Ballyhornan
Encyclopedia
Ballyhornan is a village and townland
in eastern County Down
, Northern Ireland
, located along the coast of the Irish Sea. It is located less than 10 miles from Downpatrick
, County Down, and it is near the site of the former RAF Bishopscourt
installation. Much of the housing outside the boundaries of the traditional settlement was used by RAF airmen.
It was founded in 1636, and a popular explanation of its name in Gaelic is Baile Uí Chornáin — Ó Cornáin's townland. However, more recent research contends that the origin is Baile Torannan, or Toranan's town, referring to a sixth-century saint whose feast day is celebrated 12 August.
In the past, the village was considered a "deprived" area. Changes have happened in the community in recent years, such as the opening of the Ballyhornan Family Centre and projects the center undertakes.
The village currently experiences subpar sewer capacity, but the former MP, Eddie McGrady, had said that Northern Ireland Water is taking steps to correct some of the issues by 2010.
Specific demographics of Ballyhornan aren't available, because the settlement has less than 500 residents. The core of the village is located at the extreme northern end of the Ardglass ward.
Ballyhornan also is home to the Mustard Seed House, a non-denominational, spiritual retreat home located not far from the beach.
The effects of the Ice Age also can be seen in the shape of the rocks at Killard Point.
to Downpatrick, with connecting services from the Downpatrick bus compound to Belfast and other towns in County Down. Cable Bar serves as the terminus for the Ballyhornan bus routes.
Townland
A townland or bally is a small geographical division of land used in Ireland. The townland system is of Gaelic origin—most townlands are believed to pre-date the Norman invasion and most have names derived from the Irish language...
in eastern County Down
County Down
-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, located along the coast of the Irish Sea. It is located less than 10 miles from Downpatrick
Downpatrick
Downpatrick is a medium-sized town about 33 km south of Belfast in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the county town of Down with a rich history and strong connection to Saint Patrick. It had a population of 10,316 at the 2001 Census...
, County Down, and it is near the site of the former RAF Bishopscourt
RAF Bishopscourt
RAF Bishopscourt was a Royal Air Force radar control and reporting station located on the south east coast of Northern Ireland, approximately 5 miles from Downpatrick, County Down and 23 miles from Belfast. A Marconi Type 84 radar was located on the airfield and a Type 80 radar was located at...
installation. Much of the housing outside the boundaries of the traditional settlement was used by RAF airmen.
It was founded in 1636, and a popular explanation of its name in Gaelic is Baile Uí Chornáin — Ó Cornáin's townland. However, more recent research contends that the origin is Baile Torannan, or Toranan's town, referring to a sixth-century saint whose feast day is celebrated 12 August.
In the past, the village was considered a "deprived" area. Changes have happened in the community in recent years, such as the opening of the Ballyhornan Family Centre and projects the center undertakes.
The village currently experiences subpar sewer capacity, but the former MP, Eddie McGrady, had said that Northern Ireland Water is taking steps to correct some of the issues by 2010.
Specific demographics of Ballyhornan aren't available, because the settlement has less than 500 residents. The core of the village is located at the extreme northern end of the Ardglass ward.
Local landmarks
Ballyhornan is home to the famous Cable Bar, which underwent a facelift is 2009. The local landmark takes its name from the undersea telecom cable that runs from the Cable House in Ballyhornan across to the Isle of Man. Cable Bar is a friendly and relaxing pub that has served the local community and visitors for many years and continues to do so.Ballyhornan also is home to the Mustard Seed House, a non-denominational, spiritual retreat home located not far from the beach.
Guns Island
Located 200 yards from the shore of the Ballyhornan beach is Guns Island. It is a known fishing spot.Killard Nature Reserve
About one mile north of the village along the Killard Road is the Killard Nature Reserve, run by Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Recorded history of the site dates back to 1403, and it has seen a number of uses -- from hurling pitch to remote RAF radar station. Unique flowers, birds and critters can be found in the nature reserve. Bird-watching is one of the main reasons people visit the site.The effects of the Ice Age also can be seen in the shape of the rocks at Killard Point.
Transport
Ballyhornan is reachable by multiple trips daily on UlsterbusUlsterbus
Ulsterbus is a public transport operator in Northern Ireland and operates bus services outside Belfast. It is part of Translink , which also includes Northern Ireland Railways, Metro Belfast and Flexibus.-Services:Ulsterbus is responsible for most of the province-wide bus...
to Downpatrick, with connecting services from the Downpatrick bus compound to Belfast and other towns in County Down. Cable Bar serves as the terminus for the Ballyhornan bus routes.