Sperrins heritage group chart six thousands years of history

Six thousand years of history as well as the extraordinary wildlife and scenary of the Sperrins will be the subject of new signage going up around Ballynagilly in the coming weeks.
Ballynagilly Community Preservation and Heritage Group signageBallynagilly Community Preservation and Heritage Group signage
Ballynagilly Community Preservation and Heritage Group signage

The mountainous area - which includes the Parishes of Kildress, Derryloran, Lissan, Ballinascreen and Lower Badoney - is home to some of our greatest historic and natural treasures.

“A group of local residents from Ballynagilly have got together to research and conserve the heritage and natural wonders in this area of the Sperrins,” said Tim McRory from the Ballynagilly Community Preservation and Heritage Group.

“With the support of the Rock Historical Society and the Friends of Beaghmore Stone Circles, we are designing information boards for display around the area.

“They will highlight the archaeology, history, wildlife and cultural heritage of this area in the hope that visitors will find them interesting and informative.”

The group have also charted a twelve mile heritage trail through the townland which takes in some of the great sites.

Ballynagilly is the site of one of the earliest known settlements in Ireland. Carbon dating estimated that the Neolithic settlement found on Corby Road was inhabited in 3700BC.

Beaghmore Stone Circles is another feature close by and indicates the ancient importance of the area.

The townland is also partly designated as an Area of Outstanding Beauty and is home to spectacular views as well as several protected species of wildlife including Red Squirrels, Pine Martens, and Pipistrelle Bats.

Lissan House is perhaps the best known building in the area. The home of the well-connected and often unconventional Staples family, it has a history stretching back to the Plantation of Ulster.