Benburb

Benburb ) is a hamlet and townland in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It lies seven miles from Armagh and nine miles from Dungannon.

History
It is best known, in historical terms, for the Battle of Benburb that took place there in 1646. This was fought between the armies of Confederate Ireland led by Owen Roe O'Neill and the Scottish Covenanters led by Munro. The battle resulted in a crushing victory for O'Neill's men at the townland of Drumflugh around a mile outside the village. Not many know that during this battle a shining light, also known by them back then as the second sun, appeared in the sky. The sun zigzagged across the sky and then back up into the air and disappeared. Many believe this was a UFO sighting but only written documents from monks have been clarified so there is no proof as to what it was.

Since the Battle of Benburb was a rare 17th-century Irish military victory, after Irish independence the new Irish nationalist government named a street in Dublin's north inner city after the battle. Benburb Street runs between Queen Street and Blackhall Place. There is also a Benburb Street in south Belfast just off the Donegall Road.

In later years Benburb became known for its linen production, as did many areas in the North and later still for agriculture, most notably apple farming, and mushroom production.

Places of interest
The village is also home to the impressive Benburb Castle built in 1611 by Sir Richard Wingfield on a limestone cliff overlooking the River Blackwater, the border between County Tyrone and County Armagh. The castle is in excellent condition having been recently restored and stands in the grounds of the imposing Servite Priory, a religious order based in the village. Benburb is also located on the Ulster Canal.

Education

 * Benburb Primary School
 * Benburb Community Playgroup

19th century population
The population of the village decreased during the 19th century:

21st century population
Benburb in the Northern Ireland UK Census in 2011 was classified as a Hamlet, with a population of 598 people.
 * 8.9% were 18 or younger
 * 11.7% were aged 60 and over
 * 40.0% were male
 * 60.0% were female
 * 55.6% were from a Catholic background
 * 25.4% were from a Protestant background
 * 19.0% stated another Religion or had no religion

Townland
The townland is situated in the historic barony of Dungannon Middle and the civil parish of Clonfeacle and covers an area of 185 acres.

The population of the townland declined during the 19th century:

The increase seen in the 1881 Census was ascribed mainly to the building of houses for millworkers.