Diaries, Biography & Obituaries

                                        Dear Maggy, many thanks for your letter. No. I’m afraid the Abbey people would not do it just now, they are trying to produce paying plays . . .’ The budding playwright to whom that letter … Read more

William Henry, the writer of this eighteenth century account of the Antrim coast, is believed to have been a native of Gloucestershire. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he proceeded M.A. in 1748 and B.D. and D.D. 1750. His entrance and the date of his B.A. degree are not recorded. He was the … Read more

IntroductionAs 1983 marks the tercentenary of Richard Dobbs’ now famous work, ‘A brief description of County Antrim’, it is perhaps fitting that this edition of The Glynns should salute the memory of the man Richard Dobbs.When in the spring of 1683, Richard Dobbs undertook the task of conducting the survey and reporting his findings to … Read more

For generations, Carnlough folk have had real affection for their harbour, together with its Low or Old Pier. The latter protected their fishing and pleasure craft from the fierce north easterly gales of winter, and indirectly the jobs of many by the security it gave those visiting vessels, which regularly called for loads of local … Read more

This article is taken from a lecture given to the Glens of Antrim Historical Society by Senator T. K Whittaker 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; … 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

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