Ulster Historical Foundation Releases New Book: Lough Neagh Atlas

A new publication from Ulster Historical Foundation which explores the diversity of interactions between the people of the lough and the natural, cultural and built environment from the earliest times to the present day.

It is impossible for any observer to look at a map of Ireland and fail to notice the expanse of blue in the centre of Northern Ireland denoting what many have described as a freshwater inland sea.

Standing on the shoreline, whether it be in Ballyronan, Washingbay, Oxford Island or Antrim, one could easily be transported to some coastal seascape but for the faint outline of the opposite shore, often set in a haze by the winter drizzle or the summer heat. This is Lough Neagh, the largest lake in these islands.

It is the scale and geography that makes Lough Neagh such a unique heritage feature. This cascades downwards to incorporate the natural environment, archaeology, historical structures and communities. For millennia people have lived by the lough and earned a livelihood along its shoreline and on its waters. The enigmatic beauty and effervescence of the lough has inspired poets and authors, singers and songwriters.

Bringing together archaeologists, geographers, historians, scientists and other experts in their field, many with a strong connection to Lough Neagh, this beautifully illustrated volume includes 50 essays which explore the diversity of interactions between the people of the lough and the natural, cultural and built environment from the earliest times to the present day.

Published in June 2022, this beautifully produced hardback book is priced at just £24.99 and is sure to be of interest to anyone interested in the history and environs of Northern Ireland.

For more information please visit: www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/lough-neagh-atlas


About the authors
DR LIAM CAMPBELL was appointed Director of the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies in 2021. He spent the previous five years as the Built and Cultural Heritage Officer at Lough Neagh Partnership. He has published widely on heritage and environmental issues, especially about the north-west of Ireland.

DR WILLIAM BURKE has been the Programmes Manager for Lough Neagh Partnership since 2016. He has research interests across quaternary geology and landscape history and contributes to a number of community development organisations and initiatives.

Dr William Roulston has been Research Director of the Ulster Historical Foundation since 2006. He has written and edited a number of publications on different aspects of Irish and in particular Ulster history.

These include: Abercorn: The Hamiltons of Barons Court (2014), Foyle Valley Covenanters (2015), Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors (2nd edition, 2018), Researching Presbyterian Ancestors in Ireland (2020), and Researching Farming Ancestors in Ireland (2021)

About Ulster Historical Foundation
Established in 1956, the Foundation is a registered charity and self-sustaining not-for-profit organisation. It offers its extensive knowledge to help people around the world trace and share their Irish and Scots-Irish history and to broaden their understanding of and interest in the rich history of the province of Ulster. In pursuit of this goal UHF provides a range of activities, including: genealogical and historical research services and book publishing.