Newtownabbey – County Antrim’s greatest treasure is sometimes called a suburb of Belfast. It’s not, it’s just close enough that the lines blur. In fact, a whole golf course and the famed Cavehill lies between the city of Belfast and the town of Newtownabbey. Although the third largest settlement in NI, Newtownabbey is not a city yet. It has a population around the 66k mark, which means there are British cities smaller than it. We’re just saying.
Newtownabbey is mostly residential as the photo taken from atop Cavehill shows, with a spattering of commercial areas and greenery. Nice place to live though and before we look at what there is to do we thought you might like to take the famed Five Minutes Spare history tour, to give you something to discuss with the locals should you do the right thing and visit the area if in Northern Ireland.
As you can see there are a lot of houses in Newtonabbey! Image:Stanislavskyi/Shutterstock.com
Newtownabbey in the Early Days
Newtownabbey, whose name was taken from an ancient 13th century monastery in the area, was actually ‘built’ in 1958. The monastery belonged to the Cistercians and was used until 1315, when it was damaged by Edward Bruce. You see, although the town itself was created from other towns amalgamating, Newtownabbey stands on land long-since populated by the early Irish.
The town was made by joining the smaller settlements of Carnmoney, Monkstown, Jordanstown, Whitewell, Whiteabbey, Whitehouse and Glengormley. When the District Council arose in ’73 another 4 settlements were added. So there you go… Newtownabbey is actually 11 places. You learn something new every day.
The area lies between Belfast and Carrickfergus, both historically rich locations. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of cairns and mottes here that date back to prehistoric times. There have been medieval additions, early settlements, and all sorts of battles in this part of County Antrim.
Not unsurprisingly, the area has some prehistoric landmarks you can see from above, or from geographical surveys if you are lucky enough to be able to understand them. Those native to the area will know that there is a Stone Age tomb in the area. The Fort Road at Carngraney contains a low tomb and sealed chamber that was still in use right up until the 19th century. This former temple has been scanned and represents an exalted piece of archaeological evidence as to how Stone Age people worshipped. The locals call it Granny’s Grave.
Robert The Bruces Brother
Back to that monastery. Around 1315, Edward (brother of King Robert) Bruce went to Northern Ireland with an army. For some completely baffling reason, Robert the Bruce thought that fighting in Ireland would somehow help him win Scottish Independence. We suspect that he hated his brother and wanted to be rid of him… like… here’s an army, cross the sea and amuse yourself while I try and invade England. Weirdos.
Anyway. The Scots being the charmers that they are, wrecked the monastery even though they didn’t have any beef with the actual religion. The Bruce campaign in Ireland lasted three years and culminated in his gruesome death. You can read more about that little debacle, here. Other battles have been fought all over the area. Roughfort Motte was an assembly point of the 1793 rebellion, too, and has some historical links to the Battle of Antrim in 1798.
Carnmoney Hill in Newtonabbey is one of the best-known landmarks, it is the sight of various medieval forts. The oldest thing in the whole area without question would have been the Carnmoney Parish Church, which was built in the 5th century. The original building has long since crumbled to dust, but the current church stands on the self-same site it has stood on since Noah was a boy. The building as it stands now has been there since 1856… which is already kind of old.
One final thing to note about the early days of Newtownabbey is that the author of Gulliver’s Travels is buried in the area. Jonathon Swift was an ordained minister of the Church of Ireland in 1655, so his final resting place is with them.
The Plantation of Ireland
So after the Brits invaded Northern Ireland, King James I sent a bunch of people over to ‘plant’ the country with his countrymen. Nobles from /British shores flocked here, and one example of the types of houses they owned can be found courtesy of the White House Preservation Trust. In 1690, King William III met his men here before the Battle of the Boyne. It is a suitably gorgeous surrounding for a king. It is also dripping with history and makes a nice afternoon out.
You can also visit Sentry Hill for a wander. This home was built by Scots, the McKinney clan, to be precise. The family passed down a collection of diaries, journals, and memorabilia from the time due to one of its members building an extensive collection. Most of it has survived to this day.
Newtownabbey through the ages
What haven’t we covered so far? When the Normans invaded in 1177, they left behind a castle at Carrickfergus. They had checkpoints throughout the area in the form of mottes. They were the ones to nickname the river the 6-mile water. Ballywalter motte was added circa 12oo. Cut forward a few hundred years and the Earl of Sussex camped at the fort overlooking the Carnmoney Cemetery. Later, Elizabeth I would grant lands to Mr Bunker, who built the White House. Sir Arthur Chichester would also be granted lands here by the queen in 1604.
More modern times have seen the troubles start here in the 1970’s. In 1974 and within days of one another, four catholic civilians were killed when they went to work. Two in a worker’s hut, two as they got there in the morning. Their names were Terence McCafferty, James McCloskey, Thomas Donaghy and Margaret McErlane.
