Limavady: (approx pop 11,000) is a market town that is situated on the river Roe and is 12 miles south west of Coleraine. It is in the parish of Drumachose and in the barony of Keenaght. The town was founded, during the plantation years, by Sir Thomas Philips. He was the City of London's chief agent in Ulster in 1609. One native of Limavady was William Massey (1856-1925) who was Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Names that originated from here include: O'Connor, McClusky and McGilligan
Maghera: (approx pop 3,500) is a small town at the foot of the 'Glenshane pass'. It is about 35 miles south of Derry city and 6 miles NW of Magherafelt. It is in the parish of Maghera and in the barony of Loughinsholin. St. Lurach , a 6th century saint is said to be buried in the graveyard of the medieval parish church of which some ruins still survive. Charles Thompson (1730-1824) who was born 4 miles outside Maghera, was a Secretary to the United States Congress.
Names that originate form this area are: Mulholland, O'Hegarty and McCracken.
Magherafelt: (approx pop 7,000) is a market town approx 10 miles north of Cookstown Co. Tyrone. It is in the parish of Magherafelt and in the barony of Loughinsholin. The town was founded by the Salters' Company of London during the time of the Ulster plantation. There is still some ruins of an old church surviving since 1664.
Moneymore: (approx pop 1,200) a village that is 5 miles north of Cookstown. It was founded by the Drapers' family , who also founded Draperstown approx 12 miles further north. The Drapers were the first to introduce pipe water to a town in Ulster in the year of 1615. Most of the original settlements were destroyed, like many other towns in Ulster during the Irish 1641 rebellion.
Dungiven: (approx pop 2,800) is a village in the parish of Dungiven and in the barony of Keenaght. The village is 12 miles NW of Maghera and is about 8 miles south of Limavady. Dungiven and the surrounding area was an O'Cahan stronghold. But during the plantation period the land was taken from the O'Cahans and granted to the Skinners Company. The ruins of the Skinner's bawn are incorporated into Dungiven Castle which lies on the east side of the village. Nearby the ruins of St. Mary's, the Augustinian priory, which dates to the mid 12th century, houses the remains of Cooey na Gall O'Cahan who died in 1385. The term 'na Gall' is Irish for foreigner which leads historians to believe that O'Cahan was Scots.
Coleraine: (approx pop 21,000) A market town situated on the Bann estuary. The town is in the parish and barony of Coleraine. The name Coleraine was the original name to the County of Derry. It's ancient origins can be traced bay to a monastery dedicated to St. Patrick. The Normans invaded the area in the 12th century. The lands were taken from the O'Cahans in 1613 and granted to the London Companies, during the time of the Londonderry Plantation. The town successfully defended itself from Irish attacks in the 1641 Rebellion.
Other Towns:
Garvagh: a village that is in the parish of Errigal and the barony of Coleraine. Another plantation town and was founded in 1615 by George Canning of the Ironmongers Guild of London.
Desertmartin: a village in the parish of Desertmartin and in the barony of Loughinsholin. Irish name and meaning are Diseart Mhartain or Martin's Retreat. The village is probably dedicated to St. Martin de Tours.
Castledawson: a village in the parish of Magherafelt and in the barony of Loughinsholin. Named after Joshua Dawson who was chief secretary of Ireland in 1710. The Dawson's owned land here from 1622. The town stands on the river Moyola.
Bellaghy: a small village in the parish of Ballyscullion and in the barony Loughinsholin. Said to be named after the O'Haughey before the plantation period. The village was itself was founded by Vinters of London .
Some Other surnames from County Derry. McRory, O'Corr, McCrilly, O'Kelly
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