The Inn Castledawson - History
Built onto the original site of the 200 year old Castledawson House, the award winning Inn at Castledawson offers a break from the norm. Refurbished in 2009, comprising 12 bedrooms and over a 80 cover restaurant, The Inn boasts a boutique wedding venue and exclusive dining in a beautiful setting overlooking the River Moyola. Large parties welcome, with private parking in a tranquil setting.
The Inn at Castledawson prides itself on its helpful, knowledgeable staff. Nothing is too much trouble; it is our job to make your visit a truly memorable one. We look forward to your stay.
With 2010 seeing the celebration of 300 years several historical activities are being organised in the village culminating in a food festival in June 2011. The Inn Castledawson will have a permanent record of historical photographs, letters and other items on view from the end of September 2010.
History of Castledawson
Castledawson (Irish: Caisleán Dhásain) is a village in County L/Derry. It lies within the townland of Shanemullagh (Irish: an Seanmhullach meaning "the old peak"). The village lies four miles from the north-western shore of Lough Neagh, close to the market town of Magherafelt and at the foot of the Sperrins. In 2001 it had a population of 2,089 according to the Census.
Originally, the village was known as "Dawson's Bridge" and had the distinction of having (at one time) the largest single span stone bridge in Ireland. The village was named after its 'castle' (actually a large manor house) built by Joshua Dawson in 1713. He was Chief Secretary for Ireland and founded the village in 1710. The Dawson estate, Shanemullagh, shares its name with the original townland name. The Dawson family also founded Christ Church, on the edge of that estate, in the early 1700s.
The River Moyola, which dissects the village, is popular with anglers and has managed stocks of salmon (but also has perch, eel, trout and bream).
Famous residents of Castledawson have included:
- Lord Moyola, a direct descendant of the Dawsons, who was the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland from 1969 to 1971.
- The poet Seamus Heaney, who was awarded the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature, was born at a farm near Castledawson in 1939, although was brought up in the nearby village of Bellaghy.
- Novelist Anne Dunlop was born and grew up near Castledawson.
- American military history author, John McCann, was born and raised in the town. His book “Passing Through: The 82nd Airborne Division In Northern Ireland 1943-44” chronicles the town's WWII past.
- Marian Donnelly former President of the Workers Party was born in Castledawson in 1938.
- The Forge Players' Drama Group of Hillhead was founded in Castldawson.