Strangford

In today's world, Strangford is a topic that generates great interest and discussion in different areas. With the advancement of technology and globalization, Strangford has become a fundamental aspect that impacts people's daily lives, both personally and professionally. From its origins to its relevance today, Strangford has been the subject of study and analysis by experts in various fields, generating a wide range of opinions and perspectives. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Strangford, from its social implications to its influence on the global economy, with the aim of offering a comprehensive and enriching vision of this topic that is so relevant today.

Strangford
Strangford is located in County Down
Strangford
Location within County Down
Population474 (2001 census)
Irish grid referenceH8396
District
County
CountryNorthern Ireland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townDOWNPATRICK
Postcode districtBT30
Dialling code028
UK Parliament
NI Assembly
List of places
UK
Northern Ireland
Down
54°22′18″N 5°33′33″W / 54.371667°N 5.559167°W / 54.371667; -5.559167

Strangford (from Old Norse Strangr fjörðr, meaning "strong sea-inlet")[3][4] is a small village at the mouth of Strangford Lough, on the Lecale peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 475 at the 2001 census.

On the other side of the lough is Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula, and there is a ferry service between the two villages.[5] The village has a small harbour, which is overlooked by rows of 19th-century cottages and a fine Georgian terrace.

History

In 432, St Patrick is said to have sailed through the Strangford Narrows and up the Quoile Estuary, bringing Christianity with him. By the mid 6th century many monastic centres had been founded near Strangford and Strangford Lough including; Nendrum, Downpatrick, Comber and Kilclief.[6]

The Norse Vikings had been raiding villages, islands and monasteries in the British Isles since the late 8th century and founded many settlements. The first viking raid in Ireland was the burning of a monastery in 795 on Rathlin Island.[7] The vikings had been regular visitors of Strangford Lough between the 9th and 11th centuries due to the attraction of riches found in monasteries and there is evidence that they not only raided monasteries such as Nendrum monastic site but also traded and settled nearby.[8] The vikings named Strangford Strangr fjörðr, meaning strong fjord or sea inlet.[9] Previously Strangford Lough had been named Loch Cuan which means the quiet lough.[10]

Places of interest


References

  1. ^ "Baile Loch Cuan/Strangford". Logainm.ie.
  2. ^ Jordan's Castle – Department of the Environment
  3. ^ "Strangford, County Down". Place Names NI. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  4. ^ McKay, P (1999). A Dictionary of Ulster Placenames.
  5. ^ "About the Ferry". Northern Ireland Roads Department. Archived from the original on 7 December 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
  6. ^ "St. Patrick's influence". Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Viking raids in Ireland". Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Settlement of Vikings". Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  9. ^ "Naming of Strangford". Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  10. ^ "Naming of Strangford Lough". Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  11. ^ Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland (1983). Historic Monuments of Northern Ireland. Belfast: HMSO. pp. 97–98.
  12. ^ Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland (1983). Historic Monuments of Northern Ireland. Belfast: HMSO. p. 88.