Portstewart
Encyclopedia
Portstewart is a small town
in County Londonderry
, Northern Ireland
. It had a population of 7,803 people in the 2001 Census
. It is a seaside resort
neighbouring Portrush
. Of the two towns, Portstewart is decidedly quieter with more sedate attractions. Its harbour and scenic coastal paths form an Atlantic promenade leading to 2 miles of golden strand (Portstewart Strand
). Portstewart is probably best-known for this sandy beach
, popular with surfers
.
Portstewart was a popular holiday destination for Victorian
middle-class families. Its long, crescent-shaped seafront promenade is sheltered by rocky headlands. It is a reasonably prosperous town. Most of the town is contained in the Strand electoral ward and this is one of the most affluent areas in Northern Ireland. In a deprivation index of the 582 electoral wards in Northern Ireland the Strand Ward in the town was ranked 570, where 1 (most deprived) and 582 (least deprived). According to NI Neighbourhood Information Service
House prices in Portstewart have been amongst the highest in Northern Ireland. According to the University of Ulster
Quarterly House Price Index report produced in partnership with Bank of Ireland
and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in Q4 2010, the North Coast region (Coleraine
/Limavady
area) has higher property prices than those of affluent south Belfast
.
Portstewart is one of the most desirable places to live or own a holiday home in Northern Ireland. Due to its popularity for second home ownership there has been concern in recent years about the pace of development in the town. The number of second homes/apartments being purchased has led to rapid inflation of house prices and pricing locals out of the market. The town has also houses many of the students from the nearby Coleraine Campus of the University of Ulster
and has a vibrant social and cultural life.
Portstewart is one of the most integrated towns in Northern Ireland with the religious demographics similar to the population of Northern Ireland as a whole. It is often praised for the excellent community relations within the town. Dominican College
, a Catholic grammar school, has a significant proportion of Protestant students and staff.
in 1734. Prior to this the area was formerly called in Irish , a name related to the nearby island and townland of Benoney (an anglicisation of Binne Uaine). The name Port na Binne Uaine is still used today alongside the modern Irish version Port Stíobhaird.
As recently as the mid 18th century it was little more than a fishing village, although it has been inhabited since the Neolithic
era. Portstewart developed to a modest size seaside resort in the mid 19th century under the influence of a local landlord, John Cromie. Its development and character was influenced greatly by the sabbatarian sensitivities of the Cromies and the consequent resistance to a railway connection in the mid 19th century. The scale of development for the next century was more modest than that of neighbouring Portrush which rapidly expanded (particularly in the late Victorian era) with the mass tourism market. Despite a tram connection being provided from Portstewart to Cromore to link with the railway, the town developed with a more genteel character. With the ascent of the car as the predominant means of travel through the 20th century, Portstewart developed a wider role as a popular holiday and recreational destination, along with a significant dormitory function due to its proximity to Coleraine as well as being a local service centre.
From the 1950s until into the 1980s the town's main development thrust was as a residential area, with the steady construction of new dwellings in the suburbs mainly for owner occupation. Unlike Portrush where there was a rapid expansion of static caravan parks, Portstewart continued to avoid the effects of mass tourism.
Over the past 15 years however, there is a widespread perception that the character of the town has changed through the rapid growth of the student population and the accelerating expansion of second home ownership.
Portstewart is the main residence of students from the nearby University of Ulster
campus in Coleraine
.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
in County Londonderry
County Londonderry
The place name Derry is an anglicisation of the old Irish Daire meaning oak-grove or oak-wood. As with the city, its name is subject to the Derry/Londonderry name dispute, with the form Derry preferred by nationalists and Londonderry preferred by unionists...
, 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 had a population of 7,803 people in the 2001 Census
United Kingdom Census 2001
A nationwide census, known as Census 2001, was conducted in the United Kingdom on Sunday, 29 April 2001. This was the 20th UK Census and recorded a resident population of 58,789,194....
