List of Cenotaphs in Northern Ireland facts for kids

A cenotaph is like a monument built to remember people, especially soldiers, who died in wars. Their bodies might be buried far away, but the cenotaph helps their community remember their bravery and sacrifice.

Most towns and villages in Northern Ireland have lost people in wars, especially the two World Wars. To honor these brave individuals, communities often raised money together to build a memorial or a cenotaph. These monuments are often very beautiful and can be the most decorative structures in smaller places. Besides cenotaphs, communities also created other memorials like stained glass windows or plaques in churches. Sometimes, even buildings, like British Legion Halls, or gardens were built to remember those who served.

Remembering Heroes: Cenotaphs in Northern Ireland

Cenotaphs and war memorials across Northern Ireland help us remember the sacrifices made by people from these communities. They stand as important reminders of history and bravery.

Cenotaphs in County Down

County Down has several important memorials. Each one tells a story of remembrance.

Bangor Cenotaph

In Bangor, you can find a cenotaph in Ward Park. It was built in 1927. This monument is an obelisk made of Portland stone, with bronze figures. It remembers 133 people from World War I. Also in Ward Park, there's a bronze deck-gun. This gun was taken from a German submarine (UB19) during World War I. It was given to Bangor to honor Commander the Hon. Edward Bingham, who showed great courage at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. He even received the Victoria Cross for his actions.

Holywood War Memorial

The Holywood War Memorial in Redburn Square, Holywood, was built in 1922. It features a bronze soldier with a rifle and bayonet, standing on a marble base. This memorial remembers 108 people from World War I, 26 from World War II, and 1 from the Korean War.

Newtownards War Memorial

In Newtownards, the war memorial stands on the Old Bowling Green. Built in 1934, it is a granite obelisk on a four-stepped base. It honors 316 people who died in World War I.

Waringstown Memorial Clock

The Waringstown Memorial Clock is a unique memorial in Waringstown. Built in 1921, it's a 40-foot clock tower made from local stone. It has a clock with three dials that chime, reminding everyone of those remembered.

Cenotaphs in County Antrim

County Antrim also has many significant memorials, each with its own design and history.

Knockagh Monument

The Knockagh Monument is a very tall obelisk, 110 feet high, located on Knockagh Hill. It was built between 1922 and 1937. This monument is modeled after the Wellington Memorial in Dublin. It stands high above Belfast Lough and can be seen from far away, including from North Down.

Glengormley Memorial

The Glengormley Memorial in Glengormley Park was put up in 1990. It is a 3.5-meter tall red marble obelisk, standing on two brick steps.

Jordanstown Memorial

In Loughshore Park, Jordanstown, you can find the Jordanstown Memorial. This monument, built in 1983, is a 1.7-meter tall polished granite tablet.

Midland Railway & Northern Counties Committee Memorial

This memorial, built in 1921, is an ornate stone obelisk with bronze name plaques. It was put up by the Midland Railway Company. It remembers 60 people from World War I and 8 from World War II. It's currently located in a car park in Belfast, but it has moved several times over the years.

Larne War Memorial

The Larne War Memorial is located in Inver Park, near the parish church in Larne. Built in 1922, it features bronze figures of a soldier and a sailor on top of a 5-meter tall Portland stone obelisk. It honors 147 people from World War I.

Imjin River Memorial, Belfast

The Imjin River Memorial is a special monument that started its journey in Korea in 1951, near the battlefield of Chaegunghyon. It was moved to Ballymena in 1962 and then to the grounds of Belfast City Hall in 2008. This Korean granite obelisk remembers 208 people from the Korean War.

Boer War Memorial, Belfast

The Boer War Memorial, Belfast is located on the east side of Belfast City Hall. Built in 1905, it features an 8-foot bronze soldier in uniform with a rifle. He stands on a large boulder, which is set on a granite base. This memorial is dedicated to the Royal Irish Rifles and remembers 132 people.

Belfast Cenotaph

The Belfast Cenotaph is found on the west side of Belfast City Hall. It is in a sunken garden with a semicircle of Corinthian columns behind a large Portland stone obelisk. The area was repaved in 1993.