Ballyphilip (civil parish)

Ballyphilip is a civil parish located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is situated on the Ards Peninsula, forming part of the barony of Ards Lower. Civil parishes are administrative divisions of land that were historically important for local government, land ownership, and census purposes. While their administrative functions have largely been superseded by more modern structures, they remain relevant for genealogical research and understanding historical land divisions.

The name "Ballyphilip" derives from the Irish Baile Philib, meaning "Philip's townland."

The parish encompasses a significant area of the peninsula, including the town of Portaferry, which serves as its main population center. Other settlements and townlands are also included within its boundaries.

Historically, Ballyphilip was associated with the Church of Ireland. Records relating to the parish church, births, marriages, and deaths can be valuable resources for those researching their ancestry.

The civil parish of Ballyphilip borders other civil parishes within the Ards Peninsula, contributing to the overall historical and geographical context of the region. Further research into its history, population, and land ownership can be conducted through historical maps, census records, and parish records.