. It is a seaside resort
Seaside resort
A seaside resort is a resort, or resort town, located on the coast. Where a beach is the primary focus for tourists, it may be called a beach resort.- Overview :...
neighbouring Portrush
Portrush
Portrush is a small seaside resort town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on the County Londonderry border. The main part of the old town, including the railway station as well as most hotels, restaurants and bars, is built on a mile–long peninsula, Ramore Head, pointing north-northwest....
. Of the two towns, Portstewart is decidedly quieter with more sedate attractions. Its harbour and scenic coastal paths form an Atlantic promenade leading to 2 miles of golden strand (Portstewart Strand
Portstewart Strand
Portstewart Strand is a sandy, two-mile long beach in Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, on the northern Atlantic Ocean coast of the island of Ireland...
). Portstewart is probably best-known for this sandy beach
Beach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
, popular with surfers
Surfing
Surfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
.
Portstewart was a popular holiday destination for Victorian
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
middle-class families. Its long, crescent-shaped seafront promenade is sheltered by rocky headlands. It is a reasonably prosperous town. Most of the town is contained in the Strand electoral ward and this is one of the most affluent areas in Northern Ireland. In a deprivation index of the 582 electoral wards in Northern Ireland the Strand Ward in the town was ranked 570, where 1 (most deprived) and 582 (least deprived). According to NI Neighbourhood Information Service
House prices in Portstewart have been amongst the highest in Northern Ireland. According to the University of Ulster
University of Ulster
The University of Ulster is a multi-campus, co-educational university located in Northern Ireland. It is the largest single university in Ireland, discounting the federal National University of Ireland...
Quarterly House Price Index report produced in partnership with Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland
The Bank of Ireland is a commercial bank operation in Ireland, which is one of the 'Big Four' in both parts of the island.Historically the premier banking organisation in Ireland, the Bank occupies a unique position in Irish banking history...
and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in Q4 2010, the North Coast region (Coleraine
Coleraine
Coleraine is a large town near the mouth of the River Bann in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is northwest of Belfast and east of Derry, both of which are linked by major roads and railway connections...
/Limavady
Limavady
Limavady is a market town in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, with Binevenagh as a backdrop. It lies east of Derry and south west of Coleraine. It had a population of 12,135 people in the 2001 Census, an increase of some 17% compared to 1991...
area) has higher property prices than those of affluent south Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
.
Portstewart is one of the most desirable places to live or own a holiday home in Northern Ireland. Due to its popularity for second home ownership there has been concern in recent years about the pace of development in the town. The number of second homes/apartments being purchased has led to rapid inflation of house prices and pricing locals out of the market. The town has also houses many of the students from the nearby Coleraine Campus of the University of Ulster
University of Ulster
The University of Ulster is a multi-campus, co-educational university located in Northern Ireland. It is the largest single university in Ireland, discounting the federal National University of Ireland...
and has a vibrant social and cultural life.
Portstewart is one of the most integrated towns in Northern Ireland with the religious demographics similar to the population of Northern Ireland as a whole. It is often praised for the excellent community relations within the town. Dominican College
Dominican College, Portstewart
Dominican College Portstewart is a grammar school in Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is situated on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with views over Portstewart's promenade, the northern coastline of Northern Ireland and the County Donegal hills in the Republic of Ireland...
, a Catholic grammar school, has a significant proportion of Protestant students and staff.
History
Portstewart was founded in 1792 by John Cromie, who named it after his maternal ancestors, the Stewarts of Ballylesse. A Lieutenant Stewart is said to have obtained a lease of land from the Earl of AntrimEarl of Antrim
Earl of Antrim is a title that has been created twice, both times in the Peerage of Ireland and both times for members of the MacDonnell family, originally of Scottish origins. This family descends from Sorley Boy MacDonnell, who established the family in County Antrim...
in 1734. Prior to this the area was formerly called in Irish , a name related to the nearby island and townland of Benoney (an anglicisation of Binne Uaine). The name Port na Binne Uaine is still used today alongside the modern Irish version Port Stíobhaird.
