BALLYPHILIP

In 1868, the parish of Ballyphilip contained the following places:

"BALLYPHILIP, a parish in the barony of Ards, in the county of Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 9 miles to the N.E. of Downpatrick. It lies in the south part of the peninsula between Lough Strangford and the Irish Channel, and contains the town of Portaferry. The land is good and well cultivated. There is a small bog, called Ballygaroegan Moss. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Down, Connor, and Dromore, of the value with four others, of £409, in the gift of the bishop. The parish church is at Portaferry. There are two Roman Catholic chapels, and one each for Wesleyans and Presbyterians. Two Danish raths exist in the parish."

"NEWCASTLE, a hamlet in the parish of Ballyphilip, barony of Ards, county Down, Ireland, 3 miles E. by N. of Portaferry, and 8 N.E. of Downpatrick. It is situated on a small creek opposite South Rock, on which is a lighthouse."

"PORTAFERRY, a small post and market town and seaport in the parish of Ballyphilip, barony of Ards, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 8 miles N.E. of Downpatrick, and 103 from Dublin. It is situated on the narrow neck of Lough Strangford, at Strangford ferry. The town consists of three principal streets diverging from a square. It contains the parish church, and several other places of worship. The Nugent family are the present proprietors of the town, into whose pos session it came through the Savages and De Courcys., The ruins of the ancient castle form an interesting object at Portaferry demesne. The town was attacked by the rebels in 1798. There are police and coastguard stations, and petty sessions are held in the town. The coasting trade is considerable. Saturday is market day. Fairs are held on 1st January and 13th February, and on the first Tuesdays after 12th May and 13th November."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018