Craigavon, town (1991 pop. 11,000) and district, S central Northern Ireland. Craigavon was designated one of the new towns in 1962, primarily to stimulate economic growth. Named after Northern Ireland's first prime minister, James Craig, the town has important fruit-growing and livestock industries. Other manufactures include textiles, metal fabrication, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts. The Craigavon district is a major economic center in Northern Ireland.