Benburb

Benburb ("Beann-borb" in Irish, 'proud peak') is a small village in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland seven miles from the city of Armagh and eight miles from the town of Dungannon. It is in the province of Ulster.

History

It is best known, in historical terms, for the battle of Benburb that took place there in 1646. This was fought between the armies of Confederate Ireland led by Owen Roe O'Neill and the Scottish Covenanters led by Munro. The battle resulted in a crushing victory for O'Neill's men at the townland of Drumflugh around a mile outside the village.

Since the battle of Benburb was a rare 17th century Irish military victory, after Irish independence the new Irish nationalist government named a street in Dublin's north inner city after the battle. Benburb Street runs between Queen Street and Blackhall Place. There is also a Benburb Street in south Belfast.

In later years Benburb became known for its linen production, as did many areas in the North and later still for agriculture, most notably apple farming, and mushroom production.

The Troubles

For more information see The Troubles in Benburb, which includes a list of incidents in Benburb during the Troubles resulting in two or more fatalities.

Places of interest

The village is also home to the impressive Benburb Castle built in 1611 by Sir Richard Wingfield on a limestone cliff overlooking the River Blackwater, the border between County Tyrone and County Armagh. The castle is in excellent condition having been recently restored and stands in the grounds of the imposing Servite Priory, a religious order based in the village.

Education

*Benburb Primary School

References

* [http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/ NI Conflict Archive on the Internet]
* [http://cloghmore.bravepages.com/tyrone/benburb.html Benburb Castle]

External links

* [http://www.chrono.qub.ac.uk/local/tyrone/Benburb/ Ulster Canal, Benburb]

ee also

* Abbeys and priories in Northern Ireland (County Tyrone)
* List of villages in Northern Ireland
* List of towns in Northern Ireland