This was not to be the end of the killing in this town. Twenty years later history repeated itself and two people were killed during an attack on a worker’s hut. Their names were Cecil Dougherty and William Corrigan. The reports said that they were killed by the UVF because they assumed they were Catholics. No comment.
Later, in 2012, Danny McKay was shot dead in his home by the Correct Action Against Drugs group. It was thought he was a drug dealer.
Newtownabbey in the last 100 years
Since it’s only really been a place of its own for a few decades, let’s look at those years for an accurate overview.
Formally made into a town of its own on 1st April 1958, the town of Newtownabbey managed to bypass two world wars and several cholera epidemics. In 2015 it was merged with Antrim council to make the Antrim & Newtownabbey District Council Area.
After the town was formed, three large public parks were added. Retail centres were built, and a movie theatre and a sports bowl were built. Later, in 1968, the main campus of the Ulster University would open in the Jordanstown area of Newtownabbey. With four campuses in Ireland and two extensions of itself over in England, the University has grown to become a big employer in town. The University is noted for its 92% success rate at placing graduates.
Newtownabbey has become an educated town, over the years. With more than 9 primary schools, six secondary schools, the Northern Regional College and the University, it is known throughout the academic world. The strange and eclectic nature of the area means that there are more churches and chapels than anyone can count. It also left them with seven football clubs, two cricket clubs, three hockey clubs and four rugby clubs. Basically, in another few years, their famous people list will be filled with sportsmen and women.
Let nobody ever look at the list of worshipping centres in Northern Ireland and ever say they are not holy. They are most definitely holier than thou, too. The Methodists, Presbyterians, and Catholics all have numerous parishes here. There are also Congregational churches, just sprinkled in as extras for good measure. Newtownabbey is most definitely a new town with a big faith following. No argument from us on that front, just dang! We’re pretty impressed.
When added to the numerous public transport links able to take you back and forth to Belfast city, we can see a well-rounded picture of an area that people are proud to populate. In fact, people have been settled here since before anyone even though to write any history down… that’s when you know your lands are lush and fertile.
We’ve had just about all we can dig up in terms of the history of Newtownabbey. However, we are nowhere near finished yet! We are about to take a look at the most interesting facts to come out of this town. We cannot promise it won’t be macabre. Given the history, it almost certainly looks like a sure thing….
Interesting Facts about Newtownabbey!
So what are the most interesting, unique, and hopefully fun things to have happened in and around this new town? Let’s take a look at a few of the Five Minutes Spare favourites!
- Newtownabbey is made up of lots of different places, including (but not limited to): Ballybought, Ballyduff, Ballygolan, Ballyhenry, Ballyvesey, Ballywonard, Carnmoney, Collinward, Cloughfern, Drumnadrough, Dunanney, Glengormley, Jordanstown, Mallusk, Monkstown, Whiteabbey and White House.
- Like many places in Northern Ireland, these townships are still split by mostly Catholic of mostly Protestant categorization.
- It is often called a Belfast suburb, but this is not strictly true. The area being relatively new in terms of settlement histories has earned it this odd nickname. That and the fact that only a couple of golf courses separate it from the city proper.
- There are so many old forts, caves in the hillside, and underground unknown areas in the area that the called it Cavehill and turned it into a tourist attraction. The Irish are more innovative than the rest of the world. Got a catacomb? Great! Why hide it away?
Famous People from Newtownabbey
Newtownabbey has given us some wonderful famous faces over the years. Here are some of the Five Minutes Spare favourite famous folk out of County Antrim:
- There have been a number of politicians, but we don’t want to talk politics.
- From the 80’s right up until the early noughties there were a number of assassinations in Newtownabbey due to the troubles. Some famous names in the area as a result are Tommy and Joe English, John Gregg and Billy Mitchell. All were Loyalists.
- On a cheerier note one of the former winners of TV reality show ‘the Voice’ lives in Newtownabbey. Her name is Leah McFall.
- On a not-so-nice-note, Bobby Sands came from here.
- Author and screenwriter Ronan Bennett is Newtownabbey born.
There have also been a handful of successful football players from Newtownabbey over the years. The trend of sportsmen and women is one we hope to see more of in the future. It would be lovely if we could see a list filled with famous people who were famous for dying horribly. The future is in our hands…
So all in all, Newtownabbey is a pretty neat place. We are going to move on to the attractions in the area next. Most of you are only here to find out what things there are to do in Newtownabbey anyway. We’re not offended, we’re just disappointed.
Attractions
Of course, most of our readers come here for the attractions. So here you are the Five Minutes Spare favourite things to do in Newtownabbey.
Historical Sights and Landmarks
The White House, which is run by a trust, makes for a lovely day of learning. Built on the shore of the River Lough, this place was erected around 1574 and now has a whole district of Newtownabbey named after it. It’s a great example of a Plantation of Ulster style house. If you do like a wander around an old house then be sure to visit Sentry Hill, too. This 19th century farmhouse was built by the McKinney’s, who came here in the 18th century. Nowadays it has its very own visitors centre so you can learn all about them.
