The most easterly point of the island of Ireland, Ballyhalbert is within the Parish of St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
The slopes of the Anglo-Norman motte which overlooks Ballyhalbert include a pre-historic standing stone, indicating that thisis an ancientsettlement.The ruined Anglo-Norman church at the seafront dates from around the late 1200's. Early records name the church as ‘Talbotston’.
When Sir James Hamilton acquired the area in 1606, Ballyhalbert church was restored for its Scottish population and in 1622 a Rev George Porter became minister.
The church fell into ruin, and in 1704 its handcrafted roof timbers were salvaged for use in the new church at nearby Balligan where they can still be seen today.
Ballyhalbert graveyard is a fine example of an 18th century burying-ground, the oldest surviving gravestone dating from 1709. Its gravestones include that of Captain John McWhir who inspired the heroiccharacter Captain MacWhirr in the1902 Joseph Conrad novel 'Typhoon'.
Ballyhalbert has many brown heritage street signs which recall the original Ulster-Scots street names around the village, such asTay Pot Raa.
During the summer months, jetskiers enjoy the harbour and bay, while the dulse-pickers dry their seaweed harvest along the harbour wall.
