Randalstown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Randalstown
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_-_geograph.org.uk_-_347159.jpg) The former Northern Counties Committee railway viaduct at Randalstown railway station. |
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 Randalstown
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| Population | 5,151 (2021 census) |
| • Belfast | 19 mi (31 km) |
| District |
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| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ANTRIM |
| Postcode district | BT41 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| Police | Northern Ireland |
| Fire | Northern Ireland |
| Ambulance | Northern Ireland |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament |
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Randalstown (which is Baile Raghnaill in Irish) is a small town and a townland in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located between the towns of Antrim and Toome. Randalstown is known for its large, old railway viaduct, which is no longer in use. The town is also very close to Lough Neagh, which is the largest lake in Ireland, and the historic Shane's Castle estate. The M22 motorway goes around the town, making it easy to travel to and from Randalstown. In the 2021 census, about 5,151 people lived there.
Contents
Exploring Randalstown's Past
How Randalstown Got Its Name
The area where Randalstown now stands was first called An Dún Mór. This Irish name means "the great fort." It referred to an old motte-and-bailey castle built by the Irish people. This castle was located on the west side of the River Main, just south of the town. Later, in the 14th century, a castle called Edenduffcarrick was built nearby. This castle is now known as Shane's Castle. It was built by the O'Neills, a powerful family from Clannaboy.
For a long time, starting in the 1650s, the town was known as "Iron Mills." In Irish, this was Muilinn Iarainn. In 1667, the town was officially renamed Randalstown. This new name was chosen to celebrate the marriage of Randal MacDonnell, 1st Marquess of Antrim to Rose O'Neill of Shane's Castle.
Key Moments in Randalstown's History
The 1798 United Irishmen rebellion began in Antrim. A meeting to plan for this revolt happened on February 1, 1798, at McClean's Inn in Randalstown. This "Great Inn" was a well-known meeting spot for the Irish Volunteers. After Robert McClean passed away in 1790, his son Francis took over the inn.
Dunmore Park was also used as a training camp. This was for the Ulster Volunteers during a time when there was a lot of discussion about Irish Home Rule.
Randalstown's Industrial Heritage
Randalstown has a rich history in both the linen and iron industries. You can see a special memorial in the town center that celebrates this history. It is made from the original turbine that once generated electricity for the town. It also includes items saved from the Old Bleach Linen Company. This company was started by James Webb in 1864. An old chimney from the Old Bleach factory can still be seen from many parts of the town. The Dorma Old Bleach factory, which was next door, closed in 2002.
The town also used to have a busy railway station. It opened in 1848 and connected Randalstown to the Northern Counties Committee railway line. However, the station closed in 1950 and has not been used since.
Who Lives in Randalstown?
Population Details from the 2021 Census
On March 21, 2021, the population of Randalstown was 5,151 people. Here's a quick look at some facts about the residents:
- About 55.4% of people were raised Catholic.
- Around 35.1% were raised Protestant or other non-Catholic Christian faiths.
- When asked about their national identity:
- 36.9% said they had a British national identity.
- 31.0% said they had an Irish national identity.
- 33.8% said they had a Northern Irish national identity.
Population Details from the 2011 Census
On March 27, 2011, Randalstown had 5,126 residents. This made up about 0.28% of Northern Ireland's total population.
- Almost everyone (99.02%) was from the white ethnic group.
- About 54.7% were raised Catholic.
- Around 39.8% were raised Protestant or other non-Catholic Christian faiths.
- When asked about their national identity:
- 46.3% said they had a British national identity.
- 24.3% said they had an Irish national identity.
- 32.9% said they had a Northern Irish national identity.
- Some people had knowledge of other languages:
- 10.7% knew some Irish.
- 9.3% knew some Ulster-Scots.
- 4.7% did not have English as their first language.
Fun Places to Visit in Randalstown
- Shane's Castle Gateway: You can see the beautiful Tudor-style gateway that leads to the Shane's Castle estate right in the town.
- Randalstown OC Presbyterian Church: This church is a great example of Irish Gothic architecture.
- The Viaduct: Near the Shane's Castle gateway is a large viaduct with seven arches. It was built in 1855 to carry the railway line over the River Main. A new bridge has been added, and a walking path created, making it a great spot for healthy walks.
- Craigmore Fishery: If you like Fly Fishing, this facility is located just outside of town.
- World of Owls: This is Northern Ireland's only center dedicated to saving owls, birds of prey, and other exotic animals. It's located next to Randalstown Forest.
- Caddy: This small village is about 3 miles north of Randalstown. In 1908, a new school was built there. In the 1950s, it was also a center for beekeeping.
Famous People from Randalstown
- Alan Jones: He is a Professor of Architecture at Queen's University Belfast. He also served as the 77th President of the Royal Institute of British Architects from 2019 to 2021.
- Molly McKenna: A talented trampoline gymnast.
- Laurence McKeown: An author, playwright, and screenwriter. He was involved in the 1981 Irish hunger strike. In 1995, he helped start the Belfast Film Festival.
- Lady Moyra Campbell: She was a maid of honour at the coronation of Elizabeth II.
Sports in Randalstown
- Randalstown Rugby Football Club: The town has its own rugby club for sports enthusiasts.
Schools in Randalstown
- Mount St. Michael's Primary School
- Maine Integrated Primary School
- St. Benedict's High School
- Randalstown Central Primary School: This is a primary school for all students, regardless of their religious background. It is part of the North Eastern Education and Library Board area.
See also
In Spanish: Randalstown para niños
