Warrenpoint
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Warrenpoint An Phointe |
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WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates:
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| Province: | Ulster | |
| County: | County Down | |
| District: | Newry and Mourne | |
| UK Parliament: | South Down | |
| European Parliament: | Northern Ireland | |
| Dialling code: | 028,417 +44 28 417 | |
| Post town: | Newry | |
| Postal district(s): | BT34 | |
| Population (2001) | 7,000 | |
Warrenpoint (commonly transcribed into Irish as An Phointe ('The Point') or alternatively known by the name of the townland where Warrenpoint is located: Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua meaning "the promontory/point of the red-haired servant") is a town in County Down, Northern Ireland, lying on Carlingford Lough. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 7,000.
It is known for its scenic location, the Maiden of the Mournes festival, the Blues on the Bay music festival and for the nearby Narrow Water Castle dating from the 1660s.
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[edit] History
What is now Warrenpoint long consisted of only a few huts inhabited by people reliant on fishing for their survival and sustenance.
Its scenic beauty and coastal location instigated rapid development so that the population in 1824 was 500 and in 1831 was 1,000. In 1836 there was a school, a court house, a Savings Bank and a Farming Society. In 1846 the population was 683.
Fairs were held once a month and a market every Friday. However, in the mid-19th century, Newry merchants obtained a government grant to create a tidal dock at the village, as prior to 1850 ships of above 150 tonnes could not get further up the lough than Narrow Water. All goods had to be transported by land after 1849, by rail to Newry.
With the advent of the Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor Railway opening in 1849, the way of life changed for the residents of Warrenpoint and the former mode of transport became almost redundant, however many local people continued to transport goods by horse and cart well into the 1950's. Warrenpoint railway station opened on 9 May 1849 (and finally closed on 4 January 1965)[1]. Thousands flocked to the resort every year, where most took the passenger Ferry to Omeath in County Louth. The Ferry still operates to this day but only in the summer months. A bandstand in the park provided concerts and a swimming pool was built in 1908. This year (2008) is the 100th anniversary of the opening of the baths. The baths were opened by Captain Roger Hall on Whit Monday the 8th of June at 12.30pm
Warrenpoint has seen violence during the course of the Troubles; for more information see The Troubles in Warrenpoint.
[edit] Places of interest
Narrow Water Castle just outside the town is a three-storey tower house built in 1560 to protect the entrance to the Newry river estuary. Across the road is the new Narrow Water Castle built in 1840.
Today a small, though modern, passenger ferry service operates out of Warrenpoint to the village of Omeath in County Louth in the Irish Republic. The trip, amid spectacular scenery, takes about fifteen minutes. The ferry service is over 100 years old. Nowadays, it is seasonal and operates daily in the summer months, from the end of May to September. Other cruises include trips to Narrow Water Castle and Bay & Harbour Cruises.
The Links 18 hole golf course is of a very high standard and is a popular venue for visitors. This club - Warrenpoint Gold Club - has held many competitions over the years; recently it held the Ulster Boys and it also held the Ladies European Tour in 2003.
Two small inland lakes , the "Mill Dam" and the "Waterworks" offer a variety of fishing for locals and visitors. A permit is needed to fish these lakes located about 1km from the town centre.
The town was also used as a backdrop for Bundoran in the film The Butcher Boy, especially the exterior of the Star of the Sea Convent and the Victorian swimming baths.
[edit] Education
- Carrick Primary School
- Clontifleece Primary School
- Dromore Road Primary School
- St Dallan's Primary School
- St Mark's High School
[edit] 2001 Census
Warrenpoint is classified as a Small Town by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (ie with population between 4,500 and 10,000 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 7,000 people living in Warrenpoint. Of these:
- 26.7% were aged under 16 years and 16.8% were aged 60 and over
- 48.3% of the population were male and 51.7% were female
- 90.0% were from a Catholic background and 8.5% were from a Protestant background
- 4.3% of people aged 16-74 were unemployed
For more details see: NI Neighbourhood Information Service
[edit] People
- Irish literary critic Denis Donoghue was brought up in Warrenpoint.
- Social Democratic and Labour Party politician Carmel Hanna is from the town.
- Actor Patch Connolly also lived in Warrenpoint.
- Golfer Ronan Rafferty was born here.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Warrenpoint station. Railscot - Irish Railways. Retrieved on 2007-09-07.
[edit] External links
- Clonallon Church, Warrenpoint
- St. Peter's Gaelic Athletic Association, Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua
- Warrenpoint area photos from the past and some from the present day
- Maiden of the Mourne's Festival Website
- Warrenpoint Parish Website
