Newbliss

History

The lands around Newbliss were granted to Gilbert Nicholson by King Charles II in 1667. The Ker family, originally from Scotland, became associated with Newbliss around 1730, when Andrew Ker purchased the property from Nicholson’s representatives. Andrew’s son Robert built the family’s first residence there. The Ker family later helped develop the village and promoted its linen industry. Alexander Ker built Newbliss House in 1814. By 1837, Newbliss was a market and post town with 497 inhabitants. It consisted mainly of one broad street containing 95 houses. A market was held on Saturdays, principally for flax and pigs, while monthly fairs mainly traded cattle and pigs. The village also had a market house, an inn, a school, a dispensary, and a Presbyterian meeting house built in 1816. In the 2020s, the former Newbliss courthouse was redeveloped as an enterprise, digital, and community hub. Construction was supported by Ireland’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The completed hub officially opened in 2026, providing workspace for businesses, entrepreneurs, and remote workers and supporting 40 jobs.