Ardboe Development Association, which developed a small business park, and Ardboe Community Group are based in the Mullinahoe part of the parish.[3]
The name "Ard Boe" means "high cow" comes from a legend that
the monastery of Ardboe was built from the milk of a magic cow which emerged from nearby Lough Neagh.
History
During the
Second World War, in 1941, an RAF station was built in the
townland of
Kinrush in Ardboe.
RAF Cluntoe was initially used by the
Royal Air Force, but quickly handed over as a training station for the
United States Army Air Forces, and by 1943, over 3,500 troops were stationed there. By 1946 the war was over and the Americans had left. The RAF kept the airfield ticking over and it was reopened in 1952 as a training station for pilots going to the
Korean War. By 1955 it closed for good.[4][5] Remains of the Cluntoe Airfield around Ardboe can still be seen, with the area known as "The Drum" among locals.
The Troubles
For more information see
The Troubles in Ardboe, which includes a list of incidents in Ardboe during the Troubles resulting in two or more fatalities.
Places of interest
One of the finest examples of the Irish
High cross in
Ulster, can be found in the parish of Ardboe and is located on a small hillock close to the shores of Lough Neagh.
Ardboe High Cross, which dates to the 9th/10th century, is all that now remains of a 6th-century monastery, which was established by
Saint Colman mac Aed.[1] The Cross, made of sandstone, stands about eighteen feet high. Although well weathered with some structural damaged, Ardboe High Cross is a wonderful example of figure carving, incorporating 22 panels of sculpture of biblical events.[6]
The adjoining graveyard was the site of a tree, known locally as the Pin Tree, which people had traditionally inserted coins or pins, believing it to cure them of ailments. The tree was blown down during the Boxing Day storms of 1998.
The Battery Harbour, in the townland of Ardean, with public access to Lough Neagh, is the base for
Lough Neagh Rescue.[4] and fishing boats and visiting yachts and [pleasure boats.
Coyle's Cottage located at "Keerie's Corner" which is a T-junction in Anneeterbeg is a 300-year-old restored fisherman's cottage. It is the home of the Muintirevlin Historical Society and Gort Moss Walking Club and hosts music nights and traditional music classes.[4] The Kinturk Cultural Centre located in Anneeterbeg is a wonderful for both locals and tourists to enjoy for information, dining and bar facilities.
Telephone Numbers in the Ardboe area either begin with 867
Coagh or 877
Stewartstown. Most numbers begin with 867 however 877 applies to those around most of the Carnan area and some of the Killycolpy area.[citation needed]
Sport
St. Malachy's GAC and
Ardboe O'Donnovan Rossa GAC are the local
Gaelic Athletic Association clubs. The two have a history of a rivalry, with both teams sharing victories. Many previous gaelic football clubs existed including St.John's Mullan and Kinturk.
Census 2011
Ardboe is a very large parish. Is Classified A Small Village By The NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA): there were 986 people living there in 2011.
69% of the population was from a *Roman Catholic* background
20% of the population was from a *Protestant* background