Ballyeaston
| Ballyeaston | |
| County Antrim | |
|---|---|
 The corner of Trenchill Road and Ballynashee Road | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | J289933 |
| Location: | 54°46’19"N, 5°59’51"W |
| Data | |
| Post town: | Ballyclare |
| Postcode: | BT39 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Antrim and Newtownabbey |
Ballyeaston is a small village and townland in County Antrim, two miles north of Ballyclare, on the road to Larne. It stands on the southern hill slopes overlooking Six Mile Water. The 2001 Census recorded a population of 90 people.
The name of the village was formerly spelt 'Ballyistin' and is from the Gaelic language: Baile Uistín, meaning 'Uistín's townland'.[1]
The village
The village has a very distinctive character and is focused on the junction of three main routes that meet near a mediæval parish church. Its buildings cluster between the churches, which are distinctive landmarks, with the strikingly modern facade of First Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church and the unusual bronze cupola of Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church.
At the time of the great revival of 1859, the minister of 2nd Ballyeaston was Rev A. Pollock. Reference books state that the revival hit the parish with such power, he died as a result of his strenuous labours. He is buried in the small graveyard behind the church and the inscription on his headstone says that he died in the field with his armour on.
The middle of the village is a tightly knit group of buildings on both sides of the Trenchill Road, a steep and winding road, which forms the village's main street. Most of its buildings are mostly unchanged and the village still retains much of its original character.
Society
The old Ballyeaston Flute Band Hall stands at the top of the main street. The band won many competitions before their nearby rivals Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band became famous.
The Boy's Brigade Company belongs to 2nd Ballyeaston while the Girl's Brigade belongs to 1st Ballyeaston and boys and girls from both churches attend each.
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Ballyeaston) |
- First Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church
- 'His House on the Hill': A History of First Ballyeaston
- Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church
- Cowboys from Ballyeaston