Extracts from the Ordnance Survey Memoirs

A useful starting point to understand the social history of Ballycastle can be found in the Ordnance Survey Memoirs compiled in the 1830s. A selection of extracts are noted below to give a sense of how Ballycastle was perceived almost 200 years ago.

“The town is inconsiderable at present, though it was once … in a much more flourishing condition … The population of the parish is given by Mr Connolly at 4,153, of which 1,469 are in Ballycastle.” (Lt T. C. Robe, July 1831, OSM IX vol.24, pp.88, 90)

“Ballycastle consists of 2 principal and tolerably regular streets of sufficient width which extend for about one-third mile from south west to north east. The junction of these streets is a sort of open or market place in front of the church [the Diamond] … The town in all contains 224 houses, of which 9 are 3-storey, 127 2-storey and 88 1-storey cabins and cottages. The latter are chiefly confined to the Milltown and lanes … The principal streets are occupied chiefly by persons in business and consist of 2 and 3-story houses which are not very neat or modern in their appearance, though in general comfortable and cleanly.” (James Boyle, September 1835 with additions from Draft Memoir 1833, OSM IX vol.24, p.94)

“The houses of the lower orders are in general comfortable, being rather cleanly and well-built of stone and thatched. They are mostly 1-storey high and consist of from 2 to 3 apartments. They are lit by 2 or 3 glazed windows. Meal and potatoes form their principal food. A little bacon is consumed and tea is become an almost indispensable article, particularly with the women. Turf is their principal fuel. All classes dress very well and comfortably. They are in general long lived and marry rather early, though there are not any remarkable instances on either of these heads. From 5 to 6 is the usual number in a family. Their principal amusement is dancing, of which they are very fond and frequently indulge in.” (James Boyle, September 1835 with additions from Draft Memoir 1833, OSM IX vol.24, p.99)

Pigot and Co’s Commercial Directory of Ireland of 1824

Various commercial directories were produced throughout the 19^th century. Pigot and Co’s Commercial Directory of Ireland of 1824 (hereafter Pigot’s Directory) is a particularly useful early source for the businesses of Castle Street – then known as Main Street. It might be noted that while several of the individuals listed below have been identified in the main database, others are absent. All businesses listed on Main Street in 1824 are therefore shown below, spelling as listed. Numbers in parentheses are the modern building number for the properties thought to have been occupied by each business.

Post-Office Belfast Annual Directory 1843-1844

The Belfast post office directory of 1843-1844 contains an alphabetical listing of nobility, gentry, merchants, manufacturers and traders in towns across Ulster. It is particularly useful for Ballycastle as it lists the street where the business was based. The listing below shows all of the individuals listed on Main Street; spelling shown as listed. Numbers in parentheses are the modern building number for the properties thought to have been occupied by each business.

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