Magilligan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magilligan
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 Magilligan Point |
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 Magilligan
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| Population | 578 (2001 Census) |
| Irish grid reference | H8396 |
| District |
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| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Postcode district | BT |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| Police | Northern Ireland |
| Fire | Northern Ireland |
| Ambulance | Northern Ireland |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament |
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| NI Assembly |
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Magilligan is a cool peninsula in the northwest of Northern Ireland. It's located in County Londonderry, right where the Foyle River meets the sea (Lough Foyle). This large coastal area is about 79,000 acres. It includes a British Army firing range and a nature reserve. Magilligan is also home to HM Prison Magilligan.
At the very tip of the peninsula, called Magilligan Point, you can catch a ferry. This ferry takes you across the lough to Greencastle, County Donegal in Ireland.
Contents
Magilligan's Past
How Magilligan Got Its Name
The name Magilligan comes from "MacGilligans country." This was a big part of an old area called the barony of Keenaght.
Mapping Ireland from Magilligan
Magilligan was super important for mapping all of Ireland in the 1800s. Colonel Thomas Colby chose Magilligan as the starting point for his survey. He picked it because the beach was very flat. It was also close to Scotland, which had already been mapped.
In 1828, a perfectly straight line was measured. It was 30,533 feet long, going from North Station to Ballykelly. All other measurements for the map of Ireland were based on this line. The mapping project finished in 1846 when County Kerry was mapped.
Cool Places to See
Magilligan Martello Tower
Near Magilligan Point, you can find a Martello tower. Building started on this tower in 1812. It was built to protect against a possible invasion by Napoleon during the French Revolutionary Wars. The tower is round and had two large 24-pounder guns.
It was finished in 1817, even though Napoleon had already been sent away. The soldiers stationed here never had to fire their guns at an enemy. During World War II, a small lookout post was added to the top of the tower. Over the years, sand has built up, and the tower is now quite far from the sea. You can visit the restored tower, but it's usually locked.
HM Prison Magilligan
HM Prison Magilligan is located along the main road to Magilligan Point. It opened in 1972. This prison can hold up to 568 prisoners.
Getting Around Magilligan
Ferry Service
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Magilligan is close to Bellarena railway station. There's a ferry service that runs all year. It connects Magilligan with Greencastle across the lough.
Old Tramway
In the 1800s, there was a short-lived tramway. It ran between the village of Magilligan and Magilligan Point. It opened in July 1885 but closed just a few months later in October 1885. This makes it the shortest passenger railway line in Ireland's history!
