Lurgan

Lurgan (from Irish An Lorgain, meaning 'the long low ridge') is a town in the north of County Armagh, Northern Ireland, near the shore of Lough Neagh. It is about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Belfast, and is linked to the Belfast–Dublin railway line and M1 motorway. Lurgan is in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough and had a population of about 28,000 at the 2021 census. For certain purposes, Lurgan is treated as part of the "Craigavon Urban Area", along with neighbouring Craigavon and Portadown. Lurgan is typical of many Plantation of Ulster settlements, with its straight and wide, planned streets, and is the home of a number of historic listed buildings, such as Brownlow House and Lurgan Town Hall. Lurgan Park is the largest urban park in Northern Ireland. Historically, and after the Industrial Revolution, the town of Lurgan was known as a major centre for the production of textiles (mainly linen), something which continued steadily until that industry's gradual decline in the late 20th century. The development of Craigavon, the "new" city, had a major impact on Lurgan in the 1960s, at a time when much industry was attracted to the area.