The annual May Fair, organised by Magherafelt District Council, was at the height of its popularity back in the 1980s attracting thousands of people to the towncentre. In the early 1990s the council were thinking of pulling the plug on the event after some schoolchildren spoiled the celebrations by throwing eggs and firing spray string at passers-by.placeholder image
The annual May Fair, organised by Magherafelt District Council, was at the height of its popularity back in the 1980s attracting thousands of people to the towncentre. In the early 1990s the council were thinking of pulling the plug on the event after some schoolchildren spoiled the celebrations by throwing eggs and firing spray string at passers-by.

Bygone Magherafelt: 'I stepped back in time and visited Magherafelt in the 1980's - here's what I saw'

By Stanley Campbell
Published 19th Jun 2025, 10:43 GMT

Like most Ulster towns, Magherafelt has completely transformed from what it was 45 years ago.

In the 1980s there was a greater mix of business premises that have disappeared in 2025.

Today we have more coffee shops, hair salons and the number of pubs could be counted on the fingers of one hand (we once had 16).

People went out and socialised more in the 1980s, and Magherafelt got bigger.

Join us in having a nostalgic look back at some pictures from that period.

The old Post Office at Rainey Street in Magherafelt back in the 1980s was a busy place. It stiil is as it's the Royal Mail sorting office.

9. Bygone Magherafelt

The old Post Office at Rainey Street in Magherafelt back in the 1980s was a busy place. It stiil is as it's the Royal Mail sorting office. Photo: Magherafelt Facebook Group

The Peter England Factory provided employment for hundreds of local people during the 1980s and its closure in 1992 came as a devastating blow to the local community.

10. Bygone Magherafelt

The Peter England Factory provided employment for hundreds of local people during the 1980s and its closure in 1992 came as a devastating blow to the local community. Photo: Magherafelt Facebook Group

Lees Concrete lorries were a familiar sight on the roads around Magherafelt in the 1980s.

11. Bygone Magherafelt

Lees Concrete lorries were a familiar sight on the roads around Magherafelt in the 1980s. Photo: Magherafelt group

The Classic Cinema at Queen Street was popular attraction during the 1980s.

12. Bygone Magherafelt

The Classic Cinema at Queen Street was popular attraction during the 1980s. Photo: Ken Roe

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