NI Rural Flashcards
What is the population of Swatragh?
- 561 in 2011
- Now 414 (2021)
What are the demographics of Swatragh like?
- 90% Catholic
- 10% Protestant
- 26% under 16
- 22% over 60
What is the unemployment rate in Swatragh?
0.01%
What is the population of Upperlands?
- 561 in (2011)
- now 419 (2021)
What are the demographics of Upperlands?
- 9.5% Catholic
- 85.4% Protestant
- 21% under 16
- 21% over 60
What is the unemployment rate in Upperlands?
- 4.2%
How many churches are there in Swatragh?
3
- 1 Roman Catholic
- 1 Church of Ireland (both Protestant and Catholic)
- follows Catholic practices but doesn’t follow the Pope
- 1 Presbyterian (Protestant)
What major industry is based in Upperlands?
- Linen industry
- William Clarke Mill
- first established 1736
- as industry developed, settlement also grew around the mill
- Boyne Row (group of listed buildings) built by mill owners
- housing for workers
- Boyne Row (group of listed buildings) built by mill owners
How does sport play a role in Swatragh?
- Home to Michael Davitt Gaelic Athletic Club
- several of the Gaelic football players from here have gone on to play for Derry GAA
- There is a boxing club as well
What is different about Swatragh and Upperlands when compared with more urban areas in NI?
- Home heating oil is sold at petrol pumps
- houses are not connected to gas infrastructure
- potentially too expensive for energy providers to do now
- Shops dedicated to fireplaces are also present
- Houses are spaced out
- indicates affluence and low land value
- not much choice in terms of education
- each village has one primary school, may not even have a secondary school
- community led initiatives such as gyms exist to fill the void of education to give youth a purpose
What is different about energy in NI when compared to mainland UK?
- There is only one electricity supplier
- government owned
- results in electricity prices being higher than they could be
- thus making it not viable for replacing gas
- especially in rural areas
What is potentially unsettling about Upperlands?
Strong sense of nationalism
- Curbs are painted in Union Jack colours
- Red Hand of Ulster features prominently
- on flags and posters
- Signs against the North Sea Irish border
- memorial dedicated to children, women killed in Troubles
- Signs commemorating 100 years of Northern Ireland
Why is the Red Hand of Ulster a significant symbol?
- Ulster is one of 4 provinces that forms the island of Ireland
- it forms the majority of the territory in Northern Ireland
- The Red Hand of Ulster is a cross border symbol of Ulster
- During the Troubles it was adopted by paramilitary groups fighting the IRA
- is now symbolic of Unionism
What amenities are there in Swatragh?
- Friels Bar and Restaurant
- rated Pub of the Year 2023
- Fireplace shops
- Filling station and convenience store
What is welcoming about Swatragh?
- Road signs are in Gaelic and English
