Village history Page 1

Ballyhackamore Village Trust 

Ballyhackamore – “Town of the big horses” in it’s very early days (in the 1800's) was an important point on the road from County Antrim to the eastern sea ports on the County Down coast which were close to Scotland. There was much trade between Scotland and Ulster and the “short sea crossing” then was from Donaghadee to Portpatrick. Roads were non existent, tracks were rough and dangerous and it was easier to travel to a market in Scotland than to undertake the long land journey to an Irish market. With an early start, it was possible to go to Scotland and back in the same day.

In Ballyhackamore, horses could be watered or a change of horses could be made after the steep haul uphill from the Connswater crossing.

Horses of various descriptions were part of everyday life in the village. There is evidence of Hackney horses, Clydesdales, Cobs, Working horses, Riding horses and Race horses.

Ballyhackamore was therefore a natural place for horse racing and every Boxing day, races were held in the surrounding fields. People came from far and wide, refreshments were served and there may even have been a wager or two laid!