Glenavy is a small place but has a rich and varied history. Much of the history of the area is yet to be documented but here area a few snippets giving a historical perspective on Glenavy.

First known inhabitant

The first known inhabitant of Glenavy pre-dates human settlements and is a woolly mammoth. The Ulster Museum has on display the bones of a woolly mammoth which was found near Glenavy. The now extinct mammoth would have visited Glenavy sometime between 135,000 to 11,000 years ago.

The Kings of East Ulster

Adjacent to Glenavy is Crew Hill, which rises to 629 feet in height, and is where the ancient kings of Ulidia or Eastern Ulster were crowned. The coronation ceremonies took place under a spreading sacred tree. Crew Hill was visited by Brian Boru as "High King" of Ireland during his tour of the North in around 1005.

In 1099 this sacred tree was atacked and cut down by the Kinel-Owen, the hereditary enemy of the Ulidians. The Ulidians sought their revenge and in 1111AD they cut down the sacred tree at Tullaghogue where the Kings of Kinel-Owen were inaugurated.

John Ballance, Prime Minister of New Zealand

Of futher historical interest locally is Balance House, the restored home of the Honourable John Ballance who was Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1891 to 1893. Balance House lies 2 miles from Glenavy on the A30 road to Lisburn and is open to visitors. Visit their website for details or phone 028 9264 8492.

Glenavy Mill

Glenavy river is a local resource of value and has, in it's time, provided Glenavy with a corn mill and a textile mill.

A Glenavy Poet

In around 1783 Hugh McWilliams was born in Glenavy. Hugh was a hedge school master and also a poet, many of his poems written to be sung and he would often identify the tunes to be used. He published two books, each entitled "Poems and Songs on Various Subjects" in 1816 and 1831.

Historical Society

The local Killutagh Historical Society generally meets on the last Thursday of the month in Crumlin Community Centre at 8.0 pm. Look out for details locally.

Historical Photographs

We would be grateful to receive copies of any old photographs of Glenavy for inclusion on the website. Please contact us if you can help.

© GDP 2006