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Kilrea
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Kilrea sits on the
Antrim border, high above the Bann Valley. A well preserved example
of a Plantation town, Kilrea has long straight roads which come from
a central point called ‘The Diamond’.
The earliest settlement has been traced back to the 4th century and
St. Patrick is said to have visited the area in the 5th century. In
the 1600s Kilrea became a Plantation town and was the headquarters
of the Worshipful Company of Mercers. The ‘Fairy Thorn’ tree,
located in the church square, is the focal point of the summer
festival in the town.
The town enjoys a vantage point over the river Bann and picturesque
waterfalls can be found at Portna and Movanagher. Angling is a
favourite activity, and a range of sporting activities are carried
out on the river and nearby loughs in beautiful setting. The Portna
Eel Fishery based in Kilrea has one of the largest fish hatcheries
in Europe.
Kilrea has a busy market and a modern range of shops which are built
around the attractive flower-bedded Diamond. Other attractions
include the Claragh Heritage Centre, a non-profit organisation that
contains a collection of artefacts from rural life.
Kilrea Golf Club was founded in 1919, and is situated a half mile to
the south west of the town. The original undulating inland course,
is one of the driest to be found. Recent extensions to the course,
whilst reclaimed from bogland, are also well drained, and the course
is often open when others have succumbed to the Irish climate.
Extended in recent years to 5672 yards long, it is longer than the
typical 9-hole course. Despite the extra length, accuracy is still
required off the tee to give a fighting chance of par at most holes.
Generally, the course has tight fairways and small greens. |
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Kilrea Holiday Homes - County Derry, Ireland