Gortalowry facts for kids
Gortalowry is a special place in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It's known as a townland, which is like a small, old division of land, often used for mapping and history. Gortalowry is located within a larger area called the barony of Dungannon Upper and the civil parish of Derryloran. It covers about 281 acres, which is roughly the size of 213 football fields! While some of Gortalowry is countryside, it also includes the southern part of the busy town of Cookstown.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Gortalowry comes from the Irish words Gort an Leamhraigh. This means "field of the place of elms." So, long ago, this area might have been known for its elm trees!
A Look Back in Time
Gortalowry has a rich history, with signs of ancient life and important buildings from more recent times.
Early Settlements: The Rath
One of the most interesting historical sites in Gortalowry is a Rath. A Rath is an ancient circular fort or settlement, usually surrounded by an earthen bank and ditch. People built these many hundreds or even thousands of years ago, often for protection or as homes. This Rath in Gortalowry is so important that it's officially protected as a Scheduled Historic Monument. This means it's a special place that helps us understand the past, and it's preserved for future generations.
Buildings and Community Life
Gortalowry is home to St Luaran's Roman Catholic Church. This church was first built around 1824, which makes it nearly 200 years old! It was updated in 2003 to keep it in good condition.
The townland also had a school called Gortalowry Primary School. It opened its doors in 1833, teaching children for many years. However, the school eventually closed in 1967.
How Many People Lived Here?
We can look at old records to see how many people lived in Gortalowry a long time ago. In 1841, there were 83 people living in 15 houses. Just ten years later, in 1851, the population had almost doubled to 165 people living in 34 houses. This shows that Gortalowry was growing during that time!
