Ballyhornan

Ballyhornan (from Irish Baile an Eoirna meaning 'the town land of the barley') is a small village and townland in eastern County Down, Northern Ireland. It is located along the Irish Sea coast, less than 10 miles from Downpatrick. The village had a population of 455 at the 2021 census. It lies near the site of the former RAF Bishopscourt installation, which closed in 1990, and much of the housing outside the boundaries of the traditional settlement (such as Killard Square) was used by RAF airmen. The core of the village is located at the extreme northern end of the Ardglass ward. Ballyhornan was founded in 1636, and a popular explanation of its name in Irish is Baile Uí Chornáin — Ó Cornáin's townland. 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. After the closure of Bishopscourt, much of the housing was turned over to civilians, who bought a large portion of land whole. This, however, has led to problems of road maintenance, street lighting and other issues. The village currently experiences subpar sewer capacity, and residents continue to petition Northern Ireland politicians for funding for a new sewer system. Debate has taken place in the Northern Ireland Assembly about finding solutions to the situation in Ballyhornan; some politicians object to spending public funds in upgrading infrastructure because the roadways and sewage systems are privately owned, and they fear a knock-on effect would cause many private developments to seek similar relief. 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. Development is ongoing, and Down District Council has approved plans for a petrol station and garage in the village.