Historical society set to hold AGM

Historical society set to hold AGM

21 May 2025

THE annual general meeting of the Lecale and Downe Historical Society will take place in Down County Museum in Downpatrick next Thursday, May 29, at 7.30pm.

The main business will be followed by a talk on the history of Ardglass and Dunsford from the Norman period to the present day by local historian and tour guide Duane Fitzsimons.

The history of Lecale and Down continues to fascinate and educate. The Lecale and Downe Historical Society keeps interest in our shared past alive and is inviting members to join in its endeavours.

Lecale, centred on Downpatrick, is the historic barony that includes Strangford, Saul, Inch, Ardglass, Killough and Dundrum.

The name Lecale is derived from the ancient Gaelic Leath Cathail, meaning Cathal’s portion; Cathal being a prince of Uladh about 700 AD. Until about 200 years ago, when the first sea barriers were constructed, almost the  whole area was surrounded by water.

The Lecale and Downe Historical Society is one of the longer established and most consistently active local historical societies in Northern Ireland. It is a registered charity with the aim of assisting the community by promoting the study of its history and the environment.

Membership is open to all who subscribe to its aims. Members are entitled to attend the lecture programme and other events organised by the society and to participate in the elections of Trustees. Members also receive a free copy of the annual journal, Lecale Review.

Upcoming events include the annual summer outing, which this year will be to Clifton House and New Burial Ground in Belfast on Saturday, June 28.

On September 25 Brian Sloan, from Queen’s University, will give a talk on excavations at Down Cathedral and Erenagh.

The latest edition of the Lecale Review will be launched on October 23, while the Moravian village of Gracehill in Co Antrim will be the subject of talk on November 27.