Portballintrae

EDITED EXTRACTS FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY GAZETTEER OF IRELAND, PUBLISHED IN 1846

PORT BALLINTRAE, a small bay near the mouth of the river Bush, and in the bottom of the bay between Bengore Head and the Skerries, on the north coast of County Antrim.

It has about 14 feet of depth of water, and experiences a rise of about 8 or 9 feet in spring tides.

Portballintrae (Image: Timothy Ferres, 2021)

A small pier and dock, capable of containing two or three small vessels, was built by Mr Spencer for the use of his salt works, is well executed, and admits vessels drawing 7 feet.

The Bay, Portballintrae, with Coastguard Cottages to the Right (Image: William Alfred Green)

"Mr S" reports Mr Nimmo, "has also begun a breakwater of rough stone on the west side of it, which he proposes extending 40 or 50 yards into 10 feet of water."

"This place is likely to be of importance to the fishery or embayed vessels etc, and is the only shelter or landing-place hereabouts."

"The work seems deserving of aid. The expense of the breakwater may be £500 or £600 [about £80,000 in 2020]."

First published in April, 2021.