Holywood, County Down (civil parish)

Hollywood, County Down (civil parish) is a civil parish in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is situated primarily to the west of the modern town of Holywood, encompassing a significant rural area as well as portions of the urban sprawl associated with Greater Belfast.

Geography:

The civil parish is located within the barony of Castlereagh Upper. It extends from the shore of Belfast Lough inland, encompassing rolling hills and farmland. Its boundaries border several other civil parishes, including those of Dundonald, Knockbreda, and Holywood (town).

Townlands:

The civil parish is divided into a number of townlands. Townlands are small geographical divisions of land that form the basic unit of land ownership and administration in Ireland. (A list of these townlands could be included here if available and confirmed accurate).

History:

Historically, the area was primarily agricultural. Evidence of early settlement can be found within the parish, though details on archaeological sites and historical events related specifically to the civil parish are often found recorded under records for the Baronies and County. The establishment and growth of the modern town of Holywood, bordering the civil parish, has significantly impacted the character of the area, leading to increased residential development and changes in land use.

Administration:

Civil parishes in Northern Ireland are no longer used for local government purposes. They are, however, still used for genealogical research and historical mapping. Records associated with the parish, such as tithe applotment books and valuation records, can be valuable resources for those researching family history. The civil parish is within the ecclesiastical parish of Holywood, under the Church of Ireland Diocese of Down and Dromore.

See Also:

• Holywood (town)
• County Down
• Civil Parishes of Northern Ireland