Knockloughrim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Knockcloghrim
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 Knockloughrim Presbyterian church |
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 Knockcloghrim
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| Population | 186 (2001 Census) |
| Irish grid reference | H8396 |
| • Belfast | 31 mi (50 km) |
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| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | MAGHERAFELT |
| Postcode district | BT45 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
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Knockloughrim or Knockcloghrim is a small village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is located near the town of Maghera. In 2001, about 186 people lived there. Knockloughrim is part of the Mid Ulster District Council area. Its name comes from an Irish phrase meaning "hill of the stony ridge."
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What's in a Name?
The village's name is said like noc-cloc-rim. You might see it spelled in two main ways. The official spelling used by the government is Knockcloghrim. This is used by the local council and for elections.
However, many local groups use the spelling Knockloughrim. This includes the local Orange and Black lodges, the primary school, and a regional newspaper. Over time, the name has been spelled in other ways too, like Knockcloughrim.
The Village's Past
Knockloughrim was started by a man named John Bates in the 1800s. He was a lawyer from Belfast. He thought the area would be a great place to build a new village. Bates also worked as the Town Clerk of Belfast.
Bates built a large house called 'Knock House'. It was first meant to be a hotel. Later, it became a home for the local church leader until 1921. During the First World War and Second World War, Knock House helped children. It gave shelter to kids who had to leave cities like Belfast for safety.
In the early 1950s, Knockloughrim was mostly a few houses and a church. Then, new homes were built, starting in 1952. This helped the village grow bigger over the years.
Getting Around Knockloughrim
Knockloughrim once had its own railway station. It opened in 1880. Trains stopped running for passengers in 1950 and completely closed in 1959.
The old railway bridge is still there. It's where trains used to pass. After the Second World War, people planted daffodils on the railway bank. They were planted in a 'V' shape to celebrate victory. You can still see this today.
The main road between Belfast and Derry, the A6 Glenshane Road, is very close to the village. Until about 1970, this main road actually went right through the village itself.
Places of Worship
Knockloughrim has a few churches. St Conlus' Church of Ireland was built in 1801. The Methodist Church was built in 1984. It replaced an older building. This Methodist church closed in 2013 but is still looked after.
The Presbyterian Church is just outside the village. It was first built in 1765 and then rebuilt in 1840. Many local Catholics go to church in Mayogall, which is about 1.5 miles away.
Local Businesses
Knockloughrim is home to FP McCann Ltd. This is one of Northern Ireland's largest quarrying companies. They work on many big building projects. For example, they helped build the Toome by-pass road, which opened in 2004. Their facilities now cover a large area near the village.