As recently as the mid 18th century it was little more than a fishing village, although it has been inhabited since the Neolithic
Neolithic
The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 9500 BC in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world. It is traditionally considered as the last part of the Stone Age...
era. Portstewart developed to a modest size seaside resort in the mid 19th century under the influence of a local landlord, John Cromie. Its development and character was influenced greatly by the sabbatarian sensitivities of the Cromies and the consequent resistance to a railway connection in the mid 19th century. The scale of development for the next century was more modest than that of neighbouring Portrush which rapidly expanded (particularly in the late Victorian era) with the mass tourism market. Despite a tram connection being provided from Portstewart to Cromore to link with the railway, the town developed with a more genteel character. With the ascent of the car as the predominant means of travel through the 20th century, Portstewart developed a wider role as a popular holiday and recreational destination, along with a significant dormitory function due to its proximity to Coleraine as well as being a local service centre.
From the 1950s until into the 1980s the town's main development thrust was as a residential area, with the steady construction of new dwellings in the suburbs mainly for owner occupation. Unlike Portrush where there was a rapid expansion of static caravan parks, Portstewart continued to avoid the effects of mass tourism.
Over the past 15 years however, there is a widespread perception that the character of the town has changed through the rapid growth of the student population and the accelerating expansion of second home ownership.
Places of interest
- Portstewart has a DominicanDominican OrderThe Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
conventConventA convent is either a community of priests, religious brothers, religious sisters, or nuns, or the building used by the community, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Anglican Communion...
(an imposing Gothic mansion) with the attached Dominican CollegeDominican College, PortstewartDominican College Portstewart is a grammar school in Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is situated on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with views over Portstewart's promenade, the northern coastline of Northern Ireland and the County Donegal hills in the Republic of Ireland...
sitting on the edge of a cliff which dominates the western end of the Promenade. The eastern end of the Promenade has a small harbour which has recently undergone refurbishment.
- Just west of the town stretches Portstewart StrandPortstewart StrandPortstewart Strand is a sandy, two-mile long beach in Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, on the northern Atlantic Ocean coast of the island of Ireland...
, a clean two mile long blue flagBlue Flag beachThe Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education that a beach or marina meets its stringent standards.The Blue Flag is a trademark owned by FEE which is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation consisting of 65 organisations in 60 member countries in Europe,...
beach, protected by the National TrustNational Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural BeautyThe National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as the National Trust, is a conservation organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland...
. Portstewart Strand has been the most popular attraction of Portstewart to holiday-makers for generations. Saint PatrickSaint PatrickSaint Patrick was a Romano-Briton and Christian missionary, who is the most generally recognized patron saint of Ireland or the Apostle of Ireland, although Brigid of Kildare and Colmcille are also formally patron saints....
's well is to be found at the head of the strand, which was used in the 19th century and early 20th century for horse racing. The beach finishes at the Barmouth of the River BannRiver BannThe River Bann is the longest river in Northern Ireland, the total length being 80 miles . The river winds its way from the south east corner of Northern Ireland to the north west coast, pausing in the middle to widen into the enormous Lough Neagh...
overlooking CastlerockCastlerockCastlerock is a seaside village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is situated between Coleraine and Derry and is very popular with summer tourists, having numerous apartment blocks and three caravan sites. Castlerock Golf Club has both 9 and 18-hole links courses bounded by the beach, the...
. - Beneath the convent is a cliff path which stretches along the coast from the Promenade to Portstewart Strand. From here it is a popular walk to the Barmouth, where the Bann flows out into the Atlantic OceanAtlantic OceanThe Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
. The cliff path has panoramic views across the Strand and DownhillDownhill StrandDownhill Strand is a beach in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, with the A2 and the Derry to Coleraine railway line next to it....
with DonegalDonegalDonegal or Donegal Town is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Its name, which was historically written in English as Dunnagall or Dunagall, translates from Irish as "stronghold of the foreigners" ....
in the background. The Barmouth is a sanctuary for waders, wildfowl and nesting birds. Beyond the Barmouth lies Castlerock, Mussenden TempleMussenden TempleMussenden Temple is a small circular building located on cliffs near Castlerock in County Londonderry, high above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Ireland....
