Strathfoyle (from ) is a village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland It is about north east of Derry. It was newly built in different phases between the late 1950s and the early 1960s, with many new recent additions to the village, including Westlake, Butler's Wharf and Old Fort. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 1,581 people. It is within the Derry Urban Area and the Derry City Council area. The village has a small retail outlet (a pharmacy, a supermarket, a fast food take-away and a beauticians), a Roman Catholic chapel, a library, youth club and a post office. The small retail unit was constructed in 2005 following years of under-investment in the area and pressure by local community leaders to provide more facilities for its residents.
History
Foundation
Professor Robert Lyons Marshall of Magee College suggested "Strathfoyle" (strath of the River Foyle) in response to a request from Londonderry Rural District Council for a name for its new town.
World War II
During World War II, Strathfoyle was used as a base for Allied troops. Its location beside Londonderry Port was ideal for Navy vessels, and the port was later used for the capture and destruction of German U-boats after the Battle of the Atlantic. Remnants of the jetty used can be seen at Lisahally. There are also ruins of bunkers scattered throughout the surrounding area, in what the locals refer to as, "The Quarry". This is the area that separates Strathfoyle from the Belfast-Derry railway line and the River Foyle. It is essentially an extensive stretch of forest area, not an actual quarry.
Post-war
Strathfoyle was more seriously developed after the war and in the 1950s it was established as a housing estate. The area which is commonly known throughout Strathfoyle as 'The New Estate' was built shortly after the erection of the first set of houses, in different phases spanning across three decades, the 1970s, 80s and 90s. In the new millennium, Strathfoyle has seen a surge in popularity and is now seen as a choice location for young people looking for residence. This high interest has led to the construction of new additions to the Strathfoyle area, including 'The Old Fort' and 'Butler's Wharf', the latter of which is named after a local farmer, not after the famous Butler's Wharf area in London.
Places of interest
Lisahally Docks - Irish Port of the Year 2005
Enagh Lough
Enagh Old Church and Graveyard
City of Derry Rugby Club
Sport
Strathfoyle has been known to produce fine sportsmen and women. However, there has always been strong criticism against the local council, as Strathfoyle remains a poorly facilitated area for youth development. There is, however, a youth club, which takes a soccer team to Galway each year to participate in the 'Galway World Cup'. In recent years, they have proven to be a force to be reckoned with, winning the competition in 2005 and finishing runners up in 2006. The 2007 'Galway World Cup' Team also finished runners up in the youth competition. After a couple of disappointing couple of years then after Strathfoyle once again finished runners up in 2012.
Soccer
The local football team, Lisahally F.C., takes its name from the Lisahally port, which is close to the village. Top of the Hill Celtic F.C. is also a popular choice of team to play for with people from Strathfoyle. Both communities share a close relationship with regard to sport. A number of players from Strathfoyle have also joined the newly formed Maydown F.C., who are based in Maydown, a neighbouring village.
Gaelic football
Strathfoyle was also the base for the now defunct Gaelic football team Enagh GAC. Since becoming defunct, many of Enagh's roster joined St. Mary's Slaughtmanus and it has since become a popular choice of team for Gaelic footballers from the Strathfoyle area.
Rugby
The City of Derry Rugby Club is situated on the outskirts of Strathfoyle, however, rugby union is not very popular within the village with the village tending to play soccer or Gaelic football.
Demography
The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) census of 29 April 2001 recorded a population of 1,581, classifying Strathfoyle as a village. In 2003 it was reclassified as a discontiguous part of the Derry Urban Area. The 1971 population was 2,263, with declines in 1981, 1991, and 2001, though the boundary used was redefined in 2001. The 2008 population estimate was 2,011.