Lying in almost linear fashion along the picturesque north Antrim coast the grouped parishes of Ballintoy and Dunseverick represent one of the most brilliant jewels in the crown of the Church of Ireland community in Northern Ireland. Ballintoy ecclesiastical parish is comprised of twenty-seven townlands, and Dunseverick of fifteen, both being located in Rural Deanery of Carey, Diocese of Connor. The Rector of the grouped parishes is also acting priest-in-charge of St Thomas' parish church on Rathlin Island. Figures for 2006 indicate that there are approximately 250 parishioners connected with Ballintoy church and about 200 who claim attachment to Dunseverick church.
As a unit, the joint parishes face northwards to the sea, the Scottish isles, Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre. Looking to the west is the parish of Dunluce, while to the east is Ramoan; to the south they are bounded by the grouped parishes of Armoy, Loughguile and Drumtullagh, to the south-west the boundary is formed by the parishes of Billy and Derrykeigan.
Ballintoy Church is less than half a mile from the town and overlooks scenic Ballintoy Harbour. Mount Druid House, which is the rectory used by the present incumbent of the grouped parishes of Ballintoy and Dunseverick, is less that a mile from the town of Ballintoy and is built upon a glebe estate of some 64 acres. Church House is adjacent to Ballintoy church and the local Parish Hall used at regular intervals by members of the grouped parishes, is but a short distance away.
Dunseverick Parish Church stands on the edge of Lisnagunogue village, and is a short distance from the dramatic Giant's Causeway. Dunseverick Rectory, now a leasehold property of the parish, occupies an impressive site about a half-mile to the west of the village.
© Copyright 2006 - Nigel G. R. Johnston M.A.