, Benone Strand and the Magilligan Strand. - In one of the caves beneath the cliff path there was reputed to be a secret passage leading to O'Hara's Castle, now the Dominican Convent. No evidence of the existence of this passage has been recorded.
- To the east of Portstewart is a popular walking/cycling path along the coast to Portrush, leading to the Giants Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage SiteWorld Heritage SiteA UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
), Carrick-a-Rede Rope BridgeCarrick-a-Rede Rope BridgeCarrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope suspension bridge near Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny Carrick Island. The site is owned and maintained by the National Trust, spans twenty metres and is thirty metres above the rocks below. Today the bridge...
and the Old Bushmills DistilleryOld Bushmills DistilleryThe Old Bushmills Distillery is a distillery in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is owned and operated by Diageo plc of London, England, and is a popular tourist attraction, with around 110,000 visitors per year...
(the oldest licensed distillery in the world). - The North Antrim Coast Path which forms part of the Ulster Way starts at Portstewart Strand and continues for 40 miles along the coast to Murlough Bay.
Sport
- Every May the North West 200North West 200The North West 200 is a motorcycle race meeting held each May in Northern Ireland. The course, made up of public roads running between the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush is one of the fastest in the world, with speeds in excess of . It is one of around fifteen events run on public...
motorcycle race passes through the town, with the starting grid and pit area located on the coastal road between Portrush and Portstewart. The circuit between the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine is one the fastest in the world, with top speeds exceeding 200 mph on public roads. It is one of the last such classic races held in Europe. Drawing crowds of over 150,000, it is the largest outdoor sporting event in Ireland. - The town is home to three golf courses (under one club - Portstewart Golf ClubPortstewart Golf ClubPortstewart Golf Club consists of three 18-hole courses situated in the town of Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Golf was first played there as far back as 1889....
), made lively by the forceful Atlantic wind. Portstewart has one of the few 54-hole complexes in Europe. The championship links Strand course is set amidst imposing sand dunes with panoramic views across the Atlantic mouth of Lough FoyleLough FoyleLough Foyle, sometimes Loch Foyle , is the estuary of the River Foyle in Ulster. It starts where the Foyle leaves Derry. It separates the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland from County Londonderry in Northern Ireland.-Transport:...
to the InishowenInishowenInishowen is a peninsula in County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in the north of Ireland. It is also the largest peninsula in all of Ireland. Inishowen is a picturesque location with a rich history...
peninsula beyond. A claim is often made that Portstewart strand course has the best opening hole in Irish Golf - indeed some say in the world, and has been described as "an absolute stunner" by experts. Portstewart golf club is ranked 95th in the 'Top 100 golf courses of the British Isles'. Portstewart Golf Club does however live in the shadow of its better-known neighbour, Royal Portrush Golf ClubRoyal Portrush Golf ClubRoyal Portrush Golf Club is a private golf club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is the only golf club outside of the UK Mainland which has hosted The Open Championship, the oldest of golf's major championships. The club has two links courses, the Dunluce Links and the Valley Links.The...
. It has been stated that "if it weren't for the fact that the highly acclaimed, Royal Portrush Golf Club is only a couple of miles down the road from Portstewart, the latter would be much better known as one of the best courses in all Ireland and would be vying with its neighbour for the accolades that are normally reserved exclusively for Portrush and Royal County Down". - CLG Eoghan Rua, ColeraineColeraineColeraine is a large town near the mouth of the River Bann in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is northwest of Belfast and east of Derry, both of which are linked by major roads and railway connections...
, is the local Gaelic Athletic AssociationGaelic Athletic AssociationThe Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
club and the playing grounds are just outside Portstewart. - Portstewart also hosts matches in the Milk CupMilk CupThe Milk Cup is an international youth football tournament held annually in Northern Ireland. The cup matches are mainly played in the North Coast area of Northern Ireland, with matches taking place in the towns of Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena and...
