The small town of Greenisland, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is on the coast of Belfast Lough, about three miles south-west of Carrickfergus and seven miles north-east of Belfast.
The town takes its name from a small offshore islet called the Green Island, which sits just to its west. Perched at the foot of Carn Hill, Greenisland benefits from both maritime views and upland scenery, with the Knockagh Monument overlooking the settlement from above.
Locally, Greenisland is divided into two distinct districts, known as Upper Greenisland and Lower Greenisland. Upper Greenisland stretches from Upper Road (B90) down to the railway station at the base of Upper Station Road, characterized by predominantly middle-class housing and Greenisland Primary School. Lower Greenisland begins at the railway station and follows Station Road to the Shore Road (A2), encompassing a mid-20th-century working-class estate, the public library, community centre, and Silverstream Primary School. Together, the town spans from the foot of Carn Hill to the Belfast Lough's shore.
Originally part of Carrickfergus, the land east of the Silverstream River was redistributed by Carrickfergus freemen between 1602 and 1606, becoming known legally as the West Division. Farmland was laid out in strips from Knockagh Hill to the lough shore, with lanes such as Longfield (now Station) Road created to serve new farms and residences like Castle Lugg.
By the late 18th century, the area hosted bathing lodges for Belfast's burgeoning middle class, and in 1845 the Belfast-Ballymena Railway provided vital transport links. The community officially adopted the name Greenisland in 1893 with the opening of its railway station.
The most prominent landmark looming over Greenisland is the Knockagh Monument, a 110-foot basalt obelisk erected on Carn Hill to honour County Antrim's war dead from both World Wars. Closer to town are the ruins of Castle Lugg, a 16th-century tower house now in the care of the National Trust; a portion of its north wall is still standing. Scattered historic lanes, such as Neill's and Windfield Lane, preserve the town's rural character.
For a small town, Greenisland supports a large array of shops and services, including a grocery, newsagent, a petrol station, a butcher's shop, bakery, hair and barber salons, and several take-away outlets. Greenisland is also home to a dental practice, a doctor's surgery, a chemist, along with a nursery, two children's nurseries, a car sales outlet, and a cafe. The village hall, community centre, youth centre, Scout hall, and the local NEELB library serve the civic life of the town.
Opened in 1848, the Greenisland Railway Station provides regular rail services between Belfast and Larne from early morning until late evening. Most trains call at the station, with only occasional express services bypassing it. Additionally, Ulsterbus routes to Belfast, Carrickfergus, and Whitehead detour into the village estate, providing frequent bus connections. In 2015, the widening of the A2 Shore Road relieved a decades-old traffic bottleneck along the lough shore.
Education in Greenisland is anchored by Greenisland Primary School on Upper Station Road and Silverstream Primary School in the southern estate. Belfast High School, a grammar institution, is just west of the village, and the University of Ulster's Jordanstown campus is less than a mile away.
Greenisland is also home to multiple churches. According to the 2011 census, Greenisland had a population of 5,486, which was 8.6% higher than in 2001. The religious background of the townspeople was predominantly Protestant at 77.6%, with 11.1% identifying as Catholic.
Websites representing local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, libraries, museums, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, sports and recreational programmes and facilities, activities, and events, are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
On the lower slopes of Knockbagh Hill, along Upper Road, Greenisland, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Greenisland Golf Club is a nine-hole mature parkland course established on its original site since 1894. An overview of the course and its facilities is provided, along with photographs, amenities, and details about the signature holes. Membership and visitor information are included, along with driving instructions, a telephone number, an email address, and an online contact form.
https://www.greenislandgolfclub.co.uk/
The controlled, mainstream primary school for boys and girls, aged 4 to 11, is situated on Upper Station Road in Greenisland, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, three miles from Carrickfergus and ten miles from Belfast. Its location, schedules, and contacts are presented on the school website, along with an overview of its educational philosophy, enrolment policies, leadership, academic performance, and an introduction to its special education needs and parent engagement programmes.
https://www.greenislandps.co.uk/
This grouping of three historic Catholic parishes established in 2009 encompasses four churches: Saint Mary's in Greencastle, Star of the Sea in Whitehouse, Saint James in Whiteabbey, and Saint Colman's in Greenisland, Northern Ireland. Schedules, addresses, and links to the webcams for each of the member churches are provided, along with a parish registration form, parish policies, mass schedules, parish groups, schools, a gallery of photographs, and contact information.
https://www.loughshoreparishes.org/
Situated on Station Road, Old School Nursery is a general practice serving the Greenisland, County Antrim, Northern Ireland community, offering medical consultations, clinics, and prescription services. Its historic building has been extended to accommodate future services such as physiotherapy and mental health support once funding is secured. Its team of general practitioners are introduced, along with its location, opening times, services, appointment policies, and online services.
https://www.theoldschoolsurgery.co.uk/
Silverstream Primary School and Nursery
Catering to children from nursery age through the end of primary education, the combined early years and primary education institution is located at Moyard Gardens, Greenisland, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Its location, schedules, admissions criteria, application timelines, term dates, school policies, and curriculum overviews are provided on the school website. Its nursery unit, primary classes, and support services are outlined, along with contact information.
https://www.silverstreamprimary.co.uk/
