Early local settlement

Settlement in the area dates from the 13th century and the current town is made up of six ancient parishes and portions of others. The parishes are Ballymany, Great Connell, Killashee, Morristown Billar, Old Connell, and Carnalway.

Great Connell Priory was founded in 1202 by the Augustinian Canons. This and other religious sites are a reminder that Newbridge was an early Christian settlement.