. - Portstewart F.C.Portstewart F.C.Portstewart F.C. is an intermediate, Northern Irish football club playing in IFA Championship 2. The club, founded in 1968, hails from Portstewart, County Londonderry and plays its home matches at Seahaven, near the centre of the town....
- Portstewart EaglesPortstewart EaglesThe Portstewart Eagles are a youth baseball team based in Portstewart, Northern Ireland. They are the only youth baseball team in Northern Ireland. They regularly travel to the Republic of Ireland for baseball matches and also participate in UK-wide and European competitions.-History:The...
Baseball team - Sea angling is available from several boats in the harbour.
People
- The songwriter Jimmy KennedyJimmy KennedyJimmy Kennedy OBE was an Irish songwriter, predominantly a lyricist, putting words to existing music such as "Teddy Bears' Picnic" and "My Prayer", or co-writing with the composers Michael Carr, Wilhelm Grosz and Nat Simon amongst others.-Biography:Kennedy was born near Omagh...
was inspired by one of the town's sunsets when he wrote Red Sails in the SunsetRed Sails in the Sunset"Red Sails in the Sunset" may refer to:*Red Sails in the Sunset , a 1984 album by Midnight Oil*"Red Sails in the Sunset" , a popular 1935 song recorded by many artists...
. Jimmy Kennedy was born in Omagh but grew up in Portstewart. The town now has an annual Red Sails Festival each July, which in 2004, as with most years, culminated with a firework display out over the bay. Over 70,000 people crammed the seafront to watch. In the summer of 2005 the Portstewart Community Association launched a website to help promote the festival. It gives detailed information on the week long festival and all of the activities available. - Briana CorriganBriana CorriganBriana Corrigan is an Irish singer. She was the first female singer for The Beautiful South, from 1988 to 1994.She was born in Northern Ireland, her family moving from Belfast to Portstewart, County Londonderry when she was eleven, but her love for the theatre made her move to Newcastle upon...
was vocalist with The Beautiful SouthThe Beautiful SouthThe Beautiful South were an English alternative rock group formed at the end of the 1980s by two former members of Hull group The Housemartins, Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway. The duo were initially joined by Sean Welch , Dave Stead and Dave Rotheray , all of whom stayed with the group throughout...
and the lead female vocalist on a number one single in 1990, A Little Time. She grew up in Portstewart and attended the Dominican College. - JimeoinJimeoinJimeoin McKeown, who performs under the name Jimeoin , is a stand-up comedian and actor from Northern Ireland. He came to public attention between 2005 and 2008 while performing an "over the top" comedy tour Australia's outback and major cities, which was filmed for the BBC Northern Ireland...
(McKeown), the successful comedian is also a former resident of Portstewart having attended Dominican College before finding fame with his unique comic style first in Australia and then internationally. - Harry GreggHarry GreggHenry "Harry" Gregg, MBE is a former Northern Ireland international footballer and manager.He played 25 times for Northern Ireland as a goalkeeper and played for Manchester United during the reign of Sir Matt Busby with a total of 210 appearances.-Playing career:Gregg started his career with...
, the former Northern Ireland footballer used to own a hotel in the town. - Alan SugarAlan SugarAlan Michael Sugar, Baron Sugar is a British entrepreneur, media personality and political advisor. From humble origins in the East End of London, Sugar now has an estimated fortune of £770m , and was ranked 89th in the Sunday Times Rich List 2011...
arch-capitalist and star of the BBC's 'The Apprentice' owns an apartment complex in the town. - Harry MullanHarry MullanHarry Mullan was an Irish boxing writer and journalist. He died on 21 May 1999 at the age of 53 after a four-year battle with cancer. Born in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland in 1946, Mullan edited the British trade paper, Boxing News, for 19 years, from 1977 until 1996. Only Gilbert Odd,...
(1946–1999), acknowledged as one of the world's leading boxing writers. - Sean FarrenSean FarrenSean Nial Farren is an Northern Irish politician.Farren studied at the National University of Ireland, University College Dublin, University of Essex and the University of Ulster...
