Kilcronaghan

Kilcronaghan (from Irish Cill Chruithneacháin, meaning "Church of St. Crunathan") is a civil parish in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Containing one major settlement, Tobermore, and lying on the descending slope of Slieve Gallion, Kilcronaghan is bordered by the civil parishes of Ballynascreen, Desertmartin, Maghera, and Termoneeny. It lies within the former historic barony of Loughinsholin and is situated in Magherafelt District Council. As an ecclesiastical parish it lies within the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe.

Artefacts of human habitation in the Kilcronaghan area have been traced as far back as 1800-1000 BC. The history of the parish itself can be traced as far back as the 6th century when St Crunathan founded the church from which it takes its name. It has been the site of massacres and executions, with the River Moyola which flows through the parish forming the border between the ancient kingdoms of Ui Tuirtri and Fir Li.

Topography

The parish of Kilcronaghan lies on the descending slope of Slieve Gallion (from Irish Sliabh gCallann, meaning "mountain of the heights"), with its highest point lying in the townland of Gortahurk, 1,246 feet (380 m) above sea level. From here it slopes downwards to low gravelly hills, which predominate in the parish. This series of hills become more broken and irregular as they approach the River Moyola.