Ballykinler


Ballykinlar or Ballykinler is a village and civil parish in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies 12 kilometres south west of Downpatrick, in the parish of Tyrella and Dundrum. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 348 people. It is within the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
It is a linear settlement running parallel to the Irish Sea coast and bordered by a British Army camp to the west and south west. It is a residential village with a low level of community facilities and a good bus service. The village is within the Lecale Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The surrounding landscape consists of low drumlins and marshes.

Places of interest

Ballykinlar is the site of a major British Army base now known as Abercorn Barracks.
Public houses in the area include the Minerstown Tavern and The Four Roads Inn. The Minerstown Tavern provide a minibus connection to the village.
Visitors to Ballykinlar include walkers and hikers who wish to observe the coastline of County Down, and undertake the Ballykinlar to Killough walk which passes the Blue Flag beach at Tyrella.

Transport

was opened in March 1915, but was finally closed on 16 January 1950.
A regular bus service runs between Downpatrick and Ballykinlar, via Clough.

Sport

Ballykinlar has three sports pitches, including two changing facilities. It also has several football teams including U13's, U15's, U17's and a second and first team.
Ballykinlar also has a Gaelic Football team called Baile Choinnleora, founded in 1932.

Lottery Award

The village was selected for an award from the Big Lottery Fund of £128,472 to provide a new children's playgroup area.

Civil parish of Ballykinler

The civil parish is in the historic barony of Lecale Upper and contains the settlement of Ballykinler.

Townlands

The civil parish contains the townlands of Ballykinler Lower, Ballykinler Middle, and Ballykinler Upper.