Overview
Lurgan (Irish: An Lorgain, meaning “the shin”) sits on the south‑east shore of Lough Neagh, about 18 miles southwest of Belfast. With a 2021 population of 38,198, it is the largest town in the Craigavon Urban Area and a key stop on the Belfast–Dublin railway line. The town’s wide, straight streets are a legacy of the early‑17th‑century Plantation of Ulster, and its industrial roots lie in a once‑thriving linen trade. Today Lurgan offers a mix of historic landmarks, award‑winning green space, and a vibrant sporting culture, all well‑connected by road, rail and bus.
History
The Brownlow family received the Lurgan lands around 1610 and laid out the town as a classic Plantation settlement, complete with a market, water‑mills and a wind‑mill. The 17th‑century Brownlow House, an Elizabethan‑style manor, still dominates the skyline and now serves the local Orange Lodge. During the Industrial Revolution Lurgan became a linen powerhouse, employing up to 18,000 hand‑loom weavers at its peak.
The Great Famine of the 1840s saw a dramatic population rise, a workhouse (now the site of Lurgan Hospital) and a local relief committee that distributed soup to the starving. The town’s later 20th‑century history was marked by the Troubles, with several high‑profile incidents, but community resilience has turned many former flashpoints into shared cultural spaces.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Lurgan Park | Northern Ireland’s largest urban park (250 acres), a man‑made lake, 5 km of woodland paths, Coalbrookdale Fountain (one of only four worldwide), tennis courts, bowling green, cricket wicket, football pitches, and the annual Lurgan Agricultural Show and Lurgan Park Rally. Free entry; Green Flag Award winner. |
| Brownlow House | 19th‑century Elizabethan mansion overlooking the park; tours showcase period interiors and the estate’s history. |
| Lurgan Town Hall | Italianate listed building (1868) now used for conferences and community events. |
| Shankill Parish Church | Largest parish church in Ireland, home to the only change‑ringing bells in County Armagh. |
| St Peter’s Catholic Church | Prominent steeple on Distillery Hill, built 1832 after the Catholic Relief Act. |
| Market Street | One of the widest streets in Ireland, lined with historic shops, the war memorial, and the statue of Master McGrath (the celebrated 19th‑century greyhound). |
| Glenavon FC – Mourneview Park | Home of the town’s NIFL Premiership football club; catch a match for a taste of local sport. |
| Lurgan Golf Club | 18‑hole parkland course bordering the park’s lake. |
| Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre | Artificial ski slope, three golf courses and a flood‑lit driving range; bookings advised. |
| Oxford Island Nature Reserve | RSPB‑managed reserve on Lough Neagh with bird hides and walking trails. |
| Kinnego Marina & Lough Neagh Discovery Centre | Boat trips, wildlife displays and a café on the lough’s shore. |
Highlights within Lurgan Park
- Coalbrookdale Fountain – cast‑iron masterpiece at the top of the main avenue.
- Tennis Courts – can be booked 48 hours in advance via the Outdoor Bookings calendar.
- Mobility Scooters – free loan for visitors with limited mobility; pre‑booking essential (see Accessibility Info).
- Angling – licence required; the lake is a popular spot for coarse fishing.
Walking & Cycling
Lurgan Park’s network of woodland trails totals around 5 km and is suitable for both leisurely walks and casual cycling. The main promenade follows the lake’s edge, offering views across Lough Neagh. For longer rides, the Lough Neagh shoreline trail begins at Kinnego Marina and links to the broader regional cycle network that runs through Craigavon and towards Armagh City.
Events
- Lurgan Agricultural Show – an annual showcase of livestock, crafts and local produce, traditionally held in August. It draws exhibitors from across the region and includes a funfair and food stalls.
- Lurgan Park Rally – a motor‑sport event that takes place on the park’s wide avenues, usually scheduled in late spring. Spectators can watch a range of rally cars navigating the park’s historic routes.
- Seasonal Markets – the town centre hosts periodic craft and food markets, especially around the Christmas period, providing a chance to sample local artisans.
Note: Exact dates for the Agricultural Show and Park Rally should be confirmed with the latest event calendar.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By road – Follow the M1 motorway and exit at junction 10.
- By train – Lurgan railway station (opened 1841) offers a half‑hourly service to Belfast Grand Central and connections to Dublin via Portadown.
- By bus – Frequent Goldliner services: 251 (Belfast‑Lurgan‑Portadown‑Armagh, hourly), 261 (Belfast‑Lurgan‑Dungannon‑Enniskillen, hourly Mon‑Sat, 2‑hourly Sun). Ulsterbus 551 runs hourly from Belfast via Lisburn and Moira. Local shuttles (46/47) link Lurgan, Craigavon and Portadown every 15 minutes.
- Taxi – A1 Cabs (+44 28 3834 9349) and Sun (+44 28 3834 5275) operate locally.
Lurgan Park Opening Hours
| Season | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| 2nd Sunday Feb | 07:00 – 19:00 |
| 2nd Sunday Mar | 07:00 – 20:00 |
| 1st Sunday Apr | 07:00 – 21:00 |
| 3rd Sunday Apr | 07:00 – 22:00 |
| 3rd Sunday Aug | 07:00 – 21:00 |
| 2nd Sunday Sep | 07:00 – 20:00 |
| 1st Sunday Oct | 07:00 – 19:00 |
| 4th Sunday Oct | 07:00 – 18:00 |
Admission: Free.
Booking & Contact
- Tennis courts – Book at least 48 hours ahead via the online calendar linked above.
- Mobility scooters – Call the Parks Development Officer on +44 (0) 776 674 0427 (pre‑booking essential).
- Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre – Opening hours: Golf (dawn‑dusk year‑round); Ski (09:00‑21:00 year‑round, 09:00‑17:00 weekends). Bookings recommended; contact details on their website.
Additional Practical Notes
- The town centre’s main bus stops are on Market Street; there is no dedicated bus station.
- Lurgan’s railway station is a short walk from the town centre and provides direct links to Belfast and onward connections to Dublin.
- Free public parking is available on‑street around the park and near the town hall; pay‑and‑display zones operate on some main roads.
- Dogs are permitted on leashes throughout most of Lurgan Park, though they are not allowed in the formal garden areas surrounding Brownlow House. (Please verify current policy before visiting.)
Nearby Attractions
While based in Lurgan, consider short trips to other highlights in County Armagh:
- Ardress House – an 18th‑century National Trust property with beautiful gardens, just a 15‑minute drive north.
- Armagh City – the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, featuring the Cathedral, the Observatory & Planetarium, and historic streets.
- Armagh County Museum – showcases the region’s archaeological and social history.
- Gosford Forest Park – extensive woodlands and walking trails, ideal for a day out.
- Lurgan Park – detailed guide to the park’s facilities, events and sports clubs.
Enjoy Lurgan’s blend of historic charm, expansive green space and easy transport links – a perfect base for exploring County Armagh and the shores of Lough Neagh.