The townland of Ballydrain is so much better than it sounds.  For a start, the name does not come from a drain.  It is an English translation of the Irish Baile Draighin meaning “townland of blackthorn”.

So forget drains and enjoy the patchwork of fields and hedges.

I visited in July when the grass fields were being cut for silage.

The Ballydrain Road begins in the town of Comber, and travels through four townlands – Carnesure, Cattogs, Cullinaw and Castle Espie –  before passing the Castle Espie Wetland Centre and reaching Ballydrain townland.

The next photo shows a schoolhouse.  According to the archives of the Comber Historical Society–

“The new Ballydrain Primary School was officially opened on 3rd June 1930 by Viscountess Charlemont, wife of the Minister of Education. The school was built to accommodate 120 pupils, at a total cost of £4,000, and had three classrooms.”

Things have changed since 1930.  The schoolhouse has been transformed into a restaurant.

I wish all townlands served chocolate desserts like this.

MORE INFORMATION

Click here for the website of the Comber Historical Society.

Click here for the Schoolhouse Inn.

Which townlands border Ballydrain?   Castle Espie, Ballyglighorn, Lisbane, Tullynakill and Ringneill

Which civil parish is Ballydrain in?  Tullynakill

Which council area is Ballydrain in?  Ards and North Down Borough Council

Which county is Ballydrain in?  County Down

And finally, click here to see a map of Ballydrain and to read about the townland’s name on my usual source – PLACENAMESNI.ORG.