Markethill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Markethill
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 Markethill
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| Population | 1,647 (2011 census) |
| Irish grid reference | H962398 |
| • Belfast | 40 miles |
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| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ARMAGH |
| Postcode district | BT60 |
| Dialling code | 028, +44 28 |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
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Markethill (Irish: Cnoc an Mhargaidh) is a village in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It is located right next to Gosford Forest Park. In the 2011 census, about 1,647 people lived here.
Markethill is famous for its livestock market, which takes place three times a week. Every summer, the world's biggest Lambeg drumming competition is held in the village. It is also home to the Kilcluney Volunteers Flute Band. This band hosts the largest band parade in Europe on the first Friday of June each year.
The village is situated by the A28 road. It is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south-east of Armagh city. It is also about 18 kilometers (11 miles) north-west of Newry.
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Markethill's Past
The village of Markethill first grew within an area called Coolmallish or Coolmillish. This was on the main road between Armagh and Newry. It started to become a bigger settlement during the Plantation of Ulster. This was a time when many Scottish and English people moved to the area.
Events During the Troubles
During a period known as the Troubles, Markethill experienced several difficult events. These incidents affected the community.
- In June 1979, a soldier who was not on duty was killed near his home.
- In October 1982, another off-duty soldier was taken while going to work. He was later found dead.
- In November 1982, two police officers were killed at a security checkpoint in the village.
- In September 1992, a civilian was seriously injured at his home near Markethill.
Places to Visit in Markethill
There are interesting places to see in and around Markethill.
Gosford Castle and Forest Park
Near Markethill, you can find Gosford Castle inside Gosford Forest Park. The government bought this large estate in 1958. They then created Gosford Forest Park for everyone to enjoy.
Gosford Castle is the biggest Grade A listed building in Northern Ireland. This means it is a very important historic building. In 2006, plans were made to fix up the castle. It was turned into 24 fancy apartments. The first people moved in during December 2008. Work to restore the castle continued for some time after that.
Markethill Courthouse
The Markethill Courthouse is located at the top of Main Street. It is at the northern entrance to Markethill, close to Gosford Forest Park. This courthouse was built in 1842. It was designed by Thomas Duff.
It is one of the few large, old courthouses that still stand today. The building is made of dark stone with lighter stone details. It was last used as a courthouse in 1952. After being empty for 25 years, a local group bought it in 1997. They fixed it up to be used as a community center for everyone.
Sports in Markethill
If you like football, Markethill Swifts F.C. is the local team. They play in the Mid-Ulster Football League. The closest GAA club, which plays Irish sports, is in Mullaghbrack.
Getting Around Markethill
Markethill once had its own railway station. It opened on August 25, 1864. Passenger trains stopped running on February 1, 1933. The station completely closed on May 2, 1955. It was part of the line that connected Armagh to Goraghwood. This line was run by the Great Northern Railway of Ireland.
Markethill's People
The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) considers Markethill a village. This means it has between 1,000 and 2,499 people. On March 27, 2011, there were 1,647 people living in Markethill.
- About 22.5% of the people were under 16 years old.
- About 17% were aged 65 or older.
- The population was almost evenly split between males (47.5%) and females (52.5%).
- Most people (77.9%) identified as being from a Protestant or other Christian background. About 17% were from a Catholic background.
Schools in Markethill
There are several schools in the Markethill area. These include Markethill Primary School and Markethill High School.
Markethill's Economy
Markethill has a history of industry and trade.
Past Industries
The first important factory in the town was a linen mill. It was started in 1888 by DH Sinton. This mill was near the railway station. In 1909, Spence, Bryson & Co. Ltd bought the mill. It kept working until 1991, when it was badly damaged. After that, production moved to another factory nearby.
Modern Economy
Today, the area mainly focuses on farming. A large agricultural market is located on the edge of town. Markethill Livestock Sales has been helping farmers for over 45 years.
A small business park has been built on part of the old linen mill site. It is home to several small businesses and new companies. This business park is managed by Markethill Business Centre.
There are also many independent shops in Markethill. These include Alexander's of Markethill, which started in 1954. They sell furniture from their shop on Fairgreen Road. Dalzell's of Markethill, an electrical appliance company, began in 1956. It is now the biggest independent electrical appliance store in Northern Ireland.
Famous People from Markethill
Some well-known people have come from Markethill:
- Kenny Hooks, an Irish rugby player.
- George Lambert, who received the Victoria Cross for bravery.
- Seamus Mallon, who was the first Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. He was also a former leader of the SDLP.
- Emma Little-Pengelly, who was the fifth Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. She is currently a MLA.
See also
In Spanish: Markethill para niños
