Greenisland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greenisland
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 Greenisland, as viewed from the Knockagh Monument |
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 Greenisland
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| Population | 5,486 (2011 Census) |
| District | |
| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CARRICKFERGUS |
| Postcode district | BT38 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament |
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Greenisland (Irish: Inis Glas) is a town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located about 7 miles (11 km) north-east of Belfast and 3 miles (5 km) south-west of Carrickfergus. The town sits right on the coast of Belfast Lough. Its name comes from a small island to the west, called the Green Island.
Greenisland is a mix of town and country, nestled at the bottom of Carn Hill. On this hill, you can see the Knockagh Monument. This monument is a special war memorial. It remembers people from County Antrim who died in the First and Second World Wars.
The town has two main parts, often called Upper Greenisland and Lower Greenisland. These names come from the roads they are built around. Upper Greenisland is near Upper Road and includes Greenisland Primary School. Lower Greenisland is closer to the shore and has places like Greenisland Library and Silverstream Primary School.
Contents
- Greenisland's Past: A Look at Its History
- Important Places in Greenisland
- Shops and Services in Greenisland
- Getting Around: Transport in Greenisland
- Learning in Greenisland: Schools and Colleges
- Sports Clubs and Activities
- Greenisland's Population: Who Lives Here?
- Famous People from Greenisland
- New Developments in Greenisland
- Images for kids
- See also
Greenisland's Past: A Look at Its History
How Greenisland Got Its Name
Long ago, the area we now call Greenisland was part of Carrickfergus. The Silverstream river was the western edge of Carrickfergus. Today, this river is the border between the Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey areas.
Between 1602 and 1606, important citizens of Carrickfergus got the right to share out this land. They called it the West Division, a name that is still legally used today.
Farms and Roads in Early Greenisland
The land was divided into strips, stretching from Knockagh Hill down to the shore of Belfast Lough. Small lanes were built to reach the farms and houses. One important house was Castle Lugg.
The most well-known lane was Longfield Lane. It later became wider and paved to reach the railway station, turning into Station Road. Many other narrow lanes, like Neill's Lane and Windfield Lane, still exist today.
Greenisland as a Holiday Spot
In the 1800s, as Belfast grew, people started building summer houses in Greenisland. These were used for holidays and relaxing by the sea. One of these old lodges was a nursing home until 2020.
By 1888, Greenisland was known for its "handsome residences". These homes were mostly lived in by people who worked in business or professions in Belfast.
The Arrival of the Railway
The railway line from Belfast to Ballymena opened in 1845. This was a big step for Greenisland, connecting it to Belfast and Carrickfergus. The village officially became Greenisland in 1893. This happened when the Greenisland railway station was built in its current spot.
Better transport and more money led to more houses being built. Many semi-detached and terraced homes appeared around the railway station.
Churches and Community Growth
In 1859, a big Christian Revival reached Greenisland. People gathered for an outdoor service. By 1860, the Ebenezer Hall was built for worshippers on the Shore Road. Later, in 1912, the Presbyterian Knockagh Hall was built on the Upper Road.
These original buildings are gone, but the churches still exist. Greenisland Ebenezer Church of the Nazarene is now in Longfield Gardens. Greenisland Presbyterian Church is on the Upper Road. As Greenisland grew, more churches were built.
Greenisland Primary School's Story
Greenisland Primary School opened in 1938. Before this, children had to walk two miles to a school in Trooperslane every day. On the first day, pupils walked from the old school to the new one. They carried their books and learning supplies with them!
Life in Greenisland During World War II
During World War II, the school's headmaster, who was an Army reservist, was called to serve. An air-raid shelter was built in the playground. Gas masks were kept under desks for safety.
People in the village formed a Home Guard and Civil Defence Post. Air-raid drills became common. Stirrup pumps, used to put out fires, were also handy for watering gardens! The school's name was covered during the war. This was to confuse any German parachutists who might land in Greenisland.
In Easter 1941, a German plane was seen flying towards Belfast. The anti-aircraft guns on Neill's Lane fired. This was the only time the air-raid shelters in Greenisland were needed. The guns didn't hit any planes, but they did crack some windows! Soon, people realised that Belfast was under a huge attack, known as the Belfast Blitz. Volunteers from Greenisland went to Belfast to help with the recovery.
