South-east of Lurgan and north of Banbridge, Waringstown is a large village or intermediate settlement in County Down, Northern Ireland. Belfast is about 37 kilometres to the north-east.
The village occupies two historic townlands, Magherana and Tullyherron, and is known for its well-kept floral displays.
Before the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, the area was part of the Gaelic territory of Iveagh, specifically the district of Clanconnell. Archaeological and historical records suggest the presence of fortified sites in the area, one of which became the location for William Waring's fortified house in the mid-1600s.
Following the Irish Confederate Wars, lands belonging to the Magennis family of Clanconnell were confiscated and redistributed to Cromwellian soldiers. By 1659, William Waring, an Englishman, had acquired the area and established a fortified home on the site of an old fort.
Under Waring's guidance, the village developed as a weaving settlement. His son, Samuel Waring, invited Flemish weavers to settle, constructing Huguenot-style cottages, some of which still stand. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Waringstown had become a hub for linen weaving, brewing, and the manufacture of cambric and clothing.
The period of conflict known as "The Troubles" also touched the village. In 1990, an off-duty Royal Ulster Constabulary officer was shot and killed by an Irish Republican Army sniper while driving in Waringstown.
Historically, Waringstown was known for its handloom damask weaving, with industrial activity concentrated in the southern part of the village, which also supported a brewing industry. Some large 18th and 19th-century industrial buildings still exist in Waringstown.
While large-scale textile production has declined, Waringstown retains a mix of small businesses, retail outlets, and services. Due to its proximity to larger towns like Lurgan and Banbridge, many residents commute for work.
Cricket holds a special place in Waringstown's cultural life. Introduced by settlers from northern England, the sport has flourished in Waringstown since the mid-19th century. Founded in 1851 by a member of the Waring family, Waringstown Cricket Club plays at "The Lawn," a property donated to the club by the family.
Waringstown boasts some architecturally and historically significant buildings, including Holy Trinity Church, a parish church with historical ties to the Waring family; Waringstown Presbyterian Church, opened in 1853; Cambray House, built by John Henning, a linen mill owner; and Planters' Tavern, an 18th-century gentleman's residence turned public house, reflecting the village's social history.
Distinguishing characteristics of Waringstown include its floral displays. The village's award-winning gardens and public spaces contribute to its reputation for beauty. Additionally, the Waringstown Historical Walk offers a two-mile journey through four centuries of history. Surviving Huguenot cottages and Georgian-style houses preserve the village's 17th-19th-century character.
Topics related to businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, historical places, libraries, entertainment venues, sporting and recreational facilities and programmes, and organisations are appropriate for this part of our web guide.
Recommended Resources
Effortless Boutique is a women's fashion retailer based at Windsor Lodge in Waringstown, Northern Ireland. The shop operates both a physical storefront and an online store. Its products and services include curated collections of women's clothing sourced from leading independent brands, with size ranges spanning from UK 5 to UK 15, seasonal new arrivals, and regular promotions and gift cards available in denominations from £10 to £100. The store locations and hours are noted.
https://effortlessboutique.co.uk/
Based in Waringstown, County Down, Northern Ireland, the Waringstown Cricket Club competes in the NCU Premier League. Founded in 1851, the club combines its storied past with a vibrant community presence, fielding multiple senior, junior, and women's teams throughout the season. One of Ulster's oldest cricket clubs, the Waringston Cricket Club, was a founding member of the NCU Senior League in 1897. Its grounds, facilities, identity, and schedules are posted.
https://www.waringstowncc.com/
Waringstown Heritage is a community-driven website dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Waringstown in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The website invites locals and visitors to explore and contribute to its content. Included on the site are a historical timeline of the village, a map of its popular Historical Walk, an introduction to local historical figures, and links to community businesses and resources. You can use a contact form to submit questions or materials.
https://waringstown.info/
Situated on Banbridge Road, Waringstown Primary School is a controlled, co-educational primary school catering to children aged 4 to 11, with an attached nursery unit. The school is managed by the Education Authority Northern Ireland. Its location, history, directions, school hours, schedules, and contact details are set forth, along with its school life programmes and achievements, a school prospectus, admissions criteria, application reports, class pages, and announcements.
https://waringstownps.co.uk/
