bellaghy bawn

ARCHAEOLOGY
The salmon and eels of the lower Bann and Lough Neagh have attracted settlers for 9000 years. The flint tools of early man were dug up in great numbers over the last 100 years. In every period beautiful finds - from gold ornaments, to an early Christian bell shrine - demonstrate the wealth of craftsmanship which existed in Bellaghy.
HISTORY
Discover more about Mulholland, O'Neil, Scullion, Heaney, Thomas, Conway, Connolly and many others in Bellaghy Bawn. People in this district have names that date back between three and seven hundred years.

NATURE
Lough Neagh is Ireland's largest lake, and the lower Bann is a fine fishing river. Both are attractive not only to humans, but to the thousands of birds who winter here.

In the summer, the strand at Lough Beg is thick with wild flowers, and the air is filled with the scent of water mint.

Until recently diatomite, a white fossil clay, which was useful as an abrasive and as an insulating material, was dug in the area. Turf is still excavated on a commercial scale.

Seamus Heaney presents a new film about the area.
SEAMUS HEANEY
The World's finest, best-loved poet was born nearby and his early poems talk lovingly of life around this area. He has given Bellaghy Bawn manuscripts, books and artwork, and his television and radio broadcasts have also been collected together.

Northern Ireland has been the home of a dozen or more excellent poets in recent years. It is the aim of Bellaghy Bawn to collect and display their work.

Adult: stg2.00, Concession: stg1.00, Family (2+4): stg5.00, Children (under 11) stg0.50, Group Rate (>10) stg1.00 pp.

Guided Tours Available

April 1 to September 30
Daily: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. October 1 to March 31 Monday to Saturday: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed Christmas/New Year week