Village Churches
The Parish of Moira It was founded in 1721. A plot of land opposite Moira Castle was given by the Hill family from Hillsborough for the building of the Church in 1723. The Rawdon Family contributed much of the expense Read More …
Category: Schools
Famous visitors
Legend says St Patrick came up the Lagan but of course there are so many legends surrounding the man. There is no way of knowing if he did come to Moira, though some believe he founded a church in nearby Read More …
Transport
Roads The beginning of the road network we have today is due to Sir George Rawdon. He was known as the “best Highwayman in Ireland.” All the roads he constructed in his district were described as “very good.” (Dobbs) New Read More …
World War II
Moira played its part in both World Wars. The War Memorial lists 9 residents of Moira Parish who fell in the service of King and Country in1914-18 and 5 who died in the 1939-45 conflict. During the last War, troops Read More …
Village Life
Life was very difficult for the ordinary people of Moira. They could only survive if they worked very hard every day for long hours. The rich people in the Castle helped provide some employment and income for the villagers and Read More …
Village Buildings
Moira today still has many buildings that give us a flavour of our village nearly 300 years ago. The earliest Moira building that still exists is Berwick Hall, the two storey “Planters” thatched house on the Hillsborough Road. This dates Read More …
The residents of the castle
Major George Rawdon, (1604-1684) came to the area in 1631 to manage the Estate of Viscount Conway at Killultagh. He built the Garrison for soldiers at Aghalee. We call the place Soldierstown. The garrison was close to the site Read More …
Castle and Demesne
In 1651, Major de Burgh built a brick house at Moira. But soon after, George Rawdon became the new owner of the house and estate. His son Arthur Rawdon, (1662-1695) was born and grew up here. When he inherited the Read More …
Famous people from Moira
Sir John Lavery (1856-1941) John Lavery was born in Belfast but he and his brother and sister became orphans when John was just three. He and his brother were adopted by his uncle Edward Lavery, a farmer from “Back of Read More …
Early History
Moira is very old. It has been know by many names in the past – including Moirath, Moyragh and Moyra. I want to tell you about several old things in Moira – no, not about me! The Raths There are many Read More …