Castlederg

Castlederg (Caisleán na Deirge in Irish) is a large village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, lying on the River Derg. It is the most westerly town in Tyrone and is a busy market town serving an important agricultural area. The town has a ruined castle and two ancient tombs known as the Druid's Altar and Todd's Den. It had a population of 2,758 people in the 2001 Census. It is situated within the Strabane District Council area.

The village plays host to several of the district's key events each year including the Derg Vintage Rally and the traditional Apple Fair which sees the apple growers of County Armagh visit to sell their wares.

Traditionally Castlederg was a traveller’s stop along the ancient pilgrimage route to Station Island on Lough Derg. The town boasts ancient ruins, monastic settlements and as the stories go has connections to Davy Crockett and Joe Sheridan the creator of Irish Coffee.

Places of interest

Castlederg has its own purpose built visitor centre where such famous associations as Davy Crockett are celebrated.

History

The Troubles

Castlederg is cited as "the most bombed small town" (by the IRA) in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, though this dubious honour was disputed, with near-by Strabane (although Strabane is a much larger town in which district council Castlederg is a part of) also trying to claim the title.

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

Transport

Castlederg railway station opened on 4 July 1884, but was finally closed on 17 April 1933.^[1]

Education

Saint Patrick's Primary School
Saint Eugene's High School
Edwards Primary School
Castlederg High School

Sport

2001 Census

Castlederg is classified as an intermediate settlement by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (ie with a population between 2,250 and 4,500 people). On Census Day 29th April 2001 the resident population of Castlederg ward was 2074. Of this population:

23.0% were under 16 years old and 22.7% were aged 60 and above;
48.2% of the population were male and 51.8% were female; and
59.0% were from a Catholic Community Background and 40.5% were from a 'Protestant and Other Christian (including Christian related)' Community Background.
6.2% of people aged 16-74 were unemployed.

For more details see: NI Neighbourhood Information Service