Important Places in Greenisland
The Knockagh Monument
The Knockagh Monument is a tall stone pillar called an obelisk. It was built to remember the people from County Antrim who died in World War I and World War II. It stands on top of Carn Hill, also known as "Knockagh Hill". This monument looks over the village and is the most famous landmark in the area.
Castle Lugg
Castle Lugg is a historic site owned by the National Trust. It was once a square tower, but now only a part of its north wall remains. This wall is about 27 feet (8 meters) long and 25 feet (7.6 meters) high. There isn't much information about why or when it was built or destroyed. A small dig in 1980 didn't find clear answers. However, old documents suggest it existed by 1570.
Shops and Services in Greenisland
Greenisland has many useful shops and services. These include grocery stores, newsagents, a petrol station, and a butcher's shop. You can also find a golf club, hair salons, a bakery, and a dentist. There's a doctor's surgery, a chemist, and several places to get takeaway food. The village also has a nursing home, an off-licence, car sales, a cafe, and two nurseries for children.
The area also has a local library and a community centre. There's a youth centre and a Scout hall for young people.
Getting Around: Transport in Greenisland
Train Services
The Greenisland railway station opened on April 11, 1848. It offers direct train links to Belfast and Larne. Trains run from early morning until late at night. Most trains stop at Greenisland, making it easy to travel to and from the village.
Bus Services
Most Ulsterbus services to Belfast and Carrickfergus/Whitehead make a quick stop in Greenisland. This means the village has regular bus connections in both directions.
Learning in Greenisland: Schools and Colleges
- Greenisland Primary School is the main primary school in the village. It is located on Upper Station Road.
- Silverstream Primary School is another primary school in the southern part of Greenisland.
- Belfast High School is a grammar school located just west of the village.
- The Jordanstown campus of the University of Ulster is less than a mile from Greenisland.
Sports Clubs and Activities
Greenisland has many sports clubs and places to play. These include:
- Greenisland Golf Club
- Greenisland Bowling Green
- Greenisland War Memorial Sports Club (GWMSC)
- Greenisland Ladies Hockey Club
- Greenisland Boys Football Club
- Knockagh View Equestrian Centre
- Knockagh Wrestling Club (run by Dave Finlay Sr.)
Greenisland's Population: Who Lives Here?
On March 27, 2011, the Census recorded 5,486 people living in Greenisland. This was an increase of 8.6% from 2001.
- About 19.1% of people were under 16 years old.
- About 17.4% of people were 65 or older.
- 48.8% of the population were male, and 51.2% were female.
- About 11.1% of people were from a Catholic background.
- About 77.6% were from a Protestant or other Christian background.
- 4.2% of people aged 16–74 were unemployed.
Famous People from Greenisland
- Maurice Field (born 1964), a rugby union player.
- Robert James Johnstone (1872–1938), a doctor and politician.
- William Edward Wilson (1851–1908), a famous astronomer.
New Developments in Greenisland
Upgrading the A2 Shore Road
For many years, there have been plans to widen the A2 Shore Road. This road often gets very busy. Since the 1970s, there have been efforts to make it a dual carriageway (a road with two lanes in each direction).
Around 2005, new plans for a multi-million-pound dual carriageway began. Public meetings were held, and land was bought. In 2010, the Regional Development Minister said work was expected to start in 2011-12 and finish in 2013, if money was available.
On February 14, 2012, it was confirmed that £57 million would be spent on improving the A2 road from Carrickfergus to Belfast. The contract for the work was given to Graham Construction on January 31, 2013. Work started in March 2013 and the widened road opened to traffic on September 28, 2015.
New Football Facility at Glenkeen Avenue
In May 2019, Greenisland Football Club opened a new 3G football pitch. This modern pitch can be used by the whole community. It was built with help from the Mid and East Antrim Council. This new facility helps Greenisland Football Club keep its reputation as one of the best amateur teams in Northern Ireland.
In the summer of 2021, the club added a stand with 130 seats for spectators. This made their facilities even better.
Images for kids
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Greenisland, as viewed from the Knockagh Monument
See also
In Spanish: Greenisland para niños
