STRABANE
LOCATION
Strabane lies on the border with the Republic of Ireland in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The town and surrounding district has a population of approx. 15,000.The town’s Irish name is An Srath Bán, for Fair River Valley, as it sits at the confluence of the River Mourne and River Finn, which flow into the River Foyle and out to the sea, just 30 miles north.
PEOPLE
I find the people here absolutely stunning. I have a lot of fondness for those I have crossed paths with, and ever since the moment I stepped foot in this country, everyone has treated me so well, just like family. I’ve grown very attached to the town, and have found adapting to life here so easy. It will be a sad day when I have to leave.
View of Strabane from the top of the town
View of Strabane in spring
— I added a video that was shot in 1975. A Canadian news reporter visits Strabane
to create this profile of the small town (it has changed a lot since 1975)
– SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW —
ECONOMICS
Strabane is one of the most economically deprived towns in the United Kingdom. In 2005 it was featured on a popular television program on BBC 4 as the 3rd worst place to live in the UK. Since then, Strabane has worked its way off of the top 10 list, but even though there has been development, it’s still struggling to improve social and economic conditions. There is a high rate of unemployment, depression and anxiety, alcoholism and drug addiction, domestic violence, etc. Suicide is a serious problem right now in all of Ireland, and there have been 6 since Christmas, which is extreme for a small town. However, this all must be understood in the context of the lasting trauma and complications of the violent history and the lack of economic development and financial support from outside the town.
HISTORY
Strabane suffered the most bombings per capita of all towns in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. During this time it was a strong Nationalist town.
In an interesting connection with American history, John Dunlap, the printer of the first copies of the Declaration of Independence, was born and learned his trade here. His house is located up the street from where I work.
Life and Death in an Irish Town (part 1)
Life and Death in an Irish Town (part 2)
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