Coalisland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coalisland
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 View from the north of the town |
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| Population | 5,682 (2011 Census) |
| • Belfast | 35 miles (56 km) |
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| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | DUNGANNON |
| Postcode district | BT71 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament |
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| NI Assembly |
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Coalisland (Irish: Oileán an Ghuail) is a small town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. About 5,682 people lived here in 2011. It is located four miles from Lough Neagh. Long ago, it was a busy place for coal mining.
The town of Coalisland began in the 1600s. This happened after coal was found in the area. The Coalisland Canal was built to help move the coal. In the 20th century, Coalisland was a significant place during a difficult time in Northern Ireland's history. The first civil rights march in Northern Ireland started here in 1968. Today, the old Coalisland Canal is being restored. The town also has bus services and a performing arts center called the Craic Theatre.
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Coalisland's Past: A Look Back
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How Coalisland Began
In the late 1600s, people found coal in East Tyrone. Getting this coal to places like Dublin was hard. So, in 1744, work began on the Coalisland Canal. This canal connected the coalfields to Lough Neagh. The town of Coalisland grew up around this important canal.
Important Events in the 1900s
On August 24, 1968, a very important event happened in Coalisland. The first civil rights march in Northern Ireland took place here. Groups like the Campaign for Social Justice (CSJ) and the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) organized it. The march went from Coalisland to Dungannon. This march helped start a movement for equal rights.
A Time of Change: The Troubles
Coalisland was a significant place during a period known as the Troubles. This was a time of conflict in Northern Ireland. The town had strong connections to Irish republicanism. During this challenging period, many people were affected by the conflict. There were various incidents of violence in or near Coalisland. Both sides experienced losses during these difficult years.
Getting Around Coalisland
The town once had a canal, the Coalisland Canal. It helped transport goods. While it is not used for transport now, there is a plan to restore it.
Coalisland also had a railway station. It opened in 1897. Passenger trains stopped running in 1956. The station fully closed in 1965. Today, you can still see parts of the old railway. These include a bridge and an old goods shed.
Now, daily bus services run through Coalisland. These are operated by Ulsterbus.
Arts and Fun in Coalisland
The Craic Theatre and Arts Centre is a special place in Coalisland. It was built where an old weaving factory used to be. The theatre offers many chances for local people to enjoy shows. Its own group, Craic Players, performs there.
The centre also has a youth theatre program. Children and young people from 4 to 18 years old can join. It also welcomes professional groups. They put on shows, concerts, and workshops for everyone.
Learning in Coalisland
Coalisland has several schools for young people:
- Gaelscoil Uí Néill
- Primate Dixon Primary School
- St John's Primary School
- St Joseph's College
Sports in Coalisland
The local sports club is Coalisland Na Fianna. They play Gaelic Athletic Association sports. These include Gaelic football and hurling.
Who Lives in Coalisland?
Population Changes Over Time
The number of people living in Coalisland grew during the 1800s:
| Year | 1841 | 1851 | 1861 | 1871 | 1881 | 1891 |
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| Population | 451 | 627 | 661 | 598 | 677 | 785 |
| Houses | 103 | 120 | 143 | 135 | 159 | 191 |
Coalisland in 2011
On March 27, 2011, a census counted 5,682 people in Coalisland. Here are some facts about them:
- About 25.5% of people were under 16 years old.
- Around 10.0% of people were 65 years or older.
- Almost half (49.1%) of the people were male.
- A little over half (50.9%) were female.
- Most people (93.8%) were from a Catholic background.
- About 4.7% were from a Protestant or other Christian background.
- Around 7.2% of people aged 16–74 were unemployed.
Famous People from Coalisland
Coalisland is home to several well-known individuals:
- Denis Haughey (born 1944) – A politician and one of the first members of the SDLP party.
- Dennis Taylor (born 1949) – A famous snooker player who won the World Championship in 1985.
- Michelle O'Neill (born 1977) – A politician from the Sinn Féin party. She is currently the First Minister of Northern Ireland.
- Nathan Rafferty (born 2000) – A professional darts player for the PDC.
- Michael "Mickey" Mansell (born 1973) – Another professional darts player for the PDC.
See also
In Spanish: Coalisland para niños
