Annaclone
Encyclopedia
Annaclone is a hamlet and parish between Rathfriland
and Banbridge
in south County Down
, Northern Ireland
. It was the birthplace of Patrick Bronte
, father to the famous Bronte novelists, which has led to the area of southern Annaclone becoming known as 'The Bronte Homeland'. Although Patrick Bronte's house is now in ruins, the nearby Bronte Interpretative Centre maintains the link between the family and the area.
The geography of Annaclone is typical of much of the area around the Mourne Mountains with rolling drumlins and farmland. The marsh in the Ardbrin area of Annaclone is of particular historical interest and several Celtic artefacts were found in it, including a horn known as the 'Ardbrin Horn' which now resides in the Ulster Museum
. Lough Corbet is a particular place of interest for anglers while the highest point of the parish, locally known as 'the Knock' offers panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains towards the south and Slieve Croob towards the north east. There is also an ancient cairn on the summit. Historically the area belonged to the Magennis clan, whose castle, no longer standing, was situated in nearby Rathfriland. Indeed, the aforementioned Celtic artefacts found in the parish cement its link with the ancient clan.
The parish has a strong GAA club, Annaclone GAC (Gaelic Athletic Club). Founded in 1897 it is the second oldest club of its kind in the county after Leitrim Fontenoys. Annaclone also plays host to a stage of the Circuit of Ireland Rally
as well as many cycling events throughout the year.
Rathfriland
Rathfriland is a village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is a hilltop Plantation of Ulster settlement between the Mourne Mountains, Slieve Croob and Banbridge. It had a population of 2,079 people in the 2001 Census.-History:...
and Banbridge
Banbridge
Banbridge is a town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Bann and the A1 road. It was named after a bridge built over the Bann in 1712. The town grew as a coaching stop on the road from Belfast to Dublin and thrived from Irish linen manufacturing...
in south County Down
County Down
-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
. It was the birthplace of Patrick Bronte
Patrick Brontë
The Reverend Patrick Brontë was an Irish Anglican curate and writer, who spent most of his adult life in England and was the father of the writers Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, and of Branwell Brontë, his only son....
, father to the famous Bronte novelists, which has led to the area of southern Annaclone becoming known as 'The Bronte Homeland'. Although Patrick Bronte's house is now in ruins, the nearby Bronte Interpretative Centre maintains the link between the family and the area.
The geography of Annaclone is typical of much of the area around the Mourne Mountains with rolling drumlins and farmland. The marsh in the Ardbrin area of Annaclone is of particular historical interest and several Celtic artefacts were found in it, including a horn known as the 'Ardbrin Horn' which now resides in the Ulster Museum
Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum, located in the Botanic Gardens in Belfast, has around 8,000 square metres of public display space, featuring material from the collections of fine art and applied art, archaeology, ethnography, treasures from the Spanish Armada, local history, numismatics, industrial...
. Lough Corbet is a particular place of interest for anglers while the highest point of the parish, locally known as 'the Knock' offers panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains towards the south and Slieve Croob towards the north east. There is also an ancient cairn on the summit. Historically the area belonged to the Magennis clan, whose castle, no longer standing, was situated in nearby Rathfriland. Indeed, the aforementioned Celtic artefacts found in the parish cement its link with the ancient clan.
The parish has a strong GAA club, Annaclone GAC (Gaelic Athletic Club). Founded in 1897 it is the second oldest club of its kind in the county after Leitrim Fontenoys. Annaclone also plays host to a stage of the Circuit of Ireland Rally
Circuit of Ireland Rally
The Circuit of Ireland International Rally is an annual automobile rally, which was first held in 1931 making it the second oldest rally in the world. The most recent event was held in 2010....
as well as many cycling events throughout the year.