, Social Democratic and Labour PartySocial Democratic and Labour PartyThe Social Democratic and Labour Party is a social-democratic, Irish nationalist political party in Northern Ireland. Its basic party platform advocates Irish reunification, and the further devolution of powers while Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom...
politician and former member of the Northern Ireland AssemblyNorthern Ireland AssemblyThe Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive...
, lives in Portstewart. - Sarah TraversSarah TraversSarah Travers is a Northern Irish journalist. She currently works as a reporter and presenter on BBC Newsline.-Broadcasting career:...
, BBC Newsline newsreader attended Dominican College and lives in Portstewart - Salman Rushdie author of the controversial 'Satanic Verses' stayed in the now demolished Edgewater Hotel in the town.
- Henry McCulloughHenry McCulloughHenry McCullough Henry McCullough Henry McCullough (born Henry Campbell Liken McCullough, 21 July 1943, Portstewart, Northern Ireland is an Irish guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, who has played guitar in such bands as Sweeney's Men, Spooky Tooth, Paul McCartney & Wings, and The Grease Band. He...
, guitarist. McCullough began his career with The Skyrockets, followed by Gene and The Gents, (both were Showbands from Enniskillen). He was then part of Paul McCartney'sPaul McCartneySir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
group WingsWings (band)Wings were a British-American rock group formed in 1971 by Paul McCartney, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney that remained active until 1981....
, before moving onto other groups. He is now resident back in Portstewart, but still tours. He is the only Northern Irishman to have played at Woodstock, having backed Joe CockerJoe CockerJohn Robert "Joe" Cocker, OBE is an English rock and blues musician, composer and actor, who came to popularity in the 1960s, and is most known for his gritty voice, his idiosyncratic arm movements while performing, and his cover versions of popular songs, particularly those of The Beatles...
. - Marie-Therese Emma Caraher-Gilbert Mrs New Zealand 2006 went to Dominican College in Portstewart from 1977 to 1984.
- DungannonDungannonDungannon is a medium-sized town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is the third-largest town in the county and a population of 11,139 people was recorded in the 2001 Census. In August 2006, Dungannon won Ulster In Bloom's Best Kept Town Award for the fifth time...
born author of short stories Kyle Spence lists his hometown as Portstewart.
2001 Census
Portstewart is classified as a Small Town by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (i.e. with population between 4,500 and 10,000 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 7,803 people living in Portstewart. Of these:- 16.6% were aged under 16 years and 22.7% were aged 60 and over
- 44.9% of the population were male and 55.1% were female
- 34.09% were from a CatholicCatholicThe word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
background and 48.8% were from a ProtestantProtestantismProtestantism is one of the three major groupings within Christianity. It is a movement that began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology.The doctrines of the...
or other Christian background. - 3.4% of people aged 16–74 were unemployed.
Education
- Dominican College, PortstewartDominican College, PortstewartDominican College Portstewart is a grammar school in Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is situated on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with views over Portstewart's promenade, the northern coastline of Northern Ireland and the County Donegal hills in the Republic of Ireland...
- St. Colum's Primary SchoolSt. Colum's Primary SchoolSt. Colum's Primary School is situated in the town of Portstewart, Northern Ireland. It caters for children aged between 4 and 11 years. The school is located in Lever Road close to the centre of Portstewart and is one of two primary schools in the town, the other being Portstewart Primary School...
- Portstewart Primary SchoolPortstewart Primary SchoolPortstewart Primary School is situated in the town of Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It caters for children from the ages of 4 to 11 years. The school is located in Central Avenue, close to the town centre....
Portstewart is the main residence of students from the nearby University of Ulster
University of Ulster
The University of Ulster is a multi-campus, co-educational university located in Northern Ireland. It is the largest single university in Ireland, discounting the federal National University of Ireland...
campus in Coleraine
Coleraine
Coleraine is a large town near the mouth of the River Bann in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is northwest of Belfast and east of Derry, both of which are linked by major roads and railway connections...
.
External links
- Red Sails website
- sea fishing portstewart - local boats for hire at the harbour, very interesting local irish mythology section and sea shanties.