BALLINTOY

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

"BALLINTOY, a parish in the barony of Cary, and county of Antrim, in the province of Ulster, Ireland, 5 miles to the N.W. of Bally castle. It is situated in a hilly country on the northern coast of the county, and includes the Carrickarede and Sheep islands. The village stands at the foot of Knocksaghy Hill, one of the loftiest in the district. Not far off is Croaghmore, another lofty hill, conspicuous for a considerable distance. The Giant's Causeway is about 4 miles to the west of the village. Under the basalt in the hills, wood-coal is found, and there is abundance of excellent limestone and other building stone. Agriculture and the fisheries furnish the principal employments of the people. Weaving and spinning yam are also carried on, A coastguard station is established at Port Ballintoy. The living is a rectory, of the value of £316, in the diocese of Down, Connor, and Dromore, in the patronage of the bishop. The Presbyterians and Roman Catholics have chapels here. The ruins of the castle of Dunseverick, one of the oldest in the island, stand on a rock on the coast near Bengore Head; and those of MacAllister's castle are on the coast at the other end of the parish. Fairs are held in June, September, and October, for the sale of horses, &c."

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