Coalisland is a small town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Coalisland (Oileán an Ghuail) had a population of 5,682 at the time of the 2011 census.
Coal deposits beneath East Tyrone were first exploited in the late 17th century. To transport coal more efficiently, work on the Coalisland Canal (Tyrone Navigation) linking the mines to Lough Neagh began in 1744, and the town subsequently grew around the canal basin and locks.
Coalisland's development has always been tied to industry, from its early clay pits and coal mines, to textile mills and brickworks. By the 19th century, the canal, basin, and later the railway, formed a transport hub for goods and workers alike. The Coalisland Railway Station was opened in 1897, closed to passenger traffic in 1956, and for goods traffic in 1959, finally closing altogether in 1965. Today, there are no remains of the railway other than the bridge on the Derry Road, an old goods shed, and grown-over rail platforms.
On 12 May 1992, during the period known as "The Troubles," an IRA (Irish Republican Army) landmine at nearby Cappagh maimed a Parachute Regiment soldier. Two hours later, troops sealed off Coalisland, allegedly staging a false bomb warning, and ransacked two pubs, beating civilians. On 17 May, a patrol boxing challenge spiralled into a riot. Soldiers fired into the crowd, wounding three civilians before patrols were suspended early and the local brigade commander was removed from duty.
Today, Coalisland's industrial heritage is preserved in several key sites. The Coalisland Canal (Tyrone Navigation), originally constructed as a waterway for coal transport in 1744, can be seen in the derelict remains of the basin and locks. Only the bridge, a goods shed, and overgrown platforms remain of the Coalisland Railway Station, constructed in 1897. Built in the 1890s, the Coalisland Weaving Factory is currently home to the Craic Theatre & Arts Centre, an arts venue. The Coalisland Museum & Heritage Centre was constructed in 1907 as a corn mill and weaving factory engine room. Today, the Heritage Centre still features the original machinery.
Education in Coalisland includes Gaelscoil Uí Néill, an Irish-medium primary school; Primate Dixon Primary School, Saint John's Primary School, and Saint Joseph's College, a Catholic secondary school.
Places of worship in Coalisland include Holy Family Church, St. Mary & St. Joseph's Church (Brackaville Road), and St. Mary's Church (West Street), all Roman Catholic churches. At the time of the 2011 census, 93.8% of Coalisland residents identified as being from a Catholic background. As far as I am aware, the only non-Catholic church is the Coal Island Gospel Hall, an Open Brethren congregation meeting in a converted hall on Oliver Plunkett Street. Other Coalisland Protestants travel to nearby villages or towns for Sunday worship.
Businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, libraries, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, sporting or recreational facilities or programmes, attractions, or events in Coalisland are appropriate topics for this part of our web guide.
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The Roman Catholic parish of Ballyclog Donaghenry is situated in Coalisland, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It serves Catholics in the communities of Coalisland, Brackaville, and Stewartstown, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Armagh. The Donaghenry parish united with Ballyclog and part of Clonoe to form the current Catholic parish, often referred to as Stewartstown, with chapels located at Stewartstown (Saint Mary's) and Coalisland (Holy Family).
https://www.ballyclogdonaghenry.org/
This is the online gateway to the "Coalisland & East Tyrone: Historical Manufacturing Base of Mid Ulster" project, led by the Lough Neagh Partnership. It brings together new and existing heritage resources to celebrate and interpret the region's coal mines, brickworks, potteries, spinning mills, and canals. Key features include video lectures covering industrial themes, downloadable booklets and pamphlets on factory histories and timelines, lesson plans, and podcasts.
https://coalisland-lnp.com/
Coalisland Training Services Ltd
The Medical Centre in Coalisland, Dungannon, Northern Ireland, is a general practice dedicated to patient-centred healthcare, offering comprehensive medical services to the local community. Its services include the management of chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes, antenatal and postnatal care, minor surgery, childhood vaccinations, well-person check-ups, and information on various health-related topics. Courses and contact details are provided on the centre's website.
https://coalislandtrainingservices.co.uk/
Built on a WordPress platform, Coal Island Info is the town's official community website. It serves as a central hub for residents and visitors to discover local businesses and services, connect with charities and community organisations, stay updated on events and announcements, and access contact details for town officials and the Cornmill Community Centre. Included is a business directory, community groups, event calendar, contact data, and local weather updates.
https://coalisland.info/
Based in Coalisland, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, the club became affiliated with Cycling Ireland in 2004. However, its roots date back to informal gatherings of local cyclists in the late 1980s and 1990s, when Paddy McNally, Kevin McGrath, and Gerard Scott rode together informally around Coalisland. The club hosts a variety of rides and training sessions throughout the year, as well as hosting the R.J. Logan Cup, Hugo Loughran GP, and Eddie Polin Memorial Cup.
https://www.islandwheelers.com/
The Medical Centre in Coalisland, Dungannon, Northern Ireland, is a general practice dedicated to patient-centred healthcare, offering comprehensive medical services to the local community. Its services include the management of chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes, antenatal and postnatal care, minor surgery, childhood vaccinations, well-person check-ups, and information on various health-related topics. Contact details are provided on the centre's website.
https://themedicalcentrecoalisland.co.uk/
Mid-Ulster Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
MACP is a locally based, volunteer-led charity that provides free, confidential counselling and psychotherapy to residents of Mid Ulster and South Tyrone. Established in 2015, MACP aims to make mental health support accessible to those (11 or older) who might otherwise face financial barriers. Its catchment area includes Coalisland, Dungannon, Cookstown, Magherafelt, Loughshore, and the surrounding areas. Its referral process is defined. Client testimonials are offered.
https://www.mid-ulstercounselling.co.uk/
Specialising in the art of glass cutting, Tyrone Crafted Glass offers immersive workshops, guided tours, and a curated gift shop. Its mission is to preserve the heritage of glass-making in County Tyrone by educating visitors of all ages and supporting the revival of local craftsmanship. Founded by former employees of the defunct Tyrone Crystal factory, the project began at the Coalisland Enterprise Centre, where it added a retail store and a museum. Tour data is provided.
https://tyronecraftedglass.com/
