Ballyliffin

Infobox Place Ireland
name = Ballyliffin
gaeilge = Baile Lifin
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pin coords = left: 108px; top: 18px
north coord = 55.25
west coord = 7.27
irish grid = C467453
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province = Ulster
county = County Donegal
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Ballyliffin ( _ga. Baile Lifin) is a small village located in the North Western tip of Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland.

The surrounding landscapes are highly picturesque, with the village being encapsulated by Pollan Strand, Binion hill and Crockaughrim hill.

History

Local history of the area is covered in Charles McGlinchey's publication, ‘The Last of the Name’. It includes accounts of feuds between landlords and tenants, battles and other nuances.

Places of interest

A small island off Pollan Bay called Glashedy is located roughly one mile off the coast. The English translation of the name is the "Island of the Green Cloak" derived from the layer of grass present on the top. Throughout the ages various ships have become wrecked near to the island, which provide rich fishing grounds and also contributed the rat population to the island.

The nearby Isle of Doagh (nolonger separate from mainland) is also worth a visit

People

*Ballyliffin is the birthplace of "The Heretic" John Toland, who coined the ideals of Pantheism. Folklore tells us that John Toland exchanged his soul for a book of wisdom on Binion hill, in a Faustian pact with the devil. It is now understood that these stories are derived from Toland's stance opposing the Catholic church.
*Former Bohemian FC footballer Fergal Harkin is originally from Ballyliffin.

Transport

Ballyliffin railway station opened on 1 July 1901, but finally closed on 2 December 1935. It is now a private residence. [cite web | title=Ballyliffin station | work=Railscot - Irish Railways | url=http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | accessdate=2007-09-11|format=PDF]

port

Ballyliffin also has two 18 hole golf courses. Among Nick Faldo's favourite links courses, they were designed by top course designers, Eddie Hackett, Pat Ryddy and Tom Craddoc. In 2006 the old course was upgraded by Nick Faldo.The course has a very reasonable membership fee.

Ballyliffin Golf Club hosts the 2008 Irish Seniors Open in June 2008 [http://www.myguideireland.com/ballyliffin-golf-club-(old-links-and-glashedy)#irish-seniors-open Ballyliffin Golf Club]

References