Aldergrove’s history can be traced through a range of details: its aviation history, and the construction dates and architectural styles of individual churches and houses. Nearby, Crumlin Glen offers a different focus: a woodland walking trail leading to Cockle House. When planning your trip, you can consider the historic sites and the nature trail as separate options.
Historic Milestones in Aviation
Aldergrove was selected as a training facility for the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. During the Second World War, it remained a Royal Air Force base, particularly for Coastal Command. This presents two distinct military roles from successive wartime periods for comparison. On 26 September 1963, civilian air operations were transferred from Nutts Corner to Aldergrove. The terminal building at Aldergrove Airport also opened in 1963 and was designed by W.H. McAlister and Parmers. When putting these details into context, it is important to distinguish the two references to 1963: the transfer describes a change in civilian air operations, while the terminal’s opening relates to a building and its architectural history.
Churches from Different Periods
St Catherine’s in Killead was built in 1712. Today’s St James’ Church in Aldergrove began as a small chapel built in the townland of Ballyquillan in 1815. The present church was enlarged and altered between 1838 and 1841. St James’ is one of four churches in the Glenavy and Killead parish. The comparison reveals two different historical perspectives: the year of construction is the key detail for St Catherine’s, while St James’ also tells the story of an earlier building that was later enlarged and altered.
Crookedstone House and Its Architectural Style
Crookedstone House in Aldergrove offers a different point of interest. Built before 1833, it is a two-storey, five-bay, rendered cottage with a porch and a thatched roof. “Five-bay” describes the division of the façade into five bays. Together with the number of storeys, porch and roof type, this provides concrete features that help identify its architectural style. While multiple building phases are important to the story of St James’, Crookedstone House can be understood through its construction date and architectural features. This allows you to explore building history not just through dates, but also through building type and exterior form.
Crumlin Glen: Landscape and Destination
Nearby Crumlin Glen lies on the eastern slopes of Divis Mountain. There, the Crumlin River has carved out a short, deep gorge before approaching Lough Neagh. A walking trail leads through the woods of Crumlin Glen to Cockle House. The landscape and the destination offer different points of reference: the gorge, river and mountain setting describe the natural environment, while Cockle House is the named destination of the walk. If you would like to include nature in your stay, you can consider the walking trail as a separate focus alongside the history of the churches and buildings.
Practical Information at the Airport
At Belfast International Airport, a tourist information desk in the arrivals area provides information about transport, attractions and accommodation. Check its opening hours before you travel if you plan to use the desk.
Discover more destinations: Carnlough, Crumlin, Ballymoney, Newtownabbey, Templepatrick, Antrim, Dunadry, Cushendall.
Return to the main travel overview: Antrim.
