Eglinton is a village or intermediate settlement in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, about nine kilometers east-north-east of Derry.
The picturesque village serves as a commuter settlement for the city of Derry. The River Muff flows through the village, with the wooded Muff Glen just to the south, and the mudflats of Lough Foyle nearby providing a haven for seabirds and waders at low tide.
Eglinton is situated on a rolling plain. Its original name, An Mhagh, is Irish-Gaelic for "the plain." The village is surrounded by fertile farmland.
The City of Derry Airport, historically known as Eglinton Aerodrome, is just outside the village, linking Eglinton to domestic and international destinations. Nearby settlements include Greysteel, Ballykelly, and Tamnaherin, with the larger urban centre of Derry offering cultural, commercial, educational, and employment opportunities and amenities.
The recorded history of the area is closely tied to the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century. In 1609, King James I granted 15,900 acres of Faughanvale Parish to the Grocers' Company of London. The Grocers leased the land to Edward Rone of Essex in 1615, with the stipulation that he construct a bawn (fortified enclosure) and twelve houses by 1619. Following Rone's death in 1618, his brother-in-law Robert Harrington completed the works, including a castellated house with four flanker towers.
Originally known as Muff, or Moigh/Mough, the settlement's name was changed to Eglinton in 1858 in honour of the 13th Earl of Eglinton, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, after he visited the Templemoyle Agricultural School.
The fortified bawn played a role in several conflicts. In 1641, it was besieged during the Irish Rebellion, relieved in 1642, and later dismantled by Parliamentarian forces, and briefly occupied by troops of King James II during the Siege of Derry in 1689-1690. The ruins stood until 1823, when the Grocers' Company redeveloped the village, building a rectory, schoolhouse, courthouse, manor house, market house, and cottages for workers.
Founded in 1826, the Templemoyle Agricultural School was a pioneering institution in agricultural education, combining classroom theory with practical farm work. It operated until 1865, contributing to the village's reputation for progressive farming methods.
Historically, Eglinton's economy was rooted in agriculture, with the surrounding fertile lands supporting mixed farming. The Templemoyle School reinforced the area's agricultural expertise. In the 20th century, the establishment of Eglinton Aerodrome during World War II brought military activity and later civil aviation to the area. Today, the City of Derry Airport remains a key employer, alongside small-scale retail, services, and farming.
Significant structures and landmarks in Eglinton include Saint Canice's Parish Church, designed by Dublin architect John Bowden and built in 1826. Also known as Saint George's Church in Belfast, the churchyard contains several war graves from World War II, reflecting the village's connection to the airbase. Just outside the village, Faughanvale Presbyterian Church was built in 1894, replacing an earlier 1730 structure. Market House is a remnant of the Grocers' Company's 19th-century redevelopment, symbolising Eglinton's role as a local trading hub. Muff Glen Forest is a scenic woodland area popular for walking and nature observation.
Eglinton retains a village green with mature trees, including four oaks transplanted from Windsor Great Park, and a layout reflecting its 19th-century planned redevelopment. The village's historic architecture, rural charm, and transportation links to Derry and beyond make it both a residential community and a heritage site. Its proximity to Lough Foyle and the River Faughan adds ecological interest, drawing outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Recommended Resources
Broadbridge is a Catholic Maintained school enroling boys and girls, aged 4 to 11, in Eglinton, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. According to its website, its staff work in close partnership with parents, the local parish, and the wider community to help each child become the best they can be. Its site features an overview of day-to-day life and celebrates pupil achievements and accomplishments. The school includes Gaelic Club coaching for P5-P7 pupils.
https://broadbridgeprimaryschool.com/
CS Architectural Salvage is situated at Campsie Industrial Estate, Eglinton, Northern Ireland, just outside the City of Derry Airport. Established in 2003, the business has built nearly 15 years of expertise in reclaiming and supplying premium architectural materials to contractors and homeowners across Ireland and the United Kingdom. Its products (including unusual items), services, contact information, and visiting details are published on the company's website.
https://csarchitecturalsalvage.com/
Situated at the Londonderry Airport, near Eglinton, the Club offers a range of experiences for aspiring and licensed pilots, including flight training toward private and commercial licenses, introductory trial flights for first-time flyers, ground school sessions covering aviation theory, and aircraft rentals and air charter services. With over 50. years of instructional experience, training is conducted primarily in a Piper Warrior III. Its services, photos, and contacts are posted.
https://eglintonflyingclub.com/
Based in Eglinton, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Eglinton Kayaks is Northern Ireland's largest specialist supplier of kayaks, canoes, and accessories, serving paddlers across County Londonderry and beyond. Its products and services are highlighted on the company's website, and online shopping is enabled. Additionally, Eglinton Kayaks partners with the RNLI to promote paddler safety, and its website offers key safety tips. Contact information is provided.
https://www.eglintonkayaks.com/
EPS is a controlled, co-educational institution for children aged 4 to 11. Set on a large site in the village of Eglinton, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the school is about eight miles from Derry/Londonderry. The primary school serves both boys and girls, and an attached community nursing unit is located on site. The board of governors and staff are introduced, along with a school prospectus, policy statements, year groups, nursery programme, and contact details.
https://www.eglintonps.co.uk/
Located along Carmoney Road in Eglinton, County Londonderry, Faughan Valley Golf Club is an 18-hole parkland course set on the free-draining banks of the River Faughan. It offers a Par 69 layout measuring 5,722 yards, designed to challenge golfers of all abilities while showcasing Northern Ireland's lush scenery. Designed by Albert and David Forbes, the course includes a practice range with a putting green and tuition available from PGA professional Mr. Noel Callan.
http://www.faughanvalleygolfclub.com/