Sports and Recreation
When visiting this fair settlement, make sure you check out the Fortwilliam Golf Course. You can’t miss it; it is the only thing that stands between Newtownabbey and Belfast. That big area of green isn’t open land, it’s golf territory… watch out for flying objects.
They have both a museum at the Mill, and a Theatre at the Mill. The old mill has leant its name to a myriad of shops, pubs and cafes across the area, it seems. Catch a show, see a play, join a production. When you decide to become an actor the whole world is your oyster.
Don’t forget that you have access to the whole of Belfast Zoo from here. The zoo was opened in the 1930s and features hundreds of different animals. Their penguin collection is a cherished favourite. They have their own beautiful gardens too, which make for a nice afternoon in the sun.
You have your choice for sports. The 18th Century Newtownabbey Old Boys Football Club is one of the lesser known, and oldest, in Northern Ireland. You also have a number of smaller teams from the other areas. Checkout Rathcoole F.C for example. It is interesting to note that the Old Boys FC existed before the town was named…
As for Rugby, the Ballyclare Rugby Football Club are the team you want. They play at the Cloughan in Ballyclare. They are definitely a team to be taken seriously.
Still not satisfied for sport. People in Northern Ireland don’t have many other hobbies, it seems, because there is also a cricket club. Catch them at Carrickfergus and don’t say we’re not kind to you.
Museums and Galleries
Sentry Hill might be considered a museum, but they do have some interesting one’s asides from rural houses. They have a museum at the Mill, which is dedicated to years of the spinning mills. The Mossey Mill didn’t officially stop producing textiles till 1996, making it one of the longest used in existence. Once it closed, the resourceful Northern Irish chucked a museum tag on it and kept it open.
If you want to learn about the history of the area or if you are there to track down family history, you can do it at the Ballyclare Library or the Cloughfern library. There isn’t any shortage of choice for cemeteries or church records, either. If your ancestry starts here, there’s no reason you wouldn’t find it.
There is a War Museum that will tell you everything you need to know about the people of the area during wartime. The town didn’t exist yet, but there were several other settlements here back then that did.
Shopping and Retail
Make sure you stop in at the Abbey Centre Shopping Centre which has more than 70 stores and a food court to die for. You can also shop at the Longwood Retail Park and they are both in the commercial sector on Longwood Road.
If you are looking to get rid of the kids for a couple of hours send them to the Glengormley Movie House. Give them extra for popcorn, it’s always expensive.
Outdoor Attractions
Those that like to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon having high tea at a garden centre will not be disappointed in this area of Northern Ireland. Check out the Ballyrobert Cottage Garden and Nursery. This place lets you wander for as long as you like, then take as many plants home as you can carry (and pay for). If you are really enthused on gardens, you can even have their team design one for you.
Two of the best known parks in the area are Jordanstown Loughshore Park, which borders the river as its name suggests. It sports stunning views out over Belfast and Bangor, as well as some great walks that will entertain the kids all afternoon. Secondly, they have Hazelbank Park. This also sports some awe inspiring views across the Lough, with some seating areas and long walks.
Although you will find the town is filled with vast green areas, these are the top places to visit outdoors in Newtownabbey.
Other Notable Attractions in Newtownabbey
So we tried to cover all the fun things to do in this town in one simple article – but of course, things are never that easy. Instead, we covered the big stuff and left the little things to your imagination. Except for these, that is:
- The Rathcoole Library – because when you only have two libraries, what you really need is a third.
- The Monkstown Woods – because some days, a walk in the woods sets you right again.
- The Straid Fishery – because everyone likes fishing – right? Right?
- Visit Glengormley Library… what’s one more when you already have three?
So go visit Newtownabbey, have a good old belly laugh, tour the scenery and see the sights. By the time you need to leave we can almost guarantee you will be weeping into your whiskey… because the Scots aren’t the only ones whose national Beveridge is alcoholic.
How to Get There?
And now you are up-to-date on all things Newtownabbey – except how you actually get there.
By Road
Head out of the city of Belfast on the M5, switch to the M2 depending on which area you want to get to.
By Rail
You have multiple options for where exactly you want to get off. You can get the train from Belfast out to Whiteabbey, Mossley West, and other stations. Journeycheck can help you.
By Air
Belfast International Airport is just down the road and round the corner a few miles.
By Sea
Head for St. Mary’s Star of Sea, in Whitehouse, Newtownabbey… but only if you own a boat. It’s an awful cold swim otherwise.
Got Five More Minutes?
Here at Five Minutes Spare, we have all the information you need to enjoy your travel itinerary, no matter where in the British Isles your staycation might be. Make the most of your holiday at home and follow the Five Minutes Spare guide to how to your destination of choice. We can’t promise it won’t rain, but we can promise you won’t be short of indoor attractions.
