slane in County Meath to Anticur, near Dunloy in County Antrim, but those two places are linked in an interesting way in the history of the family of Fleming, Barons of Slane. As would seem obvious, the word “Fleming” denotes an inhabitant of Flanders and it … Read more
Many years ago in the schoolyard I was called “Auld Valdi”. While nicknames were very common in the middle glens I was extremely hurt, as it sounded so different from The David Jacks, Sarah Archies and so many others. I thought it must mean something sinister. On enquiring at home I was told in a … Read more
George Macartney left his native Auchinleck in Scotland in 1649 for Co. Antrim. He settled in Belfast where, although life was not easy, he prospered and held the position of Sovereign or Mayor of the town. One of his four sons, also named George, born in 1671, was the man who purchased Lissanoure. He paid … Read more
In this article, which is based largely on the family memoirs of the late Lord Cushendun, I am not offering any original research nor presenting information that is not known. My purpose is to introduce to you two closely inter-related families who were Glens people by birth, local gentry in their areas and persons of … Read more
Glendun Viaduct is known as the Big Bridge by the Glens people. It spans the river Dun in the centre of the glen and is reputed to be one of the finest buildings of its kind in the British Isles. They were five years building it, from 1834 to 1839, though no work was done … Read more
Ballyeamon, the only one of the nine without the prefix Glen, was where I first saw the light at day, at Knockans, nearly 80 years ago. For me it has always taken pride of place in my love, and always will. Today I think I’ll walk up the glen and may be lucky enough to … Read more
The man to ask, if you were a bona fide traveller between Scotland and Ireland in 1709 was John McIlrevie described as a "sailor" of Machrimore on the Scottish side. So promising did he find trading to the Glens of Antrim that he paid the Dowager Duchess of Argyll "Forty of Sterling money for the … Read more