Killywool | |
|---|---|
Townland | |
 The main motorway into Killywool | |
  | |
| Coordinates: 55°00′47″N 7°06′11″W / 55.013°N 7.103°W | |
| Population | 132 |
| Demonym | Killywudlian |
Killywool (possibly from Irish Coille-ghuail, meaning 'wood of the charcoal')[1] is a townland in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 132 people. It is situated within Causeway Coast and Glens district. The townland is well known for its rare habitats including greater-crested newts, tree moles, bats and land puffins; all protected species, plus the only wild troop of mountain gorillas located on the whole island of Ireland.
History
The earliest recorded reference to Killywool dates back to the 11th century, during the Norman conquest of Ireland. While the rest of the Ireland fell victim to the incursion, Killywool proudly declared itself champion of Ireland due to its strategic position, a major contributing factor in the Killywudlian victory during the Battle of Coolagh Road.
It is widely accepted that Killywool because of its close proximity to Lough Foyle and the Atlantic Ocean became an important trading hub in the late 1500's. Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty on hearing of the many riches to be had in Killywool sent merchants to the north of Ireland and the Killywool-Ming trade treaty was signed in 1588. Many merchants settled in the area and the local Killywudlian dialect to this day contains many Mandarin references.
Politics
The political landscape of Killywool is a unique blend of monarchy and democracy, not seen anywhere else on the island. A king is elected every four years through a competition which often varies. Historically, competitions are largely based on martial prowess, though in recent years have expanded to include sheep herding, yodelling and bobsled.
Mythology
Legend has it that St Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland but local mythology suggests that a small population remained in what has now become known as Serpent Valley, just off Lime Road. Every year on St Patrick's Day (17th March) locals gather in the valley armed with musical instruments in order to try and charm the remaining snakes out from their lair and finish the job.
Culture and Sports
Many Killywudlians are involved in the local GAA club at nearby Faughanvale; there are many other pastimes such as baking the infamous "Killywool Donut" and fly tipping, for which the area is particularly well known. In fact, in 2021 Killywool qualified for the All Ireland Fly Tipping Championship where it was narrowly beaten in the quarter finals against Sligo Town who scored first with a lorry load of old tarmac, two bin bags and a dead dog, to Killywools rotten IKEA coffee table, a Hisense tv and a Lidl bag. The nail biting game came to a dramatic conclusion when Sligo scored a last minute winner with a 10 year old Candy Washer/Dryer.
References
- ↑ "Placenames NI". Archived from the original on 11 June 2012. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
