The Creggan History Society was founded in 1975 by a group of dedicated local historians, educators, and community members determined to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Creggan Parish and surrounding areas. From modest beginnings, the Society has grown into one of the most respected local history groups in Ulster, with an enduring commitment to research, publication, and community engagement.
The geographic focus of the Society encompasses the historic Barony of the Upper Fews in County Armagh, as well as the portion of the Creggan Parish located in County Louth. This borderland region, steeped in tradition and shaped by centuries of religious, political, and social change, provides a deep well of historical material. From early Christian settlements and medieval church sites to stories of rebellion, emigration, and cultural survival, the Creggan area offers a uniquely layered past that continues to captivate scholars and locals alike.
Founding and Early Years
The idea for a local history society arose from a shared concern that many elements of the region’s heritage were at risk of being lost. Oral histories were fading, graveyards were deteriorating, and precious documents were often inaccessible or neglected. Under the leadership of a small founding committee, the Creggan History Society was formally established and began holding regular meetings, talks, and field trips. The Society’s first events were well-attended, often held in community halls and schools, with a spirit of genuine grassroots enthusiasm.
One of the Society’s early achievements was the publication of its first annual journal. These journals, now numbering over four decades’ worth, form a vital record of local history, folklore, genealogy, archaeology, and social memory. Contributions from members, guest historians, and researchers from across Ireland have made the journals a valued resource in libraries, schools, and homes both locally and further afield.
Our Mission
The Society exists to foster interest in the history and heritage of the Creggan area, to encourage historical research, and to make the fruits of that research available to the wider public. Central to this mission is a respect for the local – the belief that the lives, landscapes, and traditions of ordinary people deserve to be studied, recorded, and celebrated.
Over the years, the Society has remained non-political and non-sectarian, welcoming members from all backgrounds and perspectives. It is this inclusive approach that has allowed the Society to remain a stable and trusted presence through times of social change and political complexity in Northern Ireland.
Key Activities
The Society organises an annual programme of lectures, usually held in Áras an Chairdinéil Ó Fiaich in Cullyhanna, named in honour of Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich, a noted historian and native of the area. These talks cover a wide range of topics – from archaeological surveys and family history to rural traditions and military history – and often feature expert guest speakers.
Field trips and guided walks are also a regular feature, offering members a chance to explore significant sites in person. Whether visiting ancient monuments, battle sites, or long-abandoned settlements, these excursions help bring the past to life in a vivid and accessible way.
In addition to its lectures and outings, the Society has taken an active role in preservation work. Volunteers have undertaken surveys of local graveyards, catalogued headstone inscriptions, and assisted in the conservation of important documents and artefacts. These efforts have helped protect the historical record for future generations.
Community and Legacy
The Society prides itself on being a bridge between the past and the present. By engaging with schools, local families, and diaspora communities, it continues to spark new interest in genealogy and local heritage. Many individuals from as far afield as Canada, the United States, and Australia have reached out to the Society in search of ancestral connections, and the Society has been glad to assist where records allow.
The growing use of digital tools has also expanded the Society’s reach. While the early years were defined by handwritten notes and typed newsletters, today the Society maintains a growing digital archive and receives regular enquiries through its website. Yet despite these modern developments, the core values remain unchanged: dedication to accuracy, respect for sources, and a deep-rooted love of place.
Looking Ahead
Now in its fifth decade, the Creggan History Society looks to the future with both pride and purpose. Plans are underway to digitise more of the Society’s past journals and make them freely available to researchers. New partnerships with universities and historical bodies are being explored, and there is increasing interest in involving younger generations through education and outreach.
While the challenges of preserving history are many – from funding constraints to changing technologies – the Society remains committed to its founding vision. As long as there are stories to be told, records to be uncovered, and memories to be honoured, the Creggan History Society will continue to serve its community with the same energy and devotion that inspired its birth.