Knockagh Monument Verified listing

The Knockagh Monument in Greenisland, County Antrim, is Northern Ireland’s largest war memorial. Standing 110 feet (34 m) tall and located 390 m (1,230 ft) above sea level on Knockagh Hill, it offers unmatched panoramic views across Carrickfergus, Belfast, Belfast Lough and North Down. First proposed after the First World War, its foundation stone was laid in 1922 and the monument was completed in 1936. It was later rededicated after the Second World War and underwent refurbishments in 1985 and 2006.

Knockagh Monument: Northern Ireland’s Largest War Memorial

The Knockagh Monument is one of the most significant landmarks in County Antrim and a major site of remembrance in Northern Ireland. Positioned high above the village of Greenisland on Knockagh Hill, it commands exceptional panoramic views stretching over Carrickfergus, Belfast, Belfast Lough and as far as North Down on a clear day.

As the largest war memorial in Northern Ireland, the Knockagh Monument stands as a lasting tribute to the men from County Antrim who died in the First World War, and later, those who fell in the Second World War.

What Is the Knockagh Monument?
The Knockagh Monument is a 110-foot (34 m) basalt obelisk, designed as a half-scale replica of the Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park, Dublin. It sits at an elevation of 390 m (1,230 ft) above sea level, making it one of the most visually commanding memorial sites in Northern Ireland.

Originally intended to commemorate those from County Antrim who died in the First World War, it was later rededicated to honour the fallen of both world wars.

A Landmark with Panoramic Views
Visitors to the site can experience sweeping views that are among the finest in the region. From the monument, the landscape opens out across:

Carrickfergus
Belfast
Belfast Lough
The coastline of North Down
The height of the site makes it a popular location for walkers, photographers and historians alike.

History of the Knockagh Monument
Early Proposals and Funding Efforts
Shortly after the First World War, a committee was formed to create a memorial for the men of County Antrim who had died.

Henry Barton, the High Sheriff of County Antrim, served as committee secretary.
The aim was to raise £25,000 to build a basalt obelisk with bronze name panels.
Foundation Stone: 7 October 1922
The foundation stone was laid in 1922, but financial and administrative delays held back construction for more than a decade.

Completion in 1936
Following the death of Henry Barton in 1935, the Antrim Rural District Council took responsibility for the project. The monument was finally completed in 1936.

Post–Second World War Rededication
After the Second World War, the Knockagh Monument was formally dedicated to the memory of those from County Antrim who died in both global conflicts.

Refurbishments: 1985 and 2006
Two major refurbishments have taken place:

1985: County Antrim councils financially supported restoration work.
2006: A significant refurbishment costing £50,000 was undertaken.

All ten Antrim local councils contributed £1,500 each.
The memorial was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Lord O’Neill.
It was rededicated by Rev. Canon E. J. Moore, T.D., M.A., on 5 November 2006.
The site is now within the district of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (formerly Carrickfergus Borough Council).

Design and Features of the Knockagh Monument
Architectural Structure
Height: 110 ft (34 m)
Material: Basalt stone blocks
Design: Modelled as a half-height replica of the Wellington Monument, Dublin
Base: Broad square plinth of rough-hewn blocks
Tablets: One original inscription tablet (stone), one rededication tablet (slate)
Original Inscription
Adapted from the hymn O Valiant Hearts by John S. Arkwright, the inscription reads:

“NOBLY YOU FOUGHT, YOUR KNIGHTLY VIRTUE PROVED
YOUR MEMORY HALLOWED IN THE LAND YOU LOVED.”

Original Dedication Tablet
“TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN PROUD AND AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
OF THE MEN OF COUNTY ANTRIM
WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR
THIS MEMORIAL IS ERECTED BY THEIR GRATEFUL COUNTRY
NOBLY YOU FOUGHT, YOUR KNIGHTLY VIRTUE PROVED
YOUR MEMORY HALLOWED IN THE LAND YOU LOVED.”

2006 Rededication Tablet
COUNTY ANTRIM WAR MEMORIAL
THE KNOCKAGH MONUMENT
ON 5TH NOVEMBER 2006, THIS MONUMENT WAS REDEDICATED TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF
THOSE FROM THE COUNTY OF ANTRIM WHO PAID THE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN TWO WORLD WARS.

THE CEREMONY WAS CONDUCTED BY THE REVEREND CANON EDWARD JAMES MOORE T.D. M.A. IN THE
PRESENCE OF THE LORD LIEUTENANT OF COUNTY ANTRIM, LORD O'NEILL, TOGETHER WITH
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TEN COUNCILS WITHIN COUNTY ANTRIM AND MEMBERS OF
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

‘WE WILL REMEMBER THEM’”

Walking Route to the Knockagh Monument
A commonly referenced walking route includes:

Length: Approx. 16.3 km
Elevation gain: Approx. 425 m
Time: 4.5–5 hours (out-and-back)
Terrain: Entirely on roads, with no pavements once leaving the main route
Walkers are advised to take care due to traffic and enjoy the expansive views at the summit.

Commemoration Details
Although the monument honours the fallen of both world wars, no individual names are inscribed on the structure. Instead, it stands as a collective memorial for all those from County Antrim who died.

Why the Knockagh Monument Matters
The Knockagh Monument remains:

The largest war memorial in Northern Ireland
A key site of remembrance for County Antrim
A major viewpoint offering some of the region’s most extensive natural panoramas
A historic structure with ongoing community significance
Its elevation, scale and symbolism make it one of the most important memorial landmarks in